A book that has been in publication since 1818 has just released its trusted winter forecast, warning millions throughout the US of bitter cold and heavy snow ahead.
The Farmers’ Almanac made its official Winter 2026-2027 predictions this month, calling for a season full of coastal storms and snow in the Northwest and bitter cold and snow in the Midwest and Northern Plains.
Overall, 150 million people across 29 states, from Maine to Montana, in the northern half of the US are expected to experience periods of snow and freezing temperatures between December 2026 and March 2027.
The West, Northern Plains, Upper Midwest and Great Lakes are predicted to see ‘fast-moving clippers, sudden cold snaps and brief snowy periods.’
In the Northeast, a so-called ‘complicated’ winter forecast is unfolding, with the 200-year-old publication predicting coastal areas receiving more rain or mixed sleet and ice.
However, inland areas, such as Pennsylvania, western New York and parts of New England, could get several rounds of heavy wet snow, especially in January and February.
The annual guide has been a trusty resource for gardeners, fishers, farmers and anyone planning outdoor activities since the 19th century, providing seasonal forecasts based on a formula created by founding editor David Young.
The almanac says its forecasts are accurate 80 to 85 percent of the time and are based on past weather patterns, activity on the sun and the movements of the moon and planets.
I predict it will probably get dark tonight.