As winter draws near, you might be wondering what the forecast holds for the Pacific Northwest. According to the 2024 NOAA Winter Weather Forecast, the PNW is predicted to face a colder-than-normal winter, with a 60% likelihood of La Niña developing by November. While it’s still early to know exactly how winter will unfold, now is the time to start preparing for icy conditions and potential snowfall. The PNW typically sees some snow each winter, but this season’s colder temperatures could bring more disruptions than usual. Are you ready for what winter has in store this season?

Forecast Overview 

Meteorologists are forecasting a La Niña pattern for Winter 2024. La Niña and El Niño are opposite phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate cycle, and both have distinct effects on PNW winters:

• • El Niño tends to bring warmer, drier winters to the Pacific Northwest, with less snow and milder conditions.

• • La Niña creates cooler, wetter conditions, often leading to lower-than-average temperatures and higher chances of ice and snowfall.

Previous La Niña winters have brought more snow to the Seattle area, with snowfall averaging around 11 inches—significantly higher than in typical years. Across the PNW, La Niña could mean more frequent snow and ice, particularly in higher elevations. As winter approaches, you can expect a noticeable temperature drop throughout the region.

Image Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Impacts on the Pacific Northwest

A colder, more intense winter could lead to significant disruptions across the PNW:

• • Icy road conditions: Dangerous driving conditions could result in more accidents and delays, increasing the likelihood of school and business closures.

• • Potential storms: Stronger winter storms could bring heavy snow, high winds, and ice.

• • Freezing temperatures: Persistent cold could cause freezing pipes, power outages, and heating system breakdowns, which would impact homes and businesses alike.

The combination of these factors means that businesses and homeowners should prepare early to minimize disruption. Waiting until the first snowfall can leave you scrambling for services, supplies, and safety measures. For businesses, a lack of preparation could lead to costly closures, unsafe conditions for employees and customers, and potential liability issues. 

Preparing for Winter 2024

The best thing you can do for your business during a La Niña winter is to plan ahead with reliable winter services to keep your property safe, accessible, and operational. Here’s how to prepare:

• • Secure winter services: Don’t leave it to chance—arrange your snow removal and anti-icing services well in advance. By partnering with professionals, you’ll ensure your property stays safe and accessible throughout winter storms. Proactive planning not only prevents hazardous conditions but also saves you time and stress when the snow begins to fall.

• • Be prepared for ice: Clear communication and safety plans are essential to preventing slip-and-fall accidents or vehicle damage. Professional anti-icing services can help keep your walkways and parking lots ice-free before a storm hits.

• • Ensure your facility is winter-ready:
    
    • • Schedule a winter inspection to check the condition of your roof, gutters, walkways, and landscaping.
    • • Test and service heating systems to ensure they can handle freezing temperatures.
    • • Update your emergency plans to account for potential closures, power outages, or supply chain disruptions.

By having a trusted winter services team in place, you can take the stress out of winter management. At MSNW, we provide comprehensive winter services for commercial facilities, including retail centers, offices, financial institutions, multi-family homes, and healthcare facilities. Our expert team ensures your property stays free of ice and snow with our anti-icing, snow removal, and de-icing services. With enhanced weather monitoring and responsive dispatch, your property’s safety remains our top priority when the temperatures drop.

Gear up with MSNW 

With La Niña bringing colder-than-normal temperatures this winter, don’t wait until the snow starts falling. Get prepared now with MSNW’s trusted winter services!

Call today: 360-366-4600

Learn more about our services and request a quote