Old Farmer’s Almanac Predicts 2018 Winter A Bit More “Normal”

Cold conditions are coming back in 2018, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac 200-year-old weather prediction formula. The Almanc predicts that the 2017-2018 winter will be a bit more “normal” as far as the temperatures are concerned, especially in the eastern and central parts of the U.S., and areas east of the Rocky Mountains – with many locations expected to receive above-normal precipitation.

The 2018 Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting this winter’s forecast will be much colder than last year, but not colder than usual. The Old Farmer’s Almanac, founded in 1792, notes that parts of the northern United States will experience milder-than-average temperatures, while much of the South and West will be cooler than normal. Exceptions include Florida and the Southeast, where the Almanac predicts milder-than-usual temperatures will be felt.

According Official Almanac Weather Prognosticator, Caleb Weatherbee, “One of the key components in our formula is the Moon and its motions. The Moon has a proven influence on the tides, and it is our belief that it may have effects on our atmosphere as well. Ocean tides can be accurately predicted, so part of our formula relies on the belief that we can line up certain weather patterns with a specific position of the Moon in its orbit … ”

Precipitation predictions call for a wet and snowy winter all around, with above-normal levels throughout the country. This prediction translates to equally above-normal amounts of snowfall in parts of the Northeast, central Great Lakes, central Plains, Intermountain region, and from eastern Tennessee through New Mexico. The Almanac notes exceptions to this wet winter are the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest, where less precipitation than usual is expected.

With the official first day of winter several weeks away, only time will tell how accurate the Old Farmer’s Almanac prediction formula turns out this year.