Winter weather forecasts / predictions / outlooks always spark curiosity, especially when they promise “shocking snowfall” across the United States. The below YouTube video titled “2025-2026 Long Range Winter Snowfall Forecast” by
David Schlotthauer dives into a detailed prediction of snowfall totals from October 1, 2025, to May 1, 2026. With a bold promise to break down where the snow will pile up and who might miss out, this video aims to inform and prepare viewers for the upcoming winter.
Overview of the Snowfall Prediction Video
The video, clocking in at a brisk pace, presents a layered snowfall forecast for the United States, based on long-range models, ocean temperatures, and historical analogs. The presenter walks viewers through a series of color-coded maps, each representing different snowfall thresholds—from 1 inch to a staggering 15 feet. The forecast covers a wide range of regions, from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest, and highlights areas that could see extreme snow totals, particularly in the Great Lakes, Sierra Nevada, and Rocky Mountains.
Strengths of the Video
- Comprehensive Coverage: The video’s strength lies in its attempt to cover the entire U.S., from low-lying areas like southern Georgia to high-elevation regions like the Sierra Nevada. By breaking down snowfall predictions into incremental layers (1 inch, 2 inches, up to 15 feet), the presenter makes it easy for viewers to understand what their region might expect. For example, Atlanta and Dallas are forecasted to see around 4 inches, while Buffalo, New York, could face a whopping 15 feet.
- Visual Aids: The use of color-coded maps is a highlight. Each snowfall threshold is clearly marked with distinct colors (e.g., dark blue for 3 inches, yellow for 6 inches, and so on), making it visually engaging and easier to follow. The maps zoom in on specific regions, like the Appalachians and the Great Lakes, which helps viewers pinpoint their area of interest.
- Enthusiasm and Accessibility: The presenter’s energetic tone keeps the video engaging, and the language is straightforward, avoiding overly technical jargon. This makes the forecast accessible to a general audience.
Areas for Improvement
While the video is informative and engaging, there are a few areas where it falls short:
- Lack of Source Transparency: The presenter claims to have analyzed “long-range models, ocean temperatures, and historical analogs” but doesn’t specify which models or datasets were used. For weather nerds or skeptical viewers, this lack of transparency could undermine credibility. Including references to specific models (e.g., GFS, ECMWF) or data sources would strengthen the forecast’s reliability.
- Overly Broad Predictions: The forecast encompasses a vast range of snowfall totals (1 inch to 15 feet) across diverse regions, which seems ambitious for a single video.
- No Discussion of Uncertainty: Weather forecasting, especially long-range, is inherently uncertain. The presenter acknowledges that the forecast is a “probability” but doesn’t dive into the limitations or potential variability. A brief mention of factors like La Niña/El Niño influences or model discrepancies would add depth.
Key Takeaways from the Forecast
The video predicts a winter of extremes, with some regions like southern Georgia and central Texas seeing minimal snow (1-4 inches), while others, particularly the Great Lakes (e.g., Buffalo, Watertown) and high-elevation areas like the Sierra Nevada and Rockies, could be buried under 10-15 feet.
