The Old Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting an upcoming winter that is “mostly mild—with pockets of wild” across the continental U.S., predicting near‑normal to slightly milder temperatures for much of the country but colder‑than‑average conditions in select regions.
Why It Matters
Published since 1792, The Old Farmer’s Almanac claims to be the oldest continuously published periodical in the U.S.
The publication explains that its forecasts are developed using insights from three scientific disciplines: solar science, climatology, and meteorology. Solar science involves analyzing sunspots and other solar activity, while climatology focuses on weather patterns, and meteorology studies atmospheric conditions.
What To Know
Temperatures are expected to be “near normal to slightly milder across much of the U.S.,” but colder than average in the Appalachians, Southeast, Florida, and the Ohio Valley, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
The Almanac projects an overall drier‑than‑usual season with “widespread dry spells coast to coast.” However, it said exceptions will include Florida, the southern High Plains, the Intermountain region and the eastern Desert Southwest—which “may see above‑average rainfall.”
It forecasts snowfall to be “near or below normal for most areas,” although it expects heavier snow for the Carolinas, southern Appalachians, eastern Ohio Valley, southern Rockies, and eastern Desert Southwest.
The publication cautioned: “‘mild’ is relative. It will still be winter, so plan (and dress!) accordingly, and, for places that typically need it, keep the snow shovel handy!”
Separately, The Farmer’s Almanac, a similar but separate publication, recently released its predictions for the upcoming winter.
The Farmer’s Almanac predicts the coldest outbreaks will be from the Northern Plains to New England and significant snow risks across parts of the Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes and mid-Atlantic
The coldest outbreaks are forecast for mid‑January and mid‑February, while early cold and snow could begin as early as September in some areas, according to the publication.
What People Are Saying
Sarah Perreault, managing editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac told Newsweek previously: “The Old Farmer’s Almanac is the original guide to living well and has always been known for its wit, wisdom, and solid advice that’s relevant to real life. We celebrate core values and entertain the whole family with a healthy degree of humor and a sense of optimism. Every fall The Old Farmer’s Almanac pops up at local stores, and although it is brand new each year, it isn’t changing.”
What Happens Next
New editions of The Old Farmer’s Almanac are released annually.
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