La Niña Could Bring Brutal Chill to Montana Winter

It may be summertime in Montana, but it seems like the perfect time to start looking ahead to the winter season. Instead of thinking about how hot and uncomfortable summer can be, sometimes it's nice to look ahead to winter. If early indications are correct, La Niña could bring colder temperatures to Montana this coming winter.

I've seen some other meteorologists talking about this recently, so I figured I would see what the fuss is all about. There are some indications that we may see La Niña return for the winter. Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) have been cooler than normal and this may indicate the return of La Niña for the winter ahead.

What is a La Niña and what does it mean for winter?

A La Niña winter usually means much colder temperatures for Montana as well as North and South Dakota. This graphic from Climate.gov shows how the jet stream is pushed further north in a La Niña winter which results in more cold air being brought down from Canada and Alaska.

If sea surface temperatures remain cool and the trends continue a La Niña may be declared if other atmospheric conditions are also met. Comparisons are made over time and if everything comes together, this winter may be brutally cold in Montana.