Old Farmer’s Almanac Winter 2025-26 Forecast: When and Where to Expect the Most Snow This Winter

Guess what? It will snow this winter, I can promise you that. But what we all want to know is, how much and where? Well, the Old Farmer’s Almanac (not to be confused with the Farmers’ Almanac) has just released its long-range winter weather forecast for the 2025-26 season. For over 230 years, the Almanac has been helping readers prepare for winter’s worst with its 80 percent–accurate weather forecasts.

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“Don’t lose track of your snow shovels and umbrellas. Most areas will experience near-normal to slightly milder temperatures, but from the Appalachians south through the Southeast and Florida, and westward across the Ohio Valley, we’re predicting a colder-than-normal winter,” Editor Carol Connare says.

A summary of the Old Farmer’s Almanac winter forecast is below, but check out its website for more details.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2025-26 Winter Forecast Summary

Mostly Mild—with Pockets of Wild!

That’s the big picture: most of the United States can expect a typical or slightly milder winter—but some regions should brace for a sharper chill.

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Forecast highlights across the continental U.S.:

• Temperatures: Near normal to slightly milder across much of the country—except in the Appalachians, Southeast, Florida, and the Ohio Valley, where colder-than-average conditions are forecasted.
• Precipitation: Overall, drier than usual overall, with extended dry stretches likely. However, Florida, the Intermountain region, and the eastern Desert Southwest may see above-average precipitation.
• Snowfall: Near or below normal for most areas. However, greater amounts of snow are expected in much of the Carolinas, southern Appalachians, eastern Ohio Valley, southern Rockies, and eastern Desert Southwest.
• Remember: “Mild” is relative. It’s still winter—so plan (and dress!) accordingly. And if you’re in a snow-prone area, don’t retire that shovel just yet.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2025–2026 Winter Forecast: U.S. Regions

Region 1: Northeast (Albany, Augusta, Burlington, Caribou, Concord)

Less intense cold and lower precipitation combine for a lighter-than-average snow season. Good news for winter travelers, but gardeners may need to watch for an early thaw.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: December, early January
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Below normal; snowiest periods in mid-November, early and mid-December, early February

Region 2: Atlantic Corridor (Atlantic City, Baltimore, Boston, Hartford, New York, Philadelphia, Providence, Richmond, Washington, D.C.)

Milder and drier, with most snow falling around the holidays and late winter. Fewer snow days could ease commutes, but not as we get ready to usher in 2026

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: Mid- to late December, early and late January
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Below normal; snowiest periods in late December, early January, late February

Region 3: Appalachians (Asheville, Elmira, Frederick, Harrisburg, Roanoke, Scranton).

Colder than usual with a split snow story: lighter in the north, heavier in the south. Bundle up and prep for winter chores—especially in the southern mountains.

• Temperatures: Below normal
• Coldest periods: Mid- and late December, early and late January, early February
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Below normal in the north and above south; the most snow will arrive in late December, late January, early and late February, mid-March

Region 4: Southeast (Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh, Savannah)

A colder-than-normal winter, with some snowy surprises in the east. Prepare for heating needs and occasional travel delays, especially before the holidays.

• Temperatures: Below normal
• Coldest periods: Mid- to late December, early and late January, early February
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Above normal in the east, below west; snowiest in the east in mid-December; north, late January

Region 5: Florida (Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa)

Cooler than usual, with a wetter-than-normal winter season. Watch for early-season tropical activity and waterlogged gardens.

• Temperatures: Below normal
• Coldest periods: Mid- to late December, much of January
• Precipitation: Above normal
• Tropical activity: Watch for tropical depression in early November

Region 6: Lower Lakes (Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Rochester, Syracuse)

A milder winter with below-average precipitation and patchy snow. Lake-effect snow is still probable—stay alert during December and March.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: Mid- to late December, early and late January, early February
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Near to below normal; snowiest periods in mid- to late November, much of December, early and late January, early February, early to mid-March

Region 7: Ohio Valley (Charleston, Cincinnati, Louisville, Pittsburgh)

Chilly overall, with snowier spells mostly to the east. Good idea to prep snow gear early, especially for eastern areas likely to see more flakes.

