Meteorologists agree PNW will have winter in 2024-25

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Area meteorologists and weather enthusiasts gathered Saturday at OMSI to talk about this year's upcoming winter. And one thing they agreed on is that, well, it will be winter.

A weak La Nina is taking shape over the Pacific Ocean, which means a cooler and potentially wetter winter is in store for Portland and much of the Pacific Northwest.

But, said Portland National Weather Service Meteorologist Noah Alviz, "that doesn't necessarily mean we many see a big snowstorm There are some La Nina years where it hardly snowed, but then there are some La Nina years where it snowed a lot."

The big question remains: Will Portland see ice, snow or a wind event this upcoming winter? The potential is there, but what's the timing? It's possible December into February could be the peak active weather timeframe across the Pacific Northwest this winter season.

"I think we're definitely going to see snow this winter," said April Elliott, an Avangrid Renewables meteorologist. "I also think that we do have a chance of seeing some ice as well, so I would highly suggest getting those preparations in order."

"You should always be prepared for any winter weather that may strike," Alviz said.

The exact timing or number of major winter events is nearly impossible to forecast more than a week or two ahead of time. But the KOIN 6 Weather Team will continue to monitor winter weather conditions in the months to come.