Put the winter coats on hold. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a calmer, nicer winter season going into 2025. The almanac has been around forever in the United States, famously printed in the throwback paperback covers. At this point in the year, anything calmer is welcomed. Most people in the Southern portion of the United States are still recovering from the hurricane season. However, for most of the U.S., the weather seems to be a hit or miss on most forecasts. If the Old Farmer’s Almanac calls for more cardigans than winter boots, it is what it is.
Warmer Temps, Little Snow
According to Carol Connare, the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s editor-in-chief, the biggest gain in this year’s winter prediction will be savings on heating costs. “This winter, temperatures will be up and snowfall down throughout most of the United States…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. ”
Connare’s 2024 Weather Predictions
Connare added, “We’re predicting a temperate, uneventful winter—potentially a welcome reprieve from the extremes of recent years.” This lines up with what most Americans have experienced throughout the years, as more dreams of a “White Christmas” look like like another day at the beach or a brisk Fall morning.
Meteorologist Evidence
Earlier this year ABC News reported similar trends, highlighting the mostly wet and mild 2022-2023 winter season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also backed these claims, reporting earlier this year that, “The average temperature of the contiguous U.S. in February 2023 was 36.5°F, which is 2.7°F above average, ranking in the warmest third of the record.”
NOAA also said Virginia had its warmest February in the 129-year record. As we close out this year the Old Farmer’s Almanac shows signs of something different. Further predictions indicate what Connare described as exceptions. “Winter rainstorms will leave Florida, the Deep South, and southern California soaked. Meanwhile, heavy snowfall is expected in central and southern Appalachia, the western Ohio Valley, and the Rockies—calling all skiers and sledders!” Connare said.
Forecast Still Predicting Chaotic Weather
While the almanac predicts relaxing weather to finish the year, there is still crazy weather on the way according to various models. According to AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva (via USA Today) the hurricane season, which has already caused millions in damage across the Southeastern portion of the United States could go into next month. ABC News reported Thursday there’s more bad weather developing in the Caribbean, and predicted the country could be dealing with another hurricane very soon. This would be the 18th named storm of the season. The storm is currently taking shape in the western Caribbean, reports conclude.
Almanacs Are Good, But They Are Just Predictions
Regardless of what you think about the Old Farmer’s Almanac most of us are looking at our smartphone’s weather updates anyway. The value in weather forecasting has gone from being ready for a one-season day to experiencing all four and thinking you had no clue about what to wear. When I lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia, this was always the case.
Weather is a guessing game. In most cases, old farmer’s almanac predictions are like the rules of the pirate code perfectly described by Hector Barbossa in Pirates of the Caribbean: “The code is more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” Either way, keep a sweater nearby this winter/fall season. But hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little mild weather to finish the year.
However, you gotta feel for those who look forward to a nice fresh snow on Christmas morning. You know, the kind you see in all the paintings and postcards? Yeah, I think for states that still experience good winter snow, that may be the next tourist hot spot.
