Heavy snow, high winds, freezing rain, and extreme cold can knock out heat and power to homes and offices and cause hazardous driving conditions.

Preparing now can help to greatly reduce any potential impacts from severe weather.

Make a plan, build and stock home and car emergency kits with winter weather items, and stay informed on the latest conditions

2025-26 WINTER WEATHER OUTLOOK

Winter 2025–2026 on the Delmarva Peninsula is expected to be milder than average overall, but with active storm periods and a chance for snow, ice, and rain events — especially after the holidays.

🧊 Key Highlights for Delmarva’s Winter Outlook

• Temperature Trends:

  • Slightly below-normal temperatures are expected across the Mid-Atlantic, especially in January and February.

  • Early and late winter may bring brief cold snaps, but overall, the season is not forecasted to be unusually frigid.

• Snowfall Expectations:

  • Snowfall may be higher than last year but still below historic averages.

  • Coastal areas (like Lewes and Rehoboth Beach) may see more icy rain than snow, while inland zones (like Dover and Salisbury) could get several accumulating snowfalls.

• Storm Activity:

  • Nor’easters are possible, especially at the beginning and end of the season.

  • NOAA expects a cold, active pattern after Christmas, with frequent winter storms through February.

• La Niña Influence:

  • A weak La Niña is expected to persist into early 2026, which typically brings variable conditions to the East Coast — including stormy stretches and temperature swings.

🗓️ Timing to Watch

• December: Mild start with mixed precipitation possible.

• January–February: Most likely window for snow and ice events, especially inland.

• March: Transition to neutral conditions may bring a few late-season storms.

🧭 Regional Breakdown

NWS Forecast Office Philadelphia/Mt Holly, also includes Delaware – Check here for current local conditions (Dover Air force Base) and the latest extended forecasts.

WINTER WEATHER SEVERITY AND TERMS

Winter Storm Warning:   Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.

Winter Storm Watch:  Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.

Winter Storm Outlook:  Issued prior to a Winter Storm Watch. The Outlook is given when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible and are usually issued 3 to 7 days in advance of a winter storm.

Blizzard Warning:  Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibility at or below ¼ mile; these conditions should persist for at least three hours.

Wind Chill Warning:  Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure.

Winter Weather Advisories:  Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.

Dense Fog Advisory:  Issued when fog will reduce visibility to ¼ mile or less over a widespread area.

Snow Flurries:  Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected.

Snow Showers:  Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.

Blowing Snow:  Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting. Blowing snow may be snow that is falling and/or loose snow on the ground picked up by the wind.

Sleet:  Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists.

Freezing Rain:  Rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.