Winter is approaching, a fact as inevitable as the changing seasons. Though September is ending, preparing for the 2026-2027 winter season is essential. The weather could vary across regions, with possibilities of snow, cold temperatures, or perhaps a milder winter.
Almanacs’ Insights Into Winter Weather
Both the Old Farmer’s Almanac and Farmers’ Almanac have released their winter predictions. The Farmers’ Almanac warns of snow, sleet, and unpredictable weather, while the Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests a mild season, except for colder, snowier spots.
The Farmers’ Almanac offers details about precipitation in seven U.S. regions. The Upper Plains and Midwest are expected to see snowfall, whereas the Gulf and southern East Coast may experience wet conditions. Coastal New England is anticipated to face storms.
The Farmers’ Almanac winter forecast for 2026/2027. (Farmers’ Almanac)
The Old Farmer’s Almanac highlights mild conditions throughout most of the U.S. Cold temperatures are forecasted for the Ohio Valley and southern New England. Hawaii could see cool weather. Dryness is expected in most of the Plains, with wet conditions anticipated along the Pacific Coast, parts of the Gulf, and Midwest.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s forecast for the 2026/2027 winter season. (Old Farmer’s Almanac)
Although these forecasts claim 80% accuracy, meteorologist Rich Segal remarks that accuracy over long periods is uncertain.
National Weather Service’s Outlook
Like the almanacs, the National Weather Service’s predictions are subject to change. Specific events like major winter storms cannot be forecasted. According to Jon Gottschalck of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, detailed predictions are not feasible.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has released seasonal forecasts, suggesting warmer-than-normal temperatures due to the potent El Niño phenomenon. Southern states might experience above-average precipitation from October through January.
You can view the seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks for November through January in the slideshow below: The seasonal precipitation outlook for November, December, and January. This outlook was released by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center in mid-September, 2026. The seasonal temperature outlook for November, December, and January.
Impact of El Niño
El Niño will influence weather differently across the northern and southern U.S. The northern states will likely be drier and warmer, while southern states may experience cooler, wetter conditions. Brian James, a Nexstar meteorologist, confirms that occasional cold spells could affect the central U.S., but substantial snowfall in the north is unlikely.
Ultimately, almanac predictions may help plan activities, but accuracy is not absolute. Sandi Duncan, editor of the Farmers’ Almanac, states that while predictions remain helpful, Mother Nature determines the final weather conditions.
Nexstar’s Alix Martichoux contributed to this report.