Old Farmer’s Almanac Forecast for August Weather Patterns

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has shared its long-range weather predictions for August. It suggests that the final month of meteorological summer might feature thunderstorms across large swaths of the United States. Coastal and southern regions might face tropical storm or hurricane threats.

As a long-range forecast, the Almanac presents broader regional patterns rather than specific daily conditions. The Almanac segments the U.S. into zones, indicating whether temperatures and precipitation are anticipated to trend above or below historical averages.

Accuracy of the Old Farmer’s Almanac

The Old Farmer’s Almanac claims its forecasts are about 80 percent accurate. However, it acknowledges that no forecaster can predict the weather with complete precision.

To make long-range predictions, the publication compares solar patterns and historical weather data with current solar activity. It employs solar science, climatology, and meteorology.

August Weather Overview by Region

Northeast

August begins with scattered thunderstorms and warm weather. Heavier rain could develop in northern areas from August 7 to 10, while the south might experience isolated showers and cooler weather. After sunny conditions, more storms might emerge mid-month, leading to isolated thunderstorms and mild temperatures from August 19 to the month’s end. The Almanac predicts an August temperature of 67.5 degrees and about four inches of precipitation.

Atlantic Corridor

The month starts with scattered thunderstorms. Sunny and warm conditions are expected through August 14. A tropical storm threat is noted for the southern region on August 15 and 16. The northern area should remain sunny and warm. The latter half of August is likely to be sunny and warm, transitioning to cooler conditions with potential isolated thunderstorms in the south. August precipitation is expected at 2 inches, around 2 inches below average.

Appalachians

From August 1 to 12, isolated thunderstorms and warm conditions are expected. Sunnier weather is forecast from August 13 to 20 as temperatures shift from cooler to warmer. Scattered storms might return for the month’s final phase, with mild temperatures anticipated. The predicted August temperature is 71 degrees, 1 degree below average, with about 2.5 inches of precipitation.

Southeast

Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to start August, with a shift from warm to cool conditions through August 11. The west might experience isolated thunderstorms from August 12 to 14, while the east faces a hurricane threat. From August 15 to 23, showers and cooler climates are anticipated. Thunderstorms are expected to return in the west as sunshine emerges in the east. The month concludes with scattered thunderstorms and mild weather.

Florida

Florida’s August starts with isolated thunderstorms and warm conditions through August 9. The Almanac notes a hurricane threat from August 10 to 12, followed by thunderstorms and mild conditions through August 24. The last week could bring sunshine in the north and storms in the south. Predicted August precipitation is 8 inches, with northern areas 2 inches below average and southern areas 2 inches above average.

Lower Great Lakes

August is expected to start with scattered thunderstorms, then sunny conditions as temperatures shift from warm to cooler through August 16. More scattered thunderstorms are forecast from August 17 to 25, with cool conditions gradually warming. The east might face heavy rain from August 26 to 28, while the west stays sunny. The month ends with storms and mild weather.

Ohio Valley

Sunny conditions begin August, before thunderstorms and warm temperatures prevail through August 9. A sunny period with milder weather follows from August 10 to 19. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to return from August 20 to 28, concluding with sunny, mild conditions. The forecasted August temperature is 72.5 degrees, 1.5 degrees below average, with precipitation roughly 1 inch below average.

Deep South

Scattered thunderstorms and a transition from warm to cooler temperatures kick off August through August 13. From August 14 to 21, northern areas might be sunny while southern areas get storms. From August 22 to 24, scattered thunderstorms are predicted in the east, with a tropical storm threat for the west. Thunderstorms could eventually yield sunshine by month’s end.

Upper Midwest

August should begin with isolated storms and warm weather, followed by sunny and warm conditions from August 8 to 12. From August 13 to 18, the eastern area might remain sunny, while the west sees thunderstorms and very warm weather. A few thunderstorms could return from August 19 to 24, before concluding with sunshine, showers, and cooler conditions.

Heartland

August is anticipated to begin with storms in the north and sunny conditions in the south, with rising temperatures through August 7. Sunny and warm weather is predicted from August 8 to 15, followed by thunderstorms during a warm period from August 16 to 20. Later in the month, isolated thunderstorms are expected. The Almanac forecasts an August temperature of 73 degrees, 2 degrees below average, and a precipitation total of 4.5 inches.

Texas-Oklahoma

This region can expect sunny conditions at the start of August, followed by thunderstorms as the north experiences warm weather and the south gets hot conditions. Heavy thunderstorms are anticipated from August 10 to 12, transitioning to sunny weather and isolated storms through August 22. A tropical storm threat is noted for August 23 to 25, before the month ends with some thunderstorms and warm conditions.

High Plains

August opens with sun and heat in the northern High Plains, while the south experiences storms and cooler weather. A phase of thunderstorms and cooler conditions follows from August 6 to 10. The weather turns sunny before isolated storms develop from August 11 to 19. Scattered thunderstorms and hot conditions are predicted from August 20 to 23, ending with sun, then storms and mild weather.

Intermountain Region

August is forecast to start with sun and hot conditions in the north, while the south faces thunderstorms and warm weather. Sunny and warm weather follows from August 12 to 15. From August 16 to 22, the north remains sunny and warm, while isolated thunderstorms and hot temperatures are anticipated in the south. Storms and warm weather are likely from August 23 to month’s end.

Desert Southwest

August begins with scattered storms and warm conditions. From August 6 to 11, eastern areas might see more storms while the west remains sunny. A longer sunny stretch follows from August 12 to 23, with warm weather in the east and hotter climates in the west. From August 24 to 31, isolated storms are expected.

Pacific Northwest

August starts sunny and hot, transitioning to isolated storms before sunshine dominates from August 6 to 21. Scattered showers and cooler weather are forecast from August 22 to 25. The month concludes with sun and a rise in temperatures. The Almanac predicts an August temperature of 69 degrees, 2 degrees above average, with about half an inch less precipitation than usual.

Pacific Southwest

Mostly sunny weather is expected throughout August. The month begins with hot inland areas and warmer coastal conditions. From August 10 to 17, isolated sprinkles are possible in northern regions, while the south stays sunny. Sunny and hot weather is anticipated from August 18 to 21, concluding with hot inland conditions and cooler coastal temperatures. Predicted August precipitation is zero inches, which is deemed average.

Alaska

Alaska begins August with showers in the north and central areas, accompanied by rainy periods in the south and cool conditions last through August 15. Rainy periods are forecast for the Panhandle from August 16 to 21, with isolated showers in eastern and western regions. Later, rain and snow showers might occur in the north, while central areas experience sunshine and warmth. Southern regions may see rain from August 22 to 31.

Hawaii

The forecast for Hawaii starts with scattered showers in the east and west, sunshine in central areas, and hot conditions through August 16. From August 17 to 31, showers are expected, with isolated activity in central and western areas. Temperatures are likely to remain warm. Predicted August precipitation is 0.2 inches, 0.4 inches below average, and a temperature of 80.5 degrees, 1 below average.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Matthew Robinson and Dave Siminoff.