The ‘Farmers’ Almanac’ Winter Forecast Is Here, and It’s Full of Surprises

Jonnie Samanen//Getty ImagesWinter brings plenty of reasons to get cozy, whether you’re watching the snow fall outside the window or warming up with a big bowl of homemade soup. But the season also brings frosty windshields and the occasional scramble to find a snow shovel.

So, what kind of weather can you expect this year? The Farmers’ Almanac just released its winter forecast for 2026–2027, and its predictions suggest a mix of storms, cold snaps, and wintry precipitation across the country. If you’re wondering what that could mean for your neck of the woods, here’s a look at what the forecast says.

According to the publication’s map, this winter could bring stormy weather across the South, blasts of bitter cold in the North, and a whole lot of weather-related guesswork in the Northeast.

Looking closer: Down south, an active storm track could bring wetter-than-usual conditions to parts of the Southwest, Texas, the Gulf Coast, and Southeast. When colder air moves in, that extra moisture could mean more than just rainy days, too. Some areas may see sleet, freezing rain, or even a surprise snowfall, while the southern Rockies could get some impressive mountain snow.

Meanwhile, the northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes could see their fair share of chilly spells, gusty winds, and quick-moving snowstorms, even with temperatures expected to average near normal overall. Milder stretches may offer a break from the cold, but don’t put those heavy coats away just yet.

Folks in the Northeast may want to keep their winter gear close at hand. Coastal areas could see more rain and mixed precipitation, while inland communities may experience several rounds of heavy, wet snow, particularly in January and February. With temperatures hovering near freezing, even a small change in conditions could determine whether a storm brings snow, sleet, or a messy mix of both.

Of course, long-range forecasts are more of a sneak peek than a guarantee, so you’ll have to wait and see what winter actually has up its sleeve. In the meantime, there’s no harm in pulling out your coziest sweaters and bookmarking a few favorite comfort food recipes. Because whether it’s snowing, sleeting, or pouring outside, a pot of homemade chili always sounds like a pretty good idea!

Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.

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