Winter Weather Predictions Differ in 2026-27 Almanac Forecasts

Winter might bring varied weather, including rain, ice, snow, and cold snaps. The Old Farmer’s Almanac and the Farmers’ Almanac offer different views on which regions will face the harshest conditions.

Mild Weather with Severe Interruptions

Both almanacs predict mostly mild conditions with occasional severe weather. Carol Connare of the Old Farmer’s Almanac mentions a mild winter but with areas likely to see more cold and snow. Central New England, the Appalachians, and parts of the West are expected to receive above-average snowfall.

The Farmers’ Almanac also anticipates mild periods interrupted by cold snaps. Northern areas might experience snow, strong winds, and bitter cold. Regions like the northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes could see sudden snow squalls despite near-normal temperatures overall.

The Northeast shows clear agreement. The Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts colder, snowier weather from central New England to the Appalachians. Meanwhile, the Farmers’ Almanac warns of heavy, wet snow, especially in January and February. Coastal areas may have rain or mixed precipitation instead.

In the West, both anticipate substantial mountain snow but differ on location. The Old Farmer’s Almanac focuses on the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest, while the Farmers’ Almanac sees potential in the southern Rockies.

Southern and Northwestern Discrepancies

The greatest disagreement is in the South. The Farmers’ Almanac predicts wet, stormy conditions across the southern tier, with potential for sleet, freezing rain, or snow. The track runs from Southern California through Texas to the Southeast.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac sees a drier outlook, expecting warmer conditions across Texas, Oklahoma, and the Deep South. Florida should have a mild winter, though northern and southern precipitation may vary.

The forecasts for the Pacific Northwest also differ. The Old Farmer’s Almanac foresees wetter weather and heavy snow in late December, mid-January, and mid-February. In contrast, the Farmers’ Almanac describes the region as changeable and less predictable.

In the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, the Old Farmer’s Almanac expects above-normal temperatures with occasional sharp freezes. The Farmers’ Almanac forecasts near-normal temperatures, with snow squalls and cold bursts. This contrast centers on seasonal averages and the frequency of winter weather.

Understanding the Almanacs

The Old Farmer’s Almanac and Farmers’ Almanac, despite similar names, are distinct with different histories and methods. The Old Farmer’s Almanac, established in 1792, uses a formula with solar activity, climatology, and meteorology. The Farmers’ Almanac, dating from 1818, relies on a secret formula. Their predictions vary in emphasis and regional focus.

For further information, contact Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Gray R. Thomas.