Farmers’ Almanac Predicts Wet and Windy Winter for 2024-2025
The Farmers’ Almanac, a trusted source for weather guidance for over 200 years, has released its predictions for the winter of 2024-2025. According to the almanac, we can expect a wet and windy season ahead.
The forecast covers 16 months of predicted weather patterns, with the U.S. bracing for a “wet winter whirlwind.” Rapid-fire storms are expected to bring rain and snow across the country, with a deep chill settling over the Northern Plains and Great Lakes regions.
The impact of La Niña on the weather, combined with the almanac’s long-standing formula, leads experts to anticipate a cold and wet winter for most locations. In terms of snowfall, the mountainous regions of New England and the Northeast are expected to receive above-average amounts, while the Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, and Southeast should prepare for a wet and slushy season.
Residents on the coasts can expect heavy rain, while those in the Southwest and South Central U.S. may experience a drier winter than usual. The extended forecasts provided by the Farmers’ Almanac have been a tradition since 1818, offering insights into upcoming weather patterns.
Is the Farmers’ Almanac Accurate?
Like its competitor, the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Farmers’ Almanac relies on a proprietary formula for its predictions. The forecaster, known only as “Caleb Weatherbee,” bases their forecasts on solar activity cycles, lunar motion, tidal action, and stratospheric winds over the equator. While this approach differs from modern meteorology, which uses satellite data and complex algorithms, the almanac’s long history suggests reliability.
However, a study from the University of Illinois in 2010 found that the Almanac was only 52% accurate, similar to flipping a coin. Despite this, the Farmers’ Almanac remains a trusted source for many seeking insights into long-term weather patterns.