Americans better bundle up this winter as forecasters are predicting a season full of rain, snow and ice.
As many are soaking up the last days of summer — with some already looking at fall candles and Halloween decorations — the 200-year-old Farmer’s Almanac is back with its 2026-2027 winter weather report.
While some regions could be battered by repeated storms of rain and heavy, wet snow, others may experience milder weather with some quick cold snaps, according to the report.
“Keep the snow shovel, rain boots, and ice scraper close at hand. This winter, you may need all three,” warned Caleb Weatherbee, the official forecaster for the Almanac who prepared the report.
The South
Weatherbee warned that an El Niño that formed this summer is expected to bring wetter conditions across much of the southern U.S.
El Niño is part of a weather system that cycles warm and cool water in the tropical Pacific Ocean and influences other weather events, such as rainfall. El Niño typically brings milder weather to the North and wetter conditions across the South.
El Niño developed in the tropical Pacific in early June and was predicted to intensify this fall. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center said there was an 81 percent chance of a very strong El Niño from October to December.
Across the southern tier from Southern California and the Desert Southwest through Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Southeast can expect frequent storms, muddy conditions and occasional bursts of cold air.
There’s also a chance of sleet, freezing rain or heavy, wet snow in the region.
The North
Winter weather in the North could be unpredictable, with possible sudden snow squalls, strong winds and surges of cold air predicted in the northern Plains, Upper Midwest and Great Lakes.
The Northeast
Inland areas of the Northeast will get the brunt of winter weather with several potential rounds of heavy, wet snow, especially in January and February. Those living on the coast may get more rain or mixed precipitation.
The Northwest
The Pacific Northwest may have a more unpredictable snow season.
The transition from mild summer weather to severe fall weather can happen very suddenly in the region, the Pacific Northwest Trail Association warns.
There’s an 80 to 85 percent accuracy rate on the Almanac’s regional outlooks, according to the publication.
Colorado meteorologist Cory Reppenhagen says that the Almanac’s forecasts are often vague.
"In the winters, they predict it's going to be cold, so that's not too difficult," Reppenhagen, from the 9NEWS Weather Impact Team, said. "And in the summer they say it's going to be warm.
“The perception with the public is that it is very accurate."
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