7 Day Forecast
As summer heat continues across much of the country, many people are already wondering what kind of winter is ahead.
The Farmers’ Almanac released its 2026-2027 winter weather forecast, offering a look at what temperatures, storms and precipitation could look like across the United States.
"Snow, sleet, and surprises" could define the winter season, it said.
Forecast by region
South: An active southern storm track is expected to bring wetter-than-normal conditions from Southern California and the Southwest through Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Southeast. Some storms could bring sleet, freezing rain or heavy, wet snow when cold air moves in.
West: Changeable conditions are expected, with a less predictable snow season in the Pacific Northwest. The southern Rockies could see above-average mountain snowfall.
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Northern Plains, Upper Midwest and Great Lakes: Temperatures are expected to average near normal, but quick cold snaps, snow squalls, blustery winds and brief snowy periods are possible.
Middle U.S.: Expect frequent swings between thawing and freezing conditions, creating rapidly changing road and field conditions.
Northeast: One of the most complicated winter patterns is expected, with coastal areas more likely to see rain or mixed precipitation while inland locations could see rounds of heavy, wet snow, especially in January and February.
Mid-Atlantic: A secondary storm track could bring opportunities for rain, wintry mixes and snow as storms move along the Eastern Seaboard.
A man walks through snow March 15 in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
What about precipitation?
The Farmers’ Almanac expects an active storm pattern across the southern U.S., with above-normal precipitation possible from California eastward through the Southeast.
Another storm path could bring additional precipitation opportunities along the East Coast, including rain, sleet and snow from the mid-Atlantic into New England.
Because temperatures may frequently hover near freezing, the type of precipitation could change quickly. A small shift in temperatures or storm tracks could mean the difference between rain, ice or accumulating snow.
Is the forecast accurate?
The Farmers’ Almanac has published long-range weather predictions since 1818, using a proprietary forecasting method it says combines natural cycles, solar activity, lunar influences and historical weather patterns.
The publication says its regional forecasts are 80% to 85% accurate, though independent reviews found long-range forecasts can be much less reliable than short-term weather predictions.
Meteorologists generally caution that seasonal forecasts months in advance carry significant uncertainty, especially when predicting conditions for specific locations.
A pedestrian makes his way through blowing snow March 16 in Milwaukee.
Will El Niño affect winter?
El Niño is expected to remain an important influence during the winter season, according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
During El Niño winters, changes in the Pacific Ocean and atmosphere can shift storm tracks across the U.S. The pattern often favors wetter conditions across parts of the southern U.S. and can influence where storms develop and travel.
However, every El Niño event is different, and other weather patterns also will determine how winter unfolds.
When does fall begin?
The first official day of fall 2026 is Sept. 22, the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.
The equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, bringing almost equal amounts of daylight and darkness around the world. After the equinox, days will continue to grow shorter and nights longer across Texas and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere until the winter solstice in December.
However, the meteorological fall season starts Sept. 1 and runs through Nov. 30, aligning with the calendar months used to track seasonal weather patterns.
When will winter start?
The first official day of winter 2026 is Dec. 21, the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
The solstice occurs when the sun reaches its southernmost point relative to the equator, the shortest day and longest night of the year for much of the Northern Hemisphere.
Meteorological winter starts Dec. 1 and runs through Feb. 28.
Tale of two almanacs
The Farmers' Almanac was founded in 1818, while the Old Farmer's Almanac was founded in 1792; they are two separate publications. Both publish long-range weather forecasts using their own proprietary methods.
The Farmers' Almanac announced it would end publication after its 2026 edition due to financial pressures, but the historic publication later was acquired by new ownership in January 2026, preventing its permanent closure, according to its website.
The Farmers' Almanac will continue online, with plans underway to revive and expand its print edition.
