gg2
Farmers' Almanac winter forecast
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Farmers' Almanac forecasts a 'cool, wet, and stormy' winter for the Southeast. El Niño and ocean patterns drive the 2026-27 outlook, promising 'Snow, Sleet, and Surprises.'
Background
The Farmers' Almanac, published since 1818, uses a proprietary formula combining solar activity, lunar influences, and historical weather patterns to issue long-range forecasts. Its 2026-27 winter outlook highlights El Niño as a major factor, expecting an active southern storm track and sharp regional contrasts across North America.
How it unfolded
- Aug 13, 2026Farmers' Almanac releases its 2026-2027 winter forecast with the theme 'Snow, Sleet, and Surprises.'
- Aug 14, 2026Regional forecasts for the Dakotas and Oregon are published, noting near-normal temperatures and changeable snow conditions.
- Aug 18, 2026The Old Farmer's Almanac highlights El Niño as a major player in shaping the winter outlook.
- Aug 19, 2026Georgia-specific forecast details a 'cool, wet, and stormy' winter with potential for sleet, freezing rain, or heavy snow.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The Farmers' Almanac claims its regional forecasts are 80-85% accurate, based on its proprietary formula.
- Analysts
- Meteorologists caution that long-range forecasts are generally uncertain and less reliable than short-term predictions.
Still unverified
The claim of 80-85% accuracy is from the almanac itself and not independently verified.