Forecasters predict that the current La Niña will persist throughout the winter season. 

 

1. What La Niña Is

La Niña is the cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

It shifts global atmospheric patterns, especially the jet stream over North America, which strongly influences winter weather.

2. Typical Effects on Kentucky

Temperature: Winters in Kentucky during La Niña tend to be cooler than average, especially early in the season (December–January), though not always extremely cold.

Precipitation: La Niña often brings drier conditions to the southern U.S. but can produce more snow in the Ohio Valley if moisture from the Gulf of Mexico interacts with cold air.

Storm Track: The jet stream is usually further north, which can allow Arctic air to dip into the Midwest and Ohio Valley. This can lead to cold snaps and occasional snow events in Kentucky.

3. Snowfall

La Niña winters can see above-average snowfall in northern and central Kentucky, especially if cold air meets available moisture.

Southern Kentucky may see less snow overall, but significant events can still occur.

4. Overall Pattern

La Niña often leads to a wavier jet stream, meaning alternating periods of cold and milder weather.

Extreme cold outbreaks are more likely in northern Kentucky than the south, but still possible statewide.

In short: Kentucky winters during La Niña are often cooler and sometimes snowier than average in parts of the state, especially central and northern areas, but precipitation patterns can be uneven.
 

 

It's kinda wild. I feel like that map looks about like our snow map for the state so far this year, as we are just getting into winter. 

Right, just getting into winter and already our second shoveling event is on deck.