(NEXSTAR) – The predictions are in for winter weather – and they are very different depending on where you live.

The Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), released its long-range forecast for December 2025 through February 2026 on Thursday. The outlook tells two different stories: a cold, wet winter for some states versus a hot, dry season for others.

It's those up north most likely to see frigid winter weather, according to NOAA's predictions. A band of states from Washington to Michigan is leaning toward seeing colder-than-normal weather starting next month. These states always lean colder than the south when winter rolls around, but the forecast for this winter suggests it'll be even colder than they're used to.

How polar

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