From NYC to the Rockies: Why winter volatility is the new terrain every planner must map

If your backup plan for winter events is still “just buy more heaters,” you may want to rethink your playbook. Meteorologists are warning that the 2025–26 winter season could swing from mild to menacing, with parts of the country facing far more snow and cold than recent years. For meeting planners, that means flexibility, foresight, and communication may be the only true insurance policies worth having.

Forecast: Mostly Chaos, With a Chance of Genius

According to AccuWeather’s long-range forecast, much of the U.S. should brace for a snowier, colder winter, with the Northeast and upper Midwest likely to bear the brunt. A weak La Niña pattern is expected to nudge colder air into northern states while suppressing storms farther south. Layered over that, meteorologists are watching signs of a disrupted polar vortex—a pattern that can push frigid Arctic air deep into the U.S. and trigger sudden freezes in places that normally stay temperate.

The Atlantic Ocean is also showing signs of a cold anomaly, which could reinforce chillier air intrusions across the eastern half of the country. In other words, this won’t be a one-note winter. It’s shaping up to be a season of mood swings: snow one week, rain the next, followed by a record cold snap.

For the meetings industry, that volatility translates to risk—and opportunity. Events that run smoothly despite bad weather become instant reputation builders. The venues that master contingency logistics win new business. And the planners who turn disruption into a narrative of resilience position themselves as essential partners in every sense of the word.

New York, New Stakes

Nowhere will that be tested more than in the Northeast. New York City is already in the meteorological spotlight, with forecasters projecting as much as twenty inches of snow—far more than last winter’s total. Temperatures are expected to hover near average overall but could plunge sharply in February, bringing the kind of wind chills that shut down travel and paralyze supply chains. The Farmers’ Almanac, never shy about drama, warns of early snow in October and a “wild ride” of mixed precipitation through March. For events slated for Boston, Philadelphia, or Washington, D.C., planners should expect a similar pattern of short-lived thaws followed by quick reversions to snow and ice.

Meanwhile, in the Middle…

Farther west, the upper Midwest and Great Lakes region are predicted to face one of the coldest and snowiest winters in several years. Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Detroit could see frequent snow events and bouts of extreme cold—conditions that make transportation, heating, and attendee safety top priorities. Mountain states and the Pacific Northwest are also in for a brisk season. Forecasts point to below-normal temperatures and above-normal snow for parts of Montana, Idaho, and Washington, which could complicate access to mountain resorts but also make alpine destinations more appealing for incentive travel.

Sunbelt Shuffle: Milder, But Not Immune

The southern half of the country may not escape entirely. While forecasts suggest a generally milder and drier season for the Southeast, Gulf states and portions of Texas could still experience short-lived but severe cold snaps when Arctic air dips southward. The Southwest is expected to stay mostly warm and dry, though higher elevations in Colorado and New Mexico might see bursts of snow if La Niña fades later in the season.

Plan Smarter, Not Colder

For meeting professionals, the message is clear: winter 2025–26 will demand agility. That means scheduling events with built-in buffer days, designing programs that can shift indoors or online, and maintaining transparent, real-time communication with attendees and partners. Transportation planning—whether it’s staggered arrivals, extended stays, or contingency routes—should no longer be an afterthought but an integral part of event strategy.

Perhaps the biggest shift is philosophical. Weather resilience is no longer a reactive measure; it’s part of the brand story. The meetings that thrive in unpredictable conditions show not just operational excellence but empathy and control—qualities that resonate with both clients and attendees long after the event ends.

Winter Is Coming (and It’s Booking Fast)

Winter is coming, and if the forecasts are right, it may test even the most seasoned event teams. But for those who prepare, this could be the year that preparation itself becomes the headline.

Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.