The Farmers’ Almanac came out with its winter weather predictions across the U.S., and it’s going to be — you guessed it — frigid.
Specifically, the almanac, an annual American periodical in publication since 1818, is calling the North Central region a “hibernation zone, glacial, snow-filled.” Yikes.
“The big takeaway for our winter season forecast,” the periodical wrote, “is that frigid temperatures should flow into many areas nationwide — especially in the North Central region, where readers will certainly be shaking and shivering!”
The North Central region encompasses Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.
There will be a fair share of storms in the region, which means plenty of snow for winter enthusiasts — “maybe even in time for a white Christmas,” the almanac editors wrote.
Now, keep in mind that the almanac is usually about 80% correct.
Instead of comparing the upcoming winter with the previous one, the periodical measures against long-term normals for temperature, precipitation and snowfall using mathematical and astronomical formulations to make its predictions. The formula takes into account sunspot activity, tidal activity, planets’ positions and “a variety of other factors,” according to its website.
Last year, the almanac editors predicted a mild, then cold and snowy, then mild winter in Iowa. Des Moines saw above-normal precipitation and snowfall in January and March, according to the National Weather Service in Des Moines.
The first day of winter and the shortest day of the year will be Dec. 21, but the almanac predicts the “first bite of winter” is expected to come earlier than last year’s. December looks stormy and cold across the U.S. and multiple “significant weather disturbances” are on the horizon, including:
Potential for heavy snow, followed by a sweep of bitterly cold air, the first week of January in the Rockies and across the Plains. The weather could reach as far south as Texas and Oklahoma.
Bouts of heavy rain and snow over the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. from Jan. 16-23, the Almanac predicts. It’ll be followed by “one of the coldest outbreaks of arctic air” recorded in several years. We’re talking 40 degrees below zero.
Here are a few highlights from other regions, according to the Farmers’ Almanac:
Much of the Southeast will see a mix of wet snow, sleet, ice, freezing rain and chilly temperatures.
South Central states could see some snow accumulation, especially in early January.
The Pacific Northwest will see about-normal winter precipitation, though the Southwest is forecasted to receive less-than-normal amounts.
So the message is quite simple… book your break in the Baja sun!
Reproduced from an article in desmoinesregister.com
Images by NILESH SONI and Ray Miller from Pixabay