Farmers’ Almanac Winter Weather Forecast, What It Predicts for Your Region

Quick Answer

The Farmers' Almanac winter forecast for 2025–2026 calls for a season of dramatic temperature swings and widespread wintry weather across the United States. The Northern Plains, Great Lakes, and New England are expected to see the coldest conditions and heaviest snowfall, while the Southeast should experience near-average temperatures with only occasional snow.

The season officially begins with the winter solstice on December 21, 2025, though some areas could see cold and snow as early as September.

Key Facts

The Farmers' Almanac describes winter 2025–2026 as "a wild ride" and uses the phrase "chill, snow, repeat" to summarize expectations.
The Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and North Central states are forecast for a "classic winter wonderland" with significant snowfall.
Pacific Northwest mountains are predicted to receive impressive snowfall totals.
The Northern Plains, Great Lakes, and New England are expected to experience the most pronounced cold and snow.
The Southeast is forecast to see average temperatures with occasional snow events.
The Midwest and Northwest should prepare for heavy snow and cold days.
The Old Farmer's Almanac (a separate publication) also predicts dramatic temperature swings, particularly from the northern Plains to New England and the Northwest.
The Old Farmer's Almanac forecasts a mild and dry winter for northern New England, which contrasts with predictions for other regions.
Higher-than-usual precipitation is expected in ski regions.
The Old Farmer's Almanac has good news for skiers in the Southwest and Ohio Valley.
Winter 2026–2027 is already being discussed as a season of sharp contrasts, with an active southern storm track expected to bring heavier-than-normal precipitation from California and the Southwest eastward.

How the Farmers' Almanac Builds Its Winter Forecast

The Farmers' Almanac has been publishing long-range weather predictions for generations, and its winter outlook has become a cultural touchstone for Americans planning everything from heating budgets to ski vacations. Understanding how these forecasts are constructed helps put the predictions in context.

The Farmers' Almanac uses a proprietary formula that has been in use since the publication's early days. This formula incorporates a combination of sunspot activity, lunar cycles, planetary positions, and other astronomical factors.

The exact methodology is kept secret, which adds to the mystique but also means the predictions are not derived from the same computer models used by the National Weather Service or commercial meteorological services. The Old Farmer's Almanac, which is a different publication despite the similar name, relies on a mix of solar science and traditional meteorology for its long-range predictions.

This Almanac has been publishing for over two centuries and maintains its own forecasting tradition. For the 2025–2026 winter, both almanacs reached broadly similar conclusions: expect a colder and snowier season than average in many parts of the country, with significant regional variation.

The convergence of two independent forecasting traditions on similar outcomes adds some weight to the predictions, even if neither publication uses the same methods as professional meteorologists. It is worth noting that long-range weather forecasting remains an inherently uncertain endeavor.

The Farmers' Almanac's predictions are general trends rather than day-by-day forecasts. The value of these predictions lies less in their precision and more in their ability to help individuals, businesses, and municipalities prepare for likely conditions.

Regional Breakdown What to Expect Where You Live

The winter of 2025–2026 is not expected to be uniform across the country. Different regions will experience dramatically different conditions, and the Farmers' Almanac has provided specific expectations for each part of the nation.

Northern Plains, Great Lakes, and New England The Cold Core

These regions are expected to be the epicenter of winter weather for the 2025–2026 season. The Farmers' Almanac predicts frequent temperature swings, which means residents should prepare for periods of intense cold interspersed with milder stretches.

The phrase "chill, snow, repeat" is particularly applicable here. The Great Lakes region, along with the Ohio Valley and North Central states, is expected to experience a "classic winter wonderland." This suggests abundant snowfall and persistent winter conditions.

For those who enjoy winter sports, this could be a favorable season. For those who must commute or manage property, it means preparation is essential.

New England, traditionally associated with harsh winters, is expected to live up to that reputation this year. The combination of cold temperatures and significant snowfall could create challenging conditions, particularly in inland and mountainous areas.

