KDKA Predicts Cooler-Than-Average Winter for Pittsburgh

According to KDKA's 2025-26 winter forecast, the Pittsburgh region is in for a cooler-than-average season with frequent temperature swings and above-normal precipitation. The forecast is based on a weak La Niña transitioning to neutral conditions, combined with a warm blob over the north Pacific and cooler waters in the Gulf of Alaska.

This weather pattern is expected to lead to the formation of high-pressure ridges, resulting in warmer-than-normal temperatures in the southeast U.S. and cooler conditions in the northwest and central regions. Western Pennsylvania will likely fall between these two air masses, leading to strong temperature fluctuations and increased precipitation.

While many may be dreaming of a white Christmas, the odds of at least one inch of snow on the ground on December 25th are only around 30% in Pittsburgh. The last time the city had a true storybook white Christmas with snow falling on the holiday was in 2020, when it recorded 5.1 inches of snowfall, breaking a record that had stood since 1935.

Overall, the winter forecast calls for a total of 37 inches of snow, slightly more than last year but still below the 41.9-inch average. The snow season is expected to start near average in November and December before picking up in the traditionally snowier months of January and February.