A shift toward cooler, wetter weather is on the way for California, Oregon, and Washington in the second half of November, according to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center outlook issued October 24, 2025. After a largely dry October, the pattern points to a timely pre-holiday reset: steady rain at lower elevations and an early start to the snow season in the Sierra Nevada and Cascades.
Forecasters are tracking a string of Pacific storm systems expected to move inland between November 12 and 22. Northern California is primed for periods of heavy rain, while snow is likely to develop above roughly 4,000–5,000 feet in the Sierra and Cascade ranges. That means mountain pass travel could turn wintry at times, with slick roads and the potential for chain controls.
Drivers planning trips across I-80, Snoqualmie Pass, or Donner Summit should be ready for rapidly changing conditions. Allow extra time, check forecasts and road reports before departing, and carry traction devices where required. Even at lower elevations, the combination of cooler temperatures and steady rainfall could lead to ponding on roads and slower commutes.
For most West Coast cities, the setup adds up to a wet but welcome pattern ahead of Thanksgiving. It’s a strong signal that the region’s rainy season is kicking into gear and that the mountains are likely to see an early round of accumulating snow.
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