Midwest and Northwest Heavy Snow and Cold Days

The Midwest and the Northwest are both expected to see substantial winter weather. The Farmers' Almanac specifically calls for heavy snow and cold days in these regions.

The Pacific Northwest mountains, in particular, are gearing up for "impressive snowfall totals."

This is notable because the Pacific Northwest is a region with varied winter conditions. Low-elevation areas often see rain rather than snow, but the mountains can accumulate deep snowpack.

This winter's forecast suggests that mountain elevations should see especially robust snowfall, which is good news for ski resorts and water resource managers who depend on snowpack for summer water supply. The Midwest's forecast of heavy snow and cold days means residents should prepare for potential travel disruptions and increased heating costs.

Those who live in this region are accustomed to winter weather, but a season with above-average snowfall still demands advance preparation.

Southeast Average Temperatures with Occasional Snow

The Southeast is expected to see average temperatures this winter, with occasional snow events. This is a more moderate forecast than what other regions will experience.

For most of the Southeast, winter is a relative concept, but even this region can experience disruptive winter weather when conditions align. The forecast of occasional snow suggests that some areas could see winter precipitation events, but they are not expected to be as frequent or severe as in the northern states.

Residents should still be prepared for the possibility of winter weather, particularly in the northern portions of the Southeast and at higher elevations.

Southwest and Ohio Valley Good News for Skiers

The Old Farmer's Almanac specifically calls out the Southwest and Ohio Valley as having favorable conditions for skiers. This suggests that ski resorts in these regions could see good snowfall and extended seasons.

For winter sports enthusiasts who typically travel to the Rockies or New England, this forecast might encourage them to consider destinations closer to home or in less traditional ski regions. The Southwest's mountainous areas can receive significant snowfall when conditions are right, and a winter with higher-than-usual precipitation could translate to excellent ski conditions.

The Ohio Valley, not typically thought of as a ski destination, does have some winter recreation opportunities that could benefit from a snowier season.

The Difference Between the Two Almanacs

Many people confuse the Farmers' Almanac and the Old Farmer's Almanac. While both publish winter forecasts and both have long histories, they are separate publications with different forecasting approaches.

The Farmers' Almanac, based in Lewiston, Maine, publishes its extended weather forecast each August. The 2025–2026 forecast was released on August 11, 2025, with the tagline describing the coming winter as "a wild weather ride across the nation." The Farmers' Almanac uses a secret formula that dates back to the publication's founding in 1818.

The Old Farmer's Almanac, based in Dublin, New Hampshire, also publishes annual forecasts. Its 2025–2026 winter forecast was released in late August 2025.

The Old Farmer's Almanac relies on a combination of solar science and traditional meteorological observations. It has been published continuously since 1792, making it one of the oldest continuously published periodicals in North America.

For the 2025–2026 winter, both almanacs agree on the general theme: a cold, snowy winter with dramatic temperature swings. This agreement is notable because the two publications use different methods and do not coordinate their forecasts.

However, there are some differences in their regional predictions. The Old Farmer's Almanac forecasts a mild and dry winter for northern New England, which contrasts with the Farmers' Almanac's prediction of significant winter weather in New England.

This divergence highlights the inherent uncertainty in long-range forecasting and suggests that residents of northern New England should prepare for either outcome. The Old Farmer's Almanac also highlights higher-than-usual precipitation in ski regions, which aligns with the Farmers' Almanac's prediction of impressive snowfall in the Pacific Northwest mountains.

Both publications seem to agree that winter recreation areas should see good conditions.

Preparing for a "Wild Ride" Winter

The Farmers' Almanac's characterization of winter 2025–2026 as "a wild ride" suggests that this will not be a typical season. The predicted dramatic swings in temperature mean that conditions could change rapidly, making preparation more challenging than in a consistently cold winter.

