Tag: Old Farmer’s Almanac

  • El Niño Returns: What It Means for DC Winter Weather

    El Niño Returns: What It Means for DC Winter Weather

    Washington D.C. Winter Forecast 2026–2027: Mild Temperatures, Below-Average Snowfall Predicted

    The Washington, D.C. region is entering the 2026–2027 winter season with a forecast that favors manageable conditions, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. While the DMV area recently dug out from a powerful storm that dumped snow and ice, canceled flights, and closed schools, the long-range outlook suggests a generally mild winter with above-normal temperatures and slightly below-normal snowfall.

    What the Almanac Projects for the Nation’s Capital

    Last winter delivered a major snowstorm that brought nearly 8 inches to the District and more than 12 inches to surrounding areas. This year, the Old Farmer’s Almanac indicates the capital will largely avoid the deep freezes and heavier snow totals expected in the Appalachians and central New England.

    Key Windows for Cold and Snow

    Even with a milder baseline, the forecast highlights specific periods when commute disruptions and winter weather are most likely:

    • Coldest periods: Early to mid-December, early to mid-January, and early and late February.
    • Snowiest periods: Late November, early and mid-January, early and late February, and late March.

    Climate Drivers Shaping the Season

    The Almanac attributes the outlook to a convergence of global atmospheric and oceanic patterns:

    El Niño’s Dominance

    Unusually warm waters in the Pacific are heavily influencing the North American jet stream. For the Mid-Atlantic, this strong El Niño translates to a largely warmer, drier winter baseline.

    Polar Vortex Threat

    While the season leans mild, D.C. remains vulnerable to the Polar Vortex. If this mass of Arctic air wobbles southward, the capital will experience sudden, biting temperature plunges.

    Global Wind and Ocean Anomalies

    A warm Atlantic pattern and a neutral-to-positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) are altering high-altitude storm tracks. Combined with decreasing solar activity as Solar Cycle 25 wanes, these complex variables ensure that while D.C. will avoid a relentless winter, sporadic winter weather events will still hit the region.

    Source: Information for this forecast was sourced from the Old Farmer’s Almanac Winter Weather Forecast 2026–2027.

  • Old Farmer’s Almanac Predicts September Weather Across the U.S.

    Old Farmer’s Almanac Predicts September Weather Across the U.S.

    The Old Farmer’s Almanac September weather outlook offers a region-by-region forecast for temperature and precipitation trends across the United States. The long-range forecast outlines broad patterns rather than exact day-to-day conditions, comparing expected conditions with historical averages.

    The Almanac says its forecasts combine solar science, climatology and meteorology. Its approach considers solar patterns, historical weather conditions, current solar activity, climate data and large-scale signals such as El Niño and La Niña.

    September Weather Forecast by Region

    New England and Northern Areas

    September begins with showery and cool conditions through September 7, followed by a sunny but still cool period from September 8 to 11. Rainy periods are expected before sunshine returns from September 12 to 19, while showers and cool conditions are forecast for the remainder of the month.

    The Almanac forecasts a temperature of 59 degrees, 2 degrees below average, with 5.5 inches of precipitation, around 2 inches above average.

    Atlantic Corridor

    The Atlantic Corridor is expected to see scattered thunderstorms from September 1 to 12, with warm conditions giving way to cooler weather. Scattered showers are forecast in the north from September 13 to 23, while the south remains sunny, before isolated showers and cool conditions affect the region during the final week.

    Precipitation is forecast at 3 inches, about 1 inch below average, while the temperature is expected to average 68 degrees, 1 degree below normal.

    Appalachians

    September starts sunny and warm in the Appalachians before scattered showers bring cooler conditions from September 7 to 12. From September 13 to 23, isolated showers are expected in the north while the south remains sunny, with cool temperatures turning warmer. Showers and cool weather follow from September 24 to 27, before the month ends with showers in the north, sunshine in the south and milder conditions.

    The region’s September temperature is forecast at 63 degrees, 2 degrees below average, with precipitation around 2 inches below average.

    Southeast

    The Southeast outlook calls for sunny and mild conditions to open September. Thunderstorms are expected before sunshine returns from September 8 to 18, accompanied by cooler weather. Another sunny and mild stretch follows through September 24, with the month ending sunny as cool conditions turn warmer.

    The Almanac forecasts a temperature of 74 degrees, 1 degree below average, and 2 inches of precipitation, about 3 inches below average.

    Florida

    Florida begins the month with scattered thunderstorms and conditions turning from warm to cooler through September 11. From September 12 to 20, the north is expected to be sunny while the south sees thunderstorms, with mild temperatures across the region. Sunshine is forecast to continue in the north through the end of the month, while isolated thunderstorms remain possible in the south.

