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Articles, blogs and more listed under "March Blizzard" ...
Articles
When is the Real First Day of Spring – March 20th or 21st?
Wondering why you grew up thinking the first day of spring was March 21st?
Wondering why you grew up thinking the first day of spring was March 21st?
Snow in the Forecast?
Learn what the different snow terms mean. Weather forecasters use many terms when predicting snow --showers, flurries, blizzard, etc. Learn what they mean here.
Learn what the different snow terms mean. Weather forecasters use many terms when predicting snow --showers, flurries, blizzard, etc. Learn what they mean here.
Top Ten Reasons TO Wish Winter Away
Spring officially arrives on March 20, 2009. Many of us hope it comes sooner. Find out why here.
Spring officially arrives on March 20, 2009. Many of us hope it comes sooner. Find out why here.
Saturn's Disappearing Rings
Saturn will be at opposition on March 8, but where are its "missing" rings?
Saturn will be at opposition on March 8, but where are its "missing" rings?
A Peanut A Day
March is national peanut month. Find out why you should incorporate peanuts into your daily diet.
March is national peanut month. Find out why you should incorporate peanuts into your daily diet.
An Early St. Patrick's Day!
St. Patrick's Day is usually celebrated on the 17th of March, but not this year.
St. Patrick's Day is usually celebrated on the 17th of March, but not this year.
Interesting Snow Facts
Get in the know about snow. March is here! But there’s still snow around. How much do you really know about this cold, white stuff?
Get in the know about snow. March is here! But there’s still snow around. How much do you really know about this cold, white stuff?
Earliest Easter You Will See In Your Lifetime
Unless you are 95 or over. Easter 2008 was on March 23rd, one of the earliest dates in can occur. But why?
Unless you are 95 or over. Easter 2008 was on March 23rd, one of the earliest dates in can occur. But why?
Who Invented Peanut Butter?
March is peanut month! Check out some interesting facts about the inventor of one of the most popular peanut products around - peanut butter!
March is peanut month! Check out some interesting facts about the inventor of one of the most popular peanut products around - peanut butter!
March's Full Worm Moon
The moon will be full at 10:38 pm on Tuesday, March 10. Find out why this moon is called the Full Worm Moon.
The moon will be full at 10:38 pm on Tuesday, March 10. Find out why this moon is called the Full Worm Moon.
March Snow?!
When will this winter end! Spring is right around the corner, but March is a crazy month. Remember the blizzard of 1993?
When will this winter end! Spring is right around the corner, but March is a crazy month. Remember the blizzard of 1993?
Memorable Weather Events of the Past 200 Years
Excerpted from the 2005 Farmers' Almanac If it seems that weather is more precarious today than in years past, guess again. America has always had strange weather events.
Excerpted from the 2005 Farmers' Almanac If it seems that weather is more precarious today than in years past, guess again. America has always had strange weather events.
Memorable Thanksgiving Weather
The first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621 was blessed with pleasant weather. But since then, other Thanksgiving holidays have not always enjoyed such fair conditions.
The first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621 was blessed with pleasant weather. But since then, other Thanksgiving holidays have not always enjoyed such fair conditions.
What is a Shamrock?
The shamrock is more than a symbol of luck, it has vast religious and historical meaning to St. Patrick and his followers.
The shamrock is more than a symbol of luck, it has vast religious and historical meaning to St. Patrick and his followers.
In Like a Lion out Like A Lamb?
Is this saying true? Is there a balancing out of good vs. bad weather in a month?
Is this saying true? Is there a balancing out of good vs. bad weather in a month?
Historic Blizzards
Check out these powerful storms Winter 2008 starts on December 21, but snow has already made its appearance in many places. Read on about some historical storms.
Check out these powerful storms Winter 2008 starts on December 21, but snow has already made its appearance in many places. Read on about some historical storms.
Top 4 Folklore Favorites
Winter weather getting you down? Learn how to predict what may be coming next.
Winter weather getting you down? Learn how to predict what may be coming next.
Thunder, Lightning and SNOW?
Is there such thing as Ever hear thunder during a snowstorm? Is it possible? Discover what winter thunderstorms are all about.
Is there such thing as Ever hear thunder during a snowstorm? Is it possible? Discover what winter thunderstorms are all about.
Weather Update: When will it Warm up?
Tired of the cool spring weather this year? Check out how this spring has compared to others.
Tired of the cool spring weather this year? Check out how this spring has compared to others.
Think Snow is Only