New Maps Forecast Winter 26/27 as El Niño Strengthens

Popular YouTube weather forecaster Direct Weather has updated his Winter 26/27 long-range forecast as El Niño strengthens and winter approaches.

“The historic/strong El Niño is the number one factor,” says Direct Weather about his Winter 26/27 forecast. “We have updated a few things, especially in the temperature forecast.”

Tap or click to watch the full forecast below. Keep reading for a breakdown.

Direct Weather’s Winter 26/27 Temperature Forecast

Winners

Skiers in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of New England should benefit from El Niño in terms of cooler temperatures, according to Direct Weather.

Losers

Skiers in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan should be worried about higher-than-normal temperatures due to El Niño, says Direct Weather. This doesn’t mean it won’t snow at all, but the southerly jet stream will favor ski resorts in the southern half of the country and could leave the northern half high and dry for extended periods.

Direct Weather’s Winter 26/27 Snowfall Forecast

Winners

Similar to the temperature forecast, a strong/historic El Niño event should favor the southern half of the country for a cold and snowy winter. This includes states with ski resorts like California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, parts of Utah and Colorado, and eastern states such as North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

New England seems to be a bit of a toss-up, with Direct Weather keeping the opportunity for “strong” Nor’easters open, but above-average snowfall could occur if the stars align.

Losers

Conversely, the northern half of the country is expected to see below-average snowfall due to El Niño, according to Direct Weather. For skiers, this means resorts in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan could see less-than-normal snowfall, but don’t give up hope. Nothing is guaranteed at this point.

Direct Weather’s Overall Winter 26/27 Forecast

Winners

Are you noticing a trend yet? Similar to his temperature and snowfall forecasts, Direct Weather is predicting colder, snowier weather for the southern half of the country.

California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of New Mexico are labeled with “HUGE STORMS” on Direct Weather’s overall forecast map.

The Northeast could see the “WORST OF WINTER” according to Direct Weather, which is music to the ears of many skiers longing for cold smoke pow in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Losers

Despite warmer temperatures and a likelihood of decreased precipitation, Direct Weather has labeled parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana with “TYPICAL SNOW”. This contradicts his previous forecasts, but we’ll have to wait and see how it plays out. The same can be said for the Northern Plains. Direct Weather said this region should have significantly above-average temperatures and reduced snowfall, but the overall map is labeled “POLAR VORTEX?” We’re as confused as you are.

Keep reading for an explanation of these long-range forecasts.

Confused? Don’t Worry, We Are Too

The pending “historic” El Niño forecast is ripe for internet misinformation, overreactions, and talking heads. It’s been one of the clickiest topics of 2026, and with ski resorts reeling from last season’s woes, every resort is marketing this winter’s bomber forecast as the gospel.

Our advice? Pay attention, watch, and read the weekly forecasts, but don’t, for the love of Candide Thovex, think that anybody knows what the heck will actually happen. AI models, years of experience, and opinions are valuable tools to attempt to predict the future, but Mother Nature will have the final say, believe it or not.

Click below to read my piece on the El Niño hype, and think snow! Winter is almost here, friends.

Related: Skiers Beware, The El Niño Hype Train Has Officially Left The Station