US Experienced 2nd Warmest Winter on Record Despite Northeast Chill

Exceptional warmth in the West nearly pushed the nation to a new all-time high for the winter season.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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While the Northeast faced persistent blasts of bitter cold and snow, exceptional winter warmth in the West nearly pushed the nation to a new all-time high for the season. Nine states finished off with their warmest winter on record, and dozens of cities in the West and Plains saw a top 5 warmest winter. However, the winter was not only exceptionally warm, but also exceptionally dry, ranking as the driest winter in 45 years across the Lower 48.

Why it matters

Widespread, persistent drier-than-average conditions impacted parts of the Heartland and Southeast, bringing drought expansion and intensification during the winter months. This has raised concerns about water supplies, agriculture, and heightened wildfire risk, especially in Florida which is enduring its worst drought in 25 years.

The details

Meteorological winter — December to February — was unseasonably warm across much of the contiguous U.S., ranking as the second-warmest winter on record since 1895, behind the 2023-24 season, according to a new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Nine states finished off with their warmest winter on record: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. Dozens of cities in the West and Plains saw a top 5 warmest winter with cities such as Albuquerque, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City seeing their all-time warmest. Dallas, Texas, recorded 16 days with high temperatures of at least 80°F, the highest seasonal total on record. The persistent warmth fueled the worst snow drought in decades across parts of the Rockies as more precipitation fell as rain instead of snow.

  • Meteorological winter — December to February — was unseasonably warm across much of the contiguous U.S.
  • The National Interagency Fire Center says Florida faces an above-average risk of significant wildland fires throughout meteorological spring, which began on March 1.

The players

NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere.

David Zierden

The Florida State Climatologist, who stated that Florida is enduring its worst drought in 25 years and that the drought is expected to continue or even worsen in the next couple of months.

Bureau of Reclamation

A federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior that oversees water resource management, particularly of the Colorado River which provides water for more than 40 million people and fuels hydropower resources in seven states.

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What they’re saying

“We expect the drought to continue or even worsen in the next couple of months, as we are in the heart of peninsular Florida's dry season that usually lasts until mid-May.”

— David Zierden, Florida State Climatologist (ABC News)

“Four of the five Water Management districts have either voluntary or mandatory water restrictions limiting outdoor irrigation. Range and pasture for cattle is the agricultural commodity that is hit hardest right now.”

— David Zierden, Florida State Climatologist (ABC News)

What’s next

The National Interagency Fire Center says Florida faces an above-average risk of significant wildland fires throughout meteorological spring, which began on March 1. Dozens of counties across the state have issued burn bans due to the ongoing drought and elevated wildfire risk.

The takeaway

This exceptionally warm and dry winter across much of the U.S., particularly in the West and Southeast, has led to severe drought conditions that are impacting water supplies, agriculture, and heightening wildfire risk. The impacts of this snow drought and lack of precipitation will likely continue to be felt throughout the spring and summer months.