Farmers' Almanac Predicts "Chill, Snow, Repeat" for Winter 2025-2026
The Farmers' Almanac is forecasting a return to an "old-fashioned winter" for the 2025-2026 season, characterized by cold temperatures and significant snowfall across much of the United States. While not expected to be as brutally cold as the winter of 2024-2025, the Almanac anticipates a "wild ride" with repeated cycles of chilling temperatures and snow.
National Overview of the Winter Forecast
Sandi Duncan, editor of the Farmers' Almanac, indicated that the upcoming winter is likely to be colder than average for most of the country. While the cold and snow may not reach as far south as the previous year, the Northern Plains and New England regions are expected to experience particularly harsh conditions. The Almanac anticipates an early start to winter, with cold temperatures potentially arriving in late fall and lingering into April, especially in the New England, Great Lakes, and Northern Plains areas.
Farmers' Almanac Accuracy and Methodology
The Farmers' Almanac claims that its forecast for the 2024-2025 winter was accurate in predicting a mild winter in Texas and the Southern Plains, as well as the cold weather in the Northern Plains and Great Lakes. However, the publication acknowledges that La Niña affected their predictions, leading to fewer wet weather events than expected. The Almanac utilizes a "proprietary formula" based on correlations between celestial events and meteorological conditions to create its forecasts, a method sometimes questioned by scientists.
Regional Winter Forecasts
Northeast and New York
The New England and Northeast region, including states like Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania, should brace for a cold snap around January 8-15. The Almanac anticipates significant snowstorms in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and southern New York in mid-January, with heavy snow in northern New England in early February. Cold temperatures and gusty winds are expected to follow a period of milder weather in early March.
Midwest, Ohio, and Michigan
The Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Midwest region, including states like Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio, can expect chilly temperatures on New Year's Day, with snow in northern Michigan and Wisconsin. A major snowstorm is predicted for the Great Lakes region from February 8-11, followed by a shift of snow toward Kentucky and Ohio as temperatures drop. Snow is likely in most of the region at the beginning of March, with brisk winds to end the month.
Northwest
The Northwest region, including Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, is expected to experience overall chilly and wet conditions, which is beneficial for skiers due to the increased snowpack in the mountains. Coastal Washington is forecast to have numerous rainstorms, particularly in mid-February and March.
North Central States and Colorado
The North Central states, including Colorado, Minnesota, and the Dakotas, are predicted to have a "classic winter wonderland," meaning a very cold and snowy winter. Snowstorms are anticipated in mid-February in Kansas and Nebraska and in mid-March in the Central Plains. Light snow may even fall on Easter in the Dakotas and Minnesota.
Southeast and Florida
The Southeast states, including Florida, Georgia, and Virginia, should anticipate average temperatures and wet conditions. Very cold temperatures and possible wintry precipitation are expected in the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia during the second week of January. A very wet period is forecast from February 16-20, with mild temperatures returning at the end of February.
Texas and South Central States
Texas and the South Central states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, are also expecting cold and wet conditions this winter. Northern Texas could experience snow and freezing rain in mid-January, with additional snow in mid-February and mid-March.
California and Southwest
The Southwest states, including California, Arizona, and Nevada, are forecast to have average temperatures and wet conditions, which could help prevent wildfires. California is expected to get rain ahead of windy conditions at the end of January. Overall, the region should have a "nice winter with not too many extremes."
