In 2024, many residents in the Erie area were caught off guard by the massive amount of snowfall that took place after Thanksgiving.
The heavy accumulation of lake effect snow that began right after Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 28 caused school, road and business closures across Erie County.
State forecast: Old Farmer’s Almanac winter weather forecast 2025: How much snow will Pennsylvania get?
The 2025-26 meteorological winter, as predicted by weather experts, begins on Dec. 1. AccuWeather is predicting a mild winter in the United States but with frigid temperatures and heavy snow making an occasional appearance. Astronomical winter begins on the winter solstice, which occurs on Dec. 21.
AccuWeather predicts a strong lake effect snow presence with higher than normal precipitation for areas near the lake.
How much snow is predicted for 2025-2026?
AccuWeather predicts that the upcoming winter could mimic the 2024-2025 winter.
During the 2024-2025 winter season, Erie received 111.1 inches of snow which, according to the National Weather Service, was 14 inches above average. The majority of that snowfall began around Thanksgiving.
During the 2023-2024 winter, Erie received 52 inches of snow which was considered a very mild winter.
AccuWeather is predicting this winter will see some strong lake effect snow that “could bring higher than normal precipitation to areas near lakes.”
More: Old Farmer’s Almanac Thanksgiving forecast 2025, when to expect first snow
In the areas surrounding Erie, higher snowfall totals than last winter are expected.
Pittsburgh, for example, is predicted to see more snow around February. Buffalo snowfall totals are predicted to be higher than last winter and the seasonal snowfall could exceed the historical average.
Buffalo is forecasted to receive 90 to 100 inches of snow. Last year Buffalo had 77.6 inches. Pittsburgh is forecasted to see 28-35 inches, which is around what the area saw in 2024 with 34 inches.
Frozen lake impact: Ice coverage on Lake Erie: How a frozen lake affects weather
In the Great Lakes region, there could be blasts of cold air which will fuel heavy lake effect snow.
Nicholas Sorensen can be reached at Nsorensen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: AccuWeather forecast shows what to expect for Erie, PA’s winter