Millions across the northern half of the United States are being warned to prepare for a winter characterized by bitter cold and heavy snowfall, according to the latest predictions from the Farmers' Almanac. The publication, which has been releasing its forecasts since 1818, has issued its Winter 2026-2027 outlook, anticipating a season filled with coastal storms and significant snow.
Approximately 150 million individuals residing in 29 states, stretching from Maine to Montana, are expected to experience periods of snow and freezing temperatures between December 2026 and March 2027. The Farmers' Almanac specifically forecasts "fast-moving clippers, sudden cold snaps and brief snowy periods" for regions including the West, Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes.
In the Northeast, the forecast suggests a more complex winter with coastal areas potentially seeing more rain or a mix of sleet and ice. However, inland areas such as Pennsylvania, western New York, and parts of New England could face multiple instances of heavy, wet snow, particularly in January and February.
The Farmers' Almanac bases its predictions on a formula developed by its founding editor, David Young. This model, which the almanac claims boasts an 80 to 85 percent accuracy rate, incorporates factors including sunspot activity, tidal influences of the moon, planetary positions, lunar cycles, and historical weather data.
The forecast also extends to the southern half of the U.S., predicting increased precipitation, especially in the Southwest and along the Gulf Coast. These areas are advised to be vigilant for frequent storm systems, muddy conditions, and occasional cold air intrusions. The almanac notes that when colder air encounters abundant moisture, storms could yield sleet, freezing rain, or heavy, wet snow, with the southern Rockies potentially receiving significant mountain snowfall.