Old Farmer’s Almanac Forecasts Snowier Winter for Northeast, Rockies, Alaska

The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its 2026-2027 winter forecast on August 28, predicting a split season across the United States. Most of the country will experience near-average or mild temperatures, but four key regions face above-normal snowfall: central New England through the Appalachians, the Intermountain West, the Pacific Northwest, and Alaska. The forecast is based on solar science, climatology, and a strengthening El Niño pattern.

Which regions will see the heaviest snow

The heaviest snowfall is forecasted from central New England through the Appalachians, across the Intermountain region and Pacific Northwest, and into Alaska, according to the Almanac. Northern Appalachian residents, particularly in higher elevations, can expect significant accumulation during peak snow periods in mid-January and throughout February. The southern Northeast will also face above-normal snowfall concentrated in mid- and late December, mid-January, and early and late March. For the Intermountain region and Pacific Northwest, snowiest stretches are expected in late November, late December, and early February.

What homeowners should prepare for

Homeowners in snow-heavy regions should prepare for heavy snow loads on roofs, monitor for destructive ice dams, and ensure proper foundation drainage during sudden thaws, according to the Almanac’s guidance. The Ohio Valley could see multiple rounds of snow throughout the season, while above-normal precipitation is projected across the West, South, and Midwest. The Deep South should see warmer-than-normal temperatures with only a few chances of snow in the north.

Mild temperatures offset heavy snow in some areas

Despite above-normal snowfall in certain regions, overall temperatures will be near-average or mild for most of the country, consistent with the El Niño climate pattern. The Almanac noted that ‘above normal’ is relative, meaning warmer baseline temperatures can still accompany significant snow events. Alaska is forecast to see above-normal temperatures even with above-normal snowfall. Carol Connare, editor-in-chief of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, stated: “Winter won’t look the same everywhere this year. While much of the country is headed for a milder season, some areas will still see plenty of cold and snow.”

How the forecast was developed

The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s predictions are based on a unique formula combining solar science, climatology, meteorology, historical weather patterns, current solar activity, climate data, and large-scale climate signals. The 234-year-old publication released the forecast on August 28, ahead of its physical newsstand release on September 1. However, meteorologists caution that long-range seasonal projections lack reliable predictability due to unpredictable atmospheric conditions and shifting ocean-atmospheric phenomena.

Final Thoughts

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a split winter: mild for most Americans, but snowy for the Northeast, Appalachians, Rockies, and Alaska. Homeowners in affected regions should prepare for heavy snow loads and ice dams. Long-range forecasts remain uncertain due to atmospheric variability.

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