Every year, millions of Americans wait for the Old Farmer’s Almanac weather prediction. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been predicting weather for more than 200 years. According to the Almanac, the prediction for 2025 says that Americans should expect two different winters. Some areas will be mild and manageable, and others will be extremely cold with snowstorms and icy blasts.
The Science Behind the Predictions
The Old Farmer’s Almanac explains that its forecasts are built using three core disciplines:
- Solar science: studying sunspots and solar activity.
- Climatology: analysing long-term weather patterns.
- Meteorology: looking at current atmospheric conditions.
There are meteorologists who pose questions about the accuracy of this; however, the Almanac is supported by many loyal people because it shows a holistic picture for people who are familiar with it and want to plan ahead.
A Split Winter Ahead
This winter’s outlook is summed up as “mild here, wild there.”
- • Shorter cold days, higher temperatures, and less snow are anticipated in certain areas.
- Others will deal with blizzards, icy rain, and colder-than-usual weather.
El Niño, La Niña, and fluctuating jet streams are major weather causes that cause the split; they frequently deliver winter storms to certain areas while sparing others.
Old Farmer’s Almanac: Mild, But Not Snow-Free
According to this year’s prediction, temperatures across a large portion of the continental U.S. will be close to average or perhaps slightly warmer. However, there are several exceptions. The Ohio Valley, Florida, the Appalachians, and the Southeast may see lower temperatures than usual, with chills that are more severe than those experienced in nearby areas.
There may be heavier snow in the following areas:
- The Carolinas
- The southern Appalachians
- The eastern Ohio Valley
- The southern Rockies
- Parts of the eastern Desert Southwest
According to the Almanac, the season will be drier than typical overall, with dry periods occurring from coast to coast. However, with above-normal rainfall, Florida, the Intermountain West, the southern High Plains, and the eastern Desert Southwest may defy the pattern.
Farmer’s Almanac: A Wilder Outlook
The Farmer’s Almanac, a distinct magazine that is sometimes mistaken for the Old Farmer’s Almanac, has a different perspective on the matter. The coldest outbreaks, according to its editors, will move from the Northern Plains to New England, with the most severe periods anticipated in mid-January and mid-February.
In their opinion, snowfall is also more intense, especially in the Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, and mid-Atlantic. Winter may even begin earlier in certain places, with snowfall in northern or higher elevation locations as early as September.
Why It Matters
There are some experts who say that the Almanac is accurate about 50-80% of the time. However, there are still millions of people who rely on this system for planning travel, farming and winter preparation.
People in the Midwest and Northeast could be digging out from recurrent snowstorms, while those in the South might be wondering where winter went.
How to Prepare
Even if you’re in a “mild” zone, surprises can happen. Experts recommend:
- Getting heating systems checked before the cold sets in.
- Keeping food, batteries, and blankets stocked at home.
- Packing an emergency kit for your car, especially in snowy regions.
- Watching your local weather updates, since conditions can change quickly.
The Bottom Line
The Old Farmer’s Almanac says winter 2025 will be a tale of two seasons. While the Northeast, Midwest, Great Plains, and Rockies should brace themselves for a rollercoaster ride of snow, ice, and storms, the South and West Coast should see a calmer, softer winter.
Whether or not all the details work out, one thing is for sure: winter is on the horizon, and being ready pays off.