• Temperatures: Below normal
• Coldest periods: Mid- to late December, early January, late January into early February, mid-March
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Near to above normal in the east, below west; snowiest periods in late December, early January, early and late February

Region 8: Deep South (Jackson, Little Rock, Montgomery, Mobile, Nashville, New Orleans, Shreveport, Tupelo)

Warmer-than-average winter with chilly snaps and some northern snow. Protect tender plants and outdoor plumbing before cold hits in January.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: Mid-December, early and late January, early February
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Below normal; best chances for snow in the north in mid-November, late January, early February

Region 9: Upper Midwest (Duluth, Green Bay, International Falls, Marquette, Minneapolis)

Mild winter by local standards with some snowy bursts. Shorter cold snaps may ease winterizing chores, but don’t skip them.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: Much of December, early and late January, early February
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Below normal; snowiest periods in late November, late January, early February

Region 10: Heartland (Des Moines, Kansas City, Omaha, St. Louis, Topeka)

Warmer than normal, with light snow and short cold spells. Less shoveling overall, though late January could bring a winter punch.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: Mid-December, early and late January
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Below normal in the north, near normal south; snowiest periods in mid-November, late January, early February

Region 11: Texas and Oklahoma (Dallas, Houston, Oklahoma City, San Antonio)

A drier and warmer winter with occasional cold snaps. Keep pipes insulated and prep for a potential early northern snow in November.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: Mid-December, early and late January, early February
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Below normal; best chance for snow in mid-November

Region 12: High Plains (Amarillo, Billings, Bismarck, Cheyenne, Denver, Rapid City)

Milder winter overall, though snow and cold come in waves. Late winter may bring surprises—don’t put away the shovel too soon.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: Mid-December, late January, early February
• Precipitation: Below normal in the north, near normal south
• Snowfall: Below normal in the north, near normal south; snowiest periods in late February, mid- and late March

Region 13: Intermountain (Boise, Flagstaff, Grand Junction, Pendleton, Reno, Salt Lake City, Spokane)

Mild winter with mixed precipitation and fluctuating snow amounts. Southern areas may see more snow—check forecasts before winter travel.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: Late November, early December, early February
• Precipitation: Slightly above normal
• Snowfall: Below normal in the north, above-normal south; snowiest periods in late January, early February, late March

Region 14: Desert Southwest (Albuquerque, El Paso, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson)

A warm winter with rain and mountain snow varying by location. Higher elevations should prep for early snow in December and January.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: Mid-November, early December, late January
• Precipitation: Above normal in the east, below-normal west
• Snowfall: Above normal east, near normal west; snowiest periods in early December, early to mid-January

Region 15: Pacific Northwest (Eugene, Eureka, Portland, Seattle)

Mild winter overall with chilly spells and below-average snow. Less snowpack could impact late-winter gardening and water reserves.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: Late November, early December, early February
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Below normal; snowiest in early February

Region 16: Pacific Southwest (Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco)

Warmer and drier winter with below-average mountain snowfall. Expect fewer storms, but remain alert during late-season rain bursts.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: Late January, late February
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Below-normal mountain snows
• Stormiest periods: Late November, mid-January, late February

Region 17: Alaska

A milder winter with some cold snaps and reduced snowfall. Travel could be easier, but there are still plenty of chances for snow.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coldest periods: Early to mid-December, mid-February
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Snowfall: Below normal; snowiest periods in late November, mid-December, early February

Region 18: Hawaii

A warm winter overall with occasional stormy spells. Watch for heavy rain during November and December storms.

• Temperatures: Above normal
• Coolest periods: Late November, late January into early February, mid-March
• Precipitation: Below normal
• Stormiest periods: Early and late November, early December, mid-February, mid- to late March

Summary

The 2025–2026 winter weather forecast for the United States suggests warmer-than-normal temperatures across most regions, with some areas experiencing above-normal precipitation. The forecast also highlights potential snowfall variations, with some areas experiencing higher snowfall than usual.

What’s Shaping the Old Farmer’s Almanac 2025–26 Winter Outlook

• Solar Cycle 25 recently peaked: High solar activity historically warms Earth’s average temperatures, though the effect has weakened in recent decades.
• La Niña fading: The Pacific is transitioning to neutral conditions, shifting the jet stream and storm tracks across North America.
• Ocean oscillations steady: Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (warm) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (cool) remain stable, influencing regional storm patterns.
• Shifting stratospheric winds: The Quasi-Biennial Oscillation can affect polar vortex position, sending cold air southward.
• Polar vortex may wobble: If displaced, bursts of frigid air and snow could plunge deep into the U.S.