Old Farmer's Almanac news
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The gist
The Old Farmer's Almanac released its fall 2026 forecast, predicting cooler Northeast and warmer Gulf Coast. The forecast guides seasonal planning but meteorologists caution it's broad guidance, not exact.
Background
The Old Farmer's Almanac, published since 1792, issues long-range seasonal forecasts using a proprietary formula combining solar science, climatology, and meteorology. Its fall 2026 forecast has been widely covered by regional news outlets, offering predictions for temperature and precipitation across the U.S. The Almanac remains a popular cultural reference for weather outlooks, despite known limitations in accuracy.
How it unfolded
- Aug 15, 2026The Old Farmer's Almanac updated its winter 2026-27 forecast page, highlighting El Niño as a major climate signal.
- Aug 18, 2026News outlets began publishing comparisons between the Almanac's fall forecast and the National Weather Service's outlook, noting discrepancies.
- Aug 19, 2026Regional coverage of the fall forecast expanded, including specific predictions for New Jersey and Mississippi.
- Aug 20, 2026More local outlets, such as the News & Observer, discussed the forecast's implications for winter weather in North Carolina.
- Aug 21, 2026The Pioneer Woman published a summary of the fall forecast, highlighting what to expect across the U.S.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center favors above-normal temperatures for much of California, contrasting with the Almanac's cooler outlook.
- Expert
- Meteorologists caution that long-range forecasts are difficult and should be viewed as broad seasonal guidance rather than exact predictions.
- Public
- Some readers find the Almanac's forecasts fun to read, while others rely on them for planning, as noted in coverage.
Still unverified
The Almanac's specific accuracy for the 2026 fall season is unverified; past performance does not guarantee future results.