As hot and miserable as summer can get, we all know it will eventually being overtaken by the cold of winter. For those looking for hints as to what the winter months might have in store this year, the “Farmers’ Almanac” has released its Winter 2022/2023 forecast, and a bit earlier than usual this year. In fact, this is the earliest the publication has ever released its winter outlook, which the Almanac says is due to sweltering summer weather conditions as well as “growing concern over the rising costs of heating oil.” Below are some of the forecast highlights for this winter, which Farmer’s Almanac warns will have many of us “shaking, shivering, and shoveling.”
How much snow is expected this winter? The first day of winter 2022-2023 falls on December 21, which will also be the shortest day of the year. However, Farmer’s Almanac forecasts an earlier arrival of winter-like conditions with all of December looking “stormy and cold nationwide.” The silver lining in these expected storm patterns is that it could make for a white Christmas in some parts of the country! Breaking it down by region:
Northeast: Farmer’s Almanac forecasts this winter will overall will be dominated by an active storm track in the eastern half of the country, running from the western Gulf of Mexico to the Northeast, across the Virginias, and across interior New York State and New England.
Southeast: Areas south of the previously mentioned storm track (much of the Southeast) will see frequent storms bringing cold rains and a wintry mix of wet snow, sleet, ice, freezing rain—as well as chilly temperatures.
Ohio Valley and Great Lakes: The I-95 corridor can be included in this winter mix zone with places to the north of the track seeing the precipitation fall more as snow and at times, a lot of it. This may be especially true over the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes area.
North Central States: Snow lovers will be happy in the North Central States as they will see a fair share of storminess during the winter season, which should mean plenty of snow for winter enthusiasts to enjoy (maybe even in time for a white Christmas?).
South Central States: The South Central States are forecast to see some accumulating snow, especially in early January.
West: The Far West and the Pacific Northwest will see about-normal winter precipitation; however, the Southwest will experience less than normal.
Winter 2022/2023 Weather Disturbances are forecast to be significant. Some of those include:
- January 1-7 in the Rockies and across the Plains, the Almanac forecasts good potential for heavy snow that may reach as far south as Texas and Oklahoma, followed by a sweep of bitterly cold air.
- January 16-23 could bring bouts of heavy rain and snow across the eastern two-thirds of the country followed by what might be one of the coldest outbreaks of arctic air in several years. Farmer’s Almanac expects temps in some areas could dip as low as -40 below zero!
How cold is it going to get? Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting frigid temperatures for many areas of the country, especially in the North Central region.
Northeast: Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a cold December and very cold January for the Northeast but expects February will bring milder temperatures that should make winter seem more bearable.
Southeast: The Southeast will experience some colder-than-normal temps, especially during the month of January. February, however, will likewise warm the region to near-normal winter season temperatures overall.
Great Lakes: Winter will feel unreasonably cold for readers in the Great Lakes region, especially in January.
North Central States: According to the Almanac, the North Central states are forecast to experience extremely cold temperatures, (possibly 40° below zero!)—especially during mid-January.
South Central States: Farther south, into the Southern Plains, temperatures will average chillier than normal.
West: The Pacific Northwest will see brisk/cool conditions, and the Southwest will be the mild area of the country, with near-normal winter temperatures.
How does Farmers’ Almanac generate their weather forecasts? Every year since 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac has provided extended weather forecasts for Canada and the US, making it the oldest source of consecutively published weather forecasts. Interestingly, the Almanac actually gives a pseudonym to its official forecaster, Caleb Weatherbee, which has been passed down to forecasters for years. The Farmers’ Almanac has stated that its method is an exclusive mathematical and astronomical formula that relies on sunspot activity, tidal action of the moon, planetary position and other factors. The Farmers’ Almanac claims that followers report around an 80% to 85% accuracy for its predictions, though scientific analyses has shown that its forecasts have panned out at a rate closer to 50% accuracy. Learn more at Farmers’ Almanac.