    Precipitation is forecast at 7.5 inches, with the north 2 inches below average and the south 2 inches above average. The Almanac forecasts a temperature of 80 degrees, 1 degree below average.

    Lower Great Lakes

    The Lower Great Lakes region is expected to start September sunny, with cool conditions turning warmer through September 8. Rain and cooler weather are forecast from September 9 to 11, followed by periods of rain in the east and sunshine in the west through September 16. Showers are expected from September 17 through the end of the month, with cool temperatures becoming milder.

    The Almanac forecasts an average September temperature of 60 degrees, 2 degrees below normal, and 3 inches of precipitation, considered average.

    Ohio Valley

    September begins with scattered showers in the Ohio Valley, with warm weather turning cooler through September 9. Sunny conditions follow from September 10 to 20 as cool temperatures become warmer. The final 10 days are expected to bring scattered showers in the east and sunshine in the west, with cool conditions across the region.

    September’s temperature is forecast at 66 degrees, 2 degrees below average, with precipitation average in the east and 2 inches below average in the west.

    Deep South

    The Deep South begins September with sunshine followed by showers, while cool conditions turn warmer through September 8. Sunny and cool weather is expected from September 9 to 14, followed by sunny and warm conditions through September 23. Isolated showers are forecast during the final week, with cooler weather in the north and mild conditions in the south.

    The region’s temperature is forecast at 76 degrees, 1 degree below average, with precipitation around 2 inches below normal.

    Upper Midwest

    The Upper Midwest outlook starts with sunshine and a turn toward very warm conditions through September 6. A few showers and chilly weather are forecast from September 7 to 10, followed by sunshine and then showers through September 16. Rainy periods and cool conditions are expected from September 17 through the end of the month.

    The Almanac forecasts a temperature of 57 degrees, 2 degrees below average, and 3.5 inches of precipitation, a half inch above average.

    Heartland

    The Heartland is expected to begin September sunny and warm before a few showers accompany chilly conditions from September 6 to 9. Sunshine returns from September 10 to 16 as temperatures turn warmer, followed by thunderstorms through September 19. Sunny and hot weather is forecast from September 20 to 23, before isolated thunderstorms and cooler conditions close the month.

    The Almanac predicts an average September temperature of 68.5 degrees, a half-degree above normal, with 1.5 inches of precipitation, about 2 inches below average.

    Southern Plains

    The region begins September sunny and warm before a few thunderstorms and hot conditions develop from September 5 to 9. Sunny weather follows from September 10 to 19, with cool conditions turning hot. From September 20 to 25, the north is forecast to remain sunny while the south sees isolated thunderstorms, with hot weather across the region. Rainy periods, some heavy, are expected during the final five days as temperatures turn cooler.

    Precipitation is forecast at 4.5 inches, 1 inch above average, while the temperature is expected to average 78 degrees, also 1 degree above normal.

    High Plains

    September opens with sunshine and very warm conditions in the High Plains. From September 6 to 14, the north is expected to remain sunny while isolated thunderstorms develop in the south, with the region turning cooler. A few showers followed by sunshine are forecast from September 15 to 21, accompanied by warmer weather. Isolated showers and warm conditions are then expected through the end of the month.

    The Almanac forecasts a temperature of 65 degrees, 2 degrees above average, and precipitation a half inch below normal.

    Intermountain Region

    The Intermountain Region is forecast to begin September with sunshine in the north and isolated thunderstorms in the south, with warm conditions through September 8. Sunny weather follows from September 9 to 11, with hot conditions in the north and warm weather in the south. From September 12 to 21, sunshine is expected before a few showers develop, while the north remains cool and the south warm. The month ends with sunshine followed by rainy periods and a continuing north-south temperature divide.

    September precipitation is forecast at 1.5 inches, a half inch above average. Meanwhile, the temperature forecast is 64.5 degrees, 1 degree below average north and 2 degrees above average south.

    Desert Southwest

    The Desert Southwest begins September with a few thunderstorms and cool weather in the east, while the west remains sunny and warm. Sunny and warm conditions are forecast across the region from September 4 to 13. Isolated thunderstorms then give way to sunshine and very warm weather through September 22, before rainy periods and cooler conditions arrive from September 23 to 26. The final four days are expected to be sunny and cool.

    The Almanac forecasts an average temperature of 81 degrees, 1 degree above normal, with precipitation around the historical average at 1 inch.

    Pacific Northwest

    The Pacific Northwest starts September sunny and very warm, with those conditions expected to last through September 10. Showers followed by sunshine and cooler weather are forecast from September 11 to 17. Rainy periods and chilly conditions are then expected from September 18 through the end of the month.

