No, this 2025-2026 winter has not been colder than normal overall. Forecasts anticipated mixed conditions with colder starts in parts of North America and Europe due to La Niña and Polar Vortex influences, but long-term trends show winters warming faster amid climate change.

Regional Temperature Breakdown

Early December brought colder-than-average temperatures across much of the U.S., southern Canada, and northern Europe, driven by a disrupted Polar Vortex and stratospheric warming—aligning with historical La Niña patterns. However, NOAA's outlook pointed to below-normal temperatures only in the Northwest, northern Rockies, Plains, and parts of Alaska, while other areas leaned warmer. By late January into February 2026 (as of now), above-normal temperatures dominated broader regions, with potential late cold snaps in the South but no widespread chill.

Region| Early Winter (Dec)| Current (Jan-Feb 2026)| Key Driver
---|---|---|---
U.S. Midwest/Northwest| Colder than normal 1| Mixed, trending warmer 5| Polar Vortex collapse
U.S. South/Gulf Coast| Near normal| Possible late Arctic blast 5| Pattern shift
Canada (Southern)| Colder, snowy 1| Equal chances 10| La Niña fading
Europe (North-Central)| Cooler trend 1| Variable 7| QBO + low sea ice

Forum Buzz and Public Perception

Online chatter reflects split views—some Redditors in colder pockets (e.g., Detroit) noted "colder than usual" snaps, crediting La Niña, while others dismissed it as typical variability. Pre-season hype for a harsh winter fizzled for many, with complaints of mild spells outweighing deep freezes. "This year, La Niña is causing cooler temperatures in your region," one user noted, but location matters hugely.

Why It Feels Colder (Despite Data)

Anecdotal cold blasts—like potential polar vortex dips—stick in memory more than mild days, amplified by "warming winter syndrome" where extremes swing wilder even as averages rise. Speculation: If you're in the northern Plains or Rockies, yes, it might feel unusually frigid; coastal or southern spots? Likely milder. Track local NWS data for your area, as global "this winter" averages out neutral-to-warmer.

TL;DR Bottom: This winter started chilly in select areas but isn't colder than normal overall—expect continued variability through March.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.