Turn back the dial to 1792. This was 94 years before cars were introduced and 111 years prior to the first airplane flight. But since Robert B. Thomas founded his publication that year—a staggering 232 years ago—The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been releasing long-term seasonal forecasts annually.
True, technology has progressed a lot since then, and most modern-day meteorologists maintain that anything beyond a 10-day forecast is little more than conjecture. Still, with The Almanac’s self-reported 80 percent accuracy average, there’s something captivating about reviewing the brand’s winter predictions to see how close they are to predicting the future.
The authors of the Old Farmer's Almanac rely on a formula that taps into meteorological methods old (solar science and the study of sunspots) and new (climatology and the analyzation of weather patterns as well as the atmosphere).
In case you’re curious about how last year’s predictions stacked up, check out our recap of the 2023-2024 Almanac winter weather preview. Wondering what’s on the horizon after the next solstice, December 21, 2024? The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2024-2025 Winter Forecast claims to have hints.
“This winter, temperatures will be up and snowfall down throughout most of the United States,” reports Carol Connare, the Almanac’s editor-in-chief. “While there will still be plenty of chilly temperatures and snow for most slopes, the high heating costs associated with the season shouldn’t hit so hard. We’re predicting a temperate, uneventful winter—potentially a welcome reprieve from the extremes of recent years.”
There are a few outliers, though, and some portions of America will be much more rainy or snowy than usual. Residents of Florida, parts of the South, and the lower portion of California should keep their umbrellas handy. And individuals who reside in the Rockies, central and southern Appalachia, and western Ohio Valley will have prime conditions for sledding and skiing—and putting their snow blowers or shovels to good use.
If you’re curious about what the Almanac’s authors have to say about the forecast in your neck of the woods, check out this region-by-number map to determine where you land. Then read on for your specific weather prediction below.
- Region 1: Northeast — The normally chilly and snowy states that make up this area (Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and eastern New York) are expected to get a reprieve this year, as the authors anticipate a gentler and slightly warmer (by about 4°F on average) season. Those who count down to snowball fights and snowshoeing can still look forward to some precip; just about 1 percent less than the average winter. Fresh blankets of snow are most likely in early December, mid-February, and early March.
- Region 2: Atlantic Corridor — This East coast area is home to several major metros like Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, which also means plenty of commuters. Travel conditions should be mostly smooth in the northern portion of the region, since snowfall is anticipated at below-normal levels. In the southern part, snow might fly more than usual, especially in late December and late February. Temperatures will be mostly above average, except during mid-December, early and late January, and late February cold snaps.
- Region 3: Appalachians — Normal winters are cold and dry along this section of the Eastern states, but this year’s winter appears to be more temperate. The majority of residents can bank on below-normal precipitation, except for in the southern Appalachians, which may get a decent dose of snow in late December, late February, and early March.
- Region 4: Southeast — Eastern cities like Savannah and Raleigh might be slightly cooler than usual, but on the west side of this territory, like in and around Atlanta, the conditions will likely be warmer than average. Keep your coats handy in late November, late January, and late February, when the coldest eras are expected. “Precipitation and snowfall will be above normal,” the authors hypothesize, and “the best chance for snow is in late January and early and late February,” which is just in time for New Orleans to host Super Bowl 2025. (Luckily, the Superdome is covered and climate-controlled.)
- Region 5: Florida — Flying south in winter isn’t just common for birds. A substantial amount of humans flock to Florida; the state is home to four of the top 10 destinations for snowbirds, according to one 2022 study. They'll want to pack layers, as this winter will be a hint cooler than usual, except for during February, which the Almanac pros expect to be 3°F above average. No snow appears to be on the horizon, although rainfall levels might be slightly higher than par.
- Region 6: Lower Lakes — If you dream of a White Christmas, this section of the country that includes Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania could be a wonderful place to celebrate. Snowfall rates will probably be below average, except during late December, from late January into early February, and from late February into early March. As for temperatures, they’ll be warmer in the east and colder in the west.
- Region 7: Ohio Valley — Keep those extra blankets nearby; this Valley is one of few parts of the U.S. that will be more blustery (about 4°F below average) than typical. Late January through early February and late February will be the chilliest times, and this aligns with when these states will be hit with above-normal snowfall.
- Region 8: Deep South — Warm and wet is what locals in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and nearby states can anticipate this winter. Across the board, the authors anticipate about a 2°F warmer winter, on average, with just a few colder spells in early and late November, from late January into early February, and in late February.
- Region 9: Upper Midwest — Those who call Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the northern art of Michigan home are hearty folks, and they normally have to conquer frigid and blizzard-spiked seasons. This year, though, the Upper Midwest will be less snowy and slightly warmer than standard. Snow is still predicted to fly throughout the season, including in late November, late December, mid- and late January, early February, and mid-March.
- Region 10: Heartland — On a similar note, people with roots planted in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and eastern Kansas can plan on a warmer and dryer winter this year. Just be ready with soup and tea in late January as well as early late February, when snow and cold will come in tandem.
- Region 11: Texas-Oklahoma — Those who suffered through the brutal ice storms and power outages a couple years ago can take a deep breath and exhale a sigh of relief: winter 2024 will be warm and dry from the stretch that spans from San Antonio to Oklahoma City. The best chances for snow and slightly colder conditions appear to be in early and late February.
- Region 12: High Plains — Warm weather and normal snowfall levels await those who call cities like Amarillo, Denver, Bismarck, and Billings home. Those flurries and snowflakes will be scattered fairly evenly throughout the season, with heaviest levels expected mid-November, mid- and late January, and late February.
- Region 13: Intermountain — If you’re searching for a snowy escape this year, you might want to plan a winter vacation to the western Rocky Mountain region. Utah, Colorado, and the mountainous parts of California should see average or above average snowfall (peaking in mid-November, early and late January, and mid-March). Paired with above normal temperatures, the conditions should be ideal for those who enjoy winter sports.
- Region 14: Desert Southwest — Although the variances won’t be extreme, Arizona, New Mexico, and the portion of Nevada that includes Las Vegas will be colder and rainier than the norm. Those who crave warmer conditions can mark their calendars for January, when the Almanac expects it to be 3°F above average. (Then prepare to layer up in March, which flips to 3°F below average.
- Region 15: Pacific Northwest — Seattle, Portland, and their Pacific Northwest peers have a reputation for being drizzly and gray in winter, and this year will mostly stick to that theme. But it’s a split story here: In the north, it will be snowier and colder than is common. In the south, less precipitation and warmer weather may be ahead.
- Region 16: Pacific Southwest — The Pacific coast has faced quite tumultuous weather in the past few years, ranging from wildfires to downspouts to drought. This winter, it will be warmer and wetter than most, with the stormiest periods planned for mid-December, early January, and mid- and late February.
- Region 17: Alaska — When we think of Alaska, we think of bundling up. However, this winter, it won’t be necessary to do so to the same degree, as the authors foresee a warmer and less snowy season. Folks who are in the mood for snow will spy some good news falling from the sky, most likely in late November, December, and early and late January.
- Region 18: Hawaii — No need to fear serious snowfall levels—unless you’re hiking up to 10,000+ feet to summit some of Hawaii’s tallest volcanic peaks. Otherwise, you can look forward to rain; less than normal in the east and more precipitation in the central and western portions of the state. Across the board, temperatures will be pleasant and averaging 1% warmer than most years.
Karla Walsh is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance writer, editor, freelance writing coach and level one sommelier who balances her love of food and drink with her passion for fitness (or tries to, at least!). She has over 15 years of professional experience covering food, wine, travel, nutrition, health, fitness, psychology, beauty, relationships and beyond.
