The Old Farmer’s Almanac Winter Weather Advisory: Out Cold! Get Ready for Winter’s Wallop!

The 2020 Old Farmer’s Almanac is just $7.99 and can be purchased wherever books and magazines are sold or from our General Store on Almanac.com. 

August 29, 2019 - The 2020 Old Farmer’s Almanac is warning that this winter, there’ll be s’no escape from shivers, snowflakes, and slush. North America’s most experienced long-range prognosticator is forecasting “snowy, icy, and icky” conditions, “wet and wild” periods, and “a parade of snowstorms” that will transform the landscape.

 “This winter will be remembered for big chills and strong storms bringing a steady roofbeat of heavy rain and sleet, not to mention piles of snow,” says Janice Stillman, editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which was 80.5% accurate in predicting last winter’s wild weather.

The 2020 Old Farmer’s Almanac is calling for frequent snow events—from flurries to no fewer than seven big snowstorms from coast to coast, including two in April for the Intermountain region west of the Rockies. This snow-verload will include storms pummeling Washington state and points eastward across the northern-tier states into Michigan. For the normally rain-soaked Northwest, this could mean a repeat of last winter’s record-breaking extremes, including the Snowpocalypse that dumped 20.2 inches on Seattle in February.

The middle of the country and New England can bank on a slush fund, as “more wet than white” conditions will leave sludgy messes that freeze during the overnights. Meanwhile, much of the Deep South will be saturated by soakers. As winter rages, the tip of the nice-berg will be Florida, the Gulf Coast, and Texas, which will bask in pleasant weather.

Mother Nature’s Cold Shoulder

Bone-chilling cold could make some snow-socked areas even more un-brrr-able. Prepare to shiver from the Heartland westward to the Pacific Coast starting just after New Year’s. The cold will continue through Valentine’s Day—providing the perfect excuse to stay indoors and snuggle!—but be warned: Winter will not be over yet!

Potential escapees should take note that during the heart of winter, even typically tropical Hawaii will feel the chill, with cooler temperatures coupled with showers and heavy thunderstorms.

The Never-Ending Winter?

For some parts of the country, frigid and frosty conditions will last well into spring, bringing little relief to the winter-weary.

“This could feel like the never-ending winter, particularly in the Midwest and east to the Ohio Valley and Appalachians, where wintery weather will last well into March and even through the first days of spring,” reports Stillman.

As winter melts into spring, temperatures will warm up in Alaska and the eastern two-thirds of the Lower 48. A searing summer will bring “scorching” temperatures to the High Plains; “sizzle and drizzle” from the middle of the country eastward to the coast; and “wicked hot” weather to the Northeast.

A Forecast Not Just for Farmers

The 2020 Old Farmer’s Almanac provides weather predictions for Alaska, Hawaii, and 16 regions across the continental U.S. While the Almanac’s prognosticators still use a formula created by founder Robert B. Thomas, the methodology has been refined and enhanced to include state-of-the-art technology and modern scientific calculations. The borders of the 16 weather regions in the contiguous United States are based primarily on topography and the movement of weather systems.

Over 3 million print copies of The Old Farmer’s Almanac are sold each year.

The 2020 Old Farmer’s Almanac is available now, for just $7.99. Pick up a copy wherever books and magazines are sold, including at Almanac.com/Shop and Amazon.com or by calling 800-ALMANAC. Save a tree with the digital version from Almanac.com/Shop, iTunes, or Amazon.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac—with its iconic yellow cover—originates from Yankee Publishing Inc. in Dublin, New Hampshire. The Almanac’s editors also produce the annual Garden Guide, digital monthly magazine EXTRA!, The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids, calendars, and cookbooks such as Readers’ Best Recipes; and their all-new, soon-to-be-released Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook. Daily Almanac wit and wisdom is available through Almanac.com, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and the Amazon Echo and Google Home voice assistants.
Source: The Old Farmer’s Almanac