The Old Farmer's Almanac has released its winter weather predictions for 2026-2027, forecasting a "wet and wild" season across the United States. The forecast points to colder temperatures in southern states, icy conditions in the North, and unexpected downpours in desert areas, influenced by the return of the El Niño climate pattern after a three-year absence.
Northeast: Complex Winter Patterns
The Northeast may experience one of the season's most complex winter patterns. While El Niño typically brings warmer winters to northern states, it can also cause sudden, unpredictable storms. Coastal areas can expect rain or a mix of rain and snow, while inland cities might see heavy, wet snow, particularly in January and February.
Southwest: Desert Downpours and Cold Surges
Communities from Southern California to Texas are likely to face more frequent storms, bringing rain to the region. The southern Rockies can also anticipate more sleet, freezing rain, and heavy, wet snow as wetter air interacts with cooler temperatures.
Deep South: Colder Temperatures and Rain
The storm track is expected to extend through the Gulf Coast, affecting states from Louisiana to Florida. Residents and travelers should prepare for colder-than-usual temperatures combined with sudden storms. Northern states in the South, such as Tennessee and Kentucky, may see increased snow and ice.
Pacific Northwest and Midwest: Unpredictable Seasons
The Pacific Northwest is predicted to have a more changeable and less dependable snow season. Further inland, northern Midwest states might experience a drier winter as more moisture shifts southward. However, brief but intense periods of cold, wind, and snow remain possible.
The wider Midwest region, from Missouri to Montana, is likely to have breezier, drier days with less snow than usual. In contrast, the Great Lakes region should prepare for extended periods of sleet, icy rain, and wet, heavy snow.
The Almanac's overall prediction suggests that the 2026-2027 winter may be defined by contrasts, including an active southern storm track, sudden cold snaps in the North, and a mixed precipitation forecast for the Northeast. Residents are advised to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, potentially requiring snow shovels, rain boots, and ice scrapers.