    September’s temperature is forecast at 61 degrees, 1 degree below average, with 4.5 inches of precipitation, around 3 inches above average.

    Pacific Southwest

    The Pacific Southwest is expected to begin the month with sunny and warm conditions. From September 10 to 14, the region will see plenty of sunshine, with cool temperatures in the north and hot weather in the south. A few showers are forecast in the north from September 15 to 22, while the south remains sunny, before isolated showers and cool conditions affect the region during the final week.

    The Almanac forecasts a temperature of 72 degrees, considered average, with 0.3 inches of precipitation, about 0.2 inches above average.

    Alaska

    Alaska begins September with rain and snow showers in the north, a few showers in central areas and rainy conditions in the south, with temperatures turning cooler through September 12. Flurries are forecast in the north from September 13 to 18, while the east and west see a few showers and chilly conditions. Periods of rain and snow are expected in northern and central Alaska from September 19 through the end of the month, with a few showers in the south and cold conditions.

    The Almanac forecasts temperatures 2 degrees below average, with precipitation below normal in both the north and south.

    Hawaii

    Hawaii’s outlook begins with scattered showers and warm conditions through September 8. Heavy rain is possible in the west from September 9 to 11, followed by heavy rain in the east and sunshine in central and western areas through September 14. Isolated showers are then forecast in the east, while central and western areas remain sunny and temperatures turn hot. The Almanac flags a tropical storm threat from September 23 to 25, before showers and warm conditions close the month.

    September precipitation is forecast at 3.3 inches, with rainfall 4 inches above average in the east and west but a half inch below average in central areas. The temperature is forecast to be 81 degrees, a half degree below average.

    Source: www.newsweek.com

  • MAPPED: Old Farmer’s Almanac Warns of a ‘Snowier-Than-Normal’ Winter

    MAPPED: Old Farmer’s Almanac Warns of a ‘Snowier-Than-Normal’ Winter

    Homeowners across the United States should prepare for winter 2026–2027 based on regional conditions, as the Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a season of mild stretches, sudden freezes, and heavy snow in some areas.

    “Winter won’t look the same everywhere this year,” shared Carol Connare, editor-in-chief of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. “While much of the country is headed for a milder season, some areas will still see plenty of cold and snow.”

    Which homeowners will see the most snow?

    According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac winter forecast, the heaviest snowfall is expected from central New England through the Appalachians, across the Intermountain region and Pacific Northwest, and into Alaska.

    Southern parts of the Northeast are also expected to receive above-normal snowfall, particularly in mid- and late December, mid-January, and early and late March. Northern Appalachian communities, especially those at higher elevations, could see significant accumulation during peak snow periods in mid-January and throughout February.

    Some of this winter activity is expected to be influenced by the transition from a Super El Niño to a more active La Niña season. Homeowners in these areas should be prepared to clear heavy snow from roofs, monitor for damaging ice dams, and maintain proper foundation drainage during sudden thaws.

    The Intermountain region and the Pacific Northwest are also expected to experience above-normal snowfall along with wet winter precipitation. Intermountain communities could see their snowiest periods in late November, late December, and early February. Pacific Northwest residents should prepare for heavy snow events in late December, mid-January, and mid-February.

    Mountain properties in the Pacific Southwest may receive substantial snowfall after the start of the new year. In Alaska, above-average snowfall is forecast throughout an extended season, with peak accumulation expected in mid-November, early and late January, mid-February, and late March.

    Where will it be coldest this winter?

    Although milder winter conditions are expected across much of the country during the 2026–2027 season, the Almanac also forecasts severe below-normal cold snaps in some regions.

    The most intense and prolonged cold is expected to extend from central New England south through the Appalachians and into the Ohio Valley. In the southern Northeast and Appalachian region, the coldest periods are forecast for mid-January through mid- to late February. Homeowners in the Ohio Valley could experience the sharpest chill during back-to-back freezes in mid- and late January.

    In these eastern cold zones, homeowners should insulate unheated basements, wrap exposed plumbing, and schedule furnace inspections before January. These steps can help prevent burst pipes and unexpectedly high heating costs.

    Hawaii is also expected to experience below-normal temperatures during the winter, with the coolest periods forecast for early to mid-November, early December, late January into early February, and early March.

    Meanwhile, areas expected to have generally milder or above-normal average temperatures—including the Upper Midwest, Lower Lakes, Deep South, and Desert Southwest—could still face sudden freezes. Upper Midwest homeowners should prepare for severe cold in mid- to late January, while Lower Lakes residents could see extreme chills in early January and early February.