Home and Property Preparation

For homeowners, the forecast of a cold and snowy winter means taking steps to protect property and ensure comfort. This includes checking heating systems before the first cold snap, insulating pipes to prevent freezing, and ensuring that roofs are in good condition to handle snow loads.

The prediction of dramatic temperature swings is particularly important for home maintenance. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can damage driveways, walkways, and foundations.

Sealing cracks and addressing drainage issues before winter arrives can prevent costly damage later.

Vehicle and Travel Readiness

For those in the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, Midwest, and New England, the forecast calls for preparation for significant snow. This means ensuring that vehicles are equipped with appropriate tires, emergency kits, and winter supplies.

The "frequent temperature swings" predicted by the Farmers' Almanac could create icy conditions as snow melts and refreezes. Travelers should also be aware that the season could see early winter weather, with cold and snow potentially appearing as early as September in some areas.

This means that fall travel plans should include contingencies for winter conditions, particularly in northern regions.

Budgeting for Higher Costs

A colder-than-average winter typically means higher heating costs. The Farmers' Almanac's prediction of a cold season for much of the country suggests that energy bills could be higher than in recent years.

Those who heat with oil, propane, or electricity should consider locking in prices early or taking steps to improve home energy efficiency. The forecast of heavy snow also has economic implications for local governments and businesses.

Snow removal budgets may need to be higher than average, and businesses that depend on winter weather, such as ski resorts, could benefit from the conditions.

Planning Winter Recreation

For winter sports enthusiasts, the 2025–2026 forecast offers some positive news. The Old Farmer's Almanac specifically highlights higher-than-usual precipitation in ski regions, and the Farmers' Almanac predicts impressive snowfall in the Pacific Northwest mountains.

The Great Lakes and Ohio Valley regions are expected to see a "classic winter wonderland," which should provide good conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. The Old Farmer's Almanac's good news for skiers in the Southwest and Ohio Valley suggests that these regions could see above-average ski conditions.

For those who typically travel to traditional ski destinations, considering alternative locations could provide good conditions with potentially less crowding.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Farmers' Almanac winter 2025–2026 forecast released?

The Farmers' Almanac released its extended weather forecast for winter 2025–2026 on August 11, 2025. The release date is part of the publication's tradition of providing the winter outlook during the late summer, giving people time to prepare before the season begins.

How accurate are Farmers' Almanac winter forecasts?

The Farmers' Almanac uses a proprietary formula that incorporates astronomical factors, and its accuracy is a subject of ongoing debate. The publication does not publish official accuracy statistics.

The Old Farmer's Almanac similarly claims a high accuracy rate, but independent verification is difficult because the forecasts are general trend predictions rather than specific day-by-day forecasts. The best approach is to treat these forecasts as general guidance while relying on the National Weather Service for short-term, actionable weather information.

What is the difference between the Farmers' Almanac and the Old Farmer's Almanac?

The Farmers' Almanac and the Old Farmer's Almanac are two separate publications with different histories and forecasting methods. The Farmers' Almanac was founded in 1818 and is based in Lewiston, Maine.

The Old Farmer's Almanac was founded in 1792 and is based in Dublin, New Hampshire. Both publish annual winter forecasts, but they use different methods and sometimes reach different conclusions.

For the 2025–2026 winter, both predict a cold and snowy season, though they differ on some regional details.

When does the 2025–2026 winter season officially begin?

The winter season officially begins with the winter solstice on December 21, 2025. However, the Farmers' Almanac notes that cold and snow might make an appearance as early as September in some areas of the country.

This means that the "winter season" for practical purposes could begin well before the official start date.

What does the forecast say about winter 2026–2027?

The Farmers' Almanac has already published preliminary information about winter 2026–2027, which is expected to feature sharp contrasts across the country. The forecast mentions an active southern storm track expected to bring heavier-than-normal precipitation from California and the Southwest eastward.

Some regions could face repeated storms, raw rain, and heavy wet snow, while others might experience milder stretches interrupted by quick bursts of snow. This information was updated as of August 8, 2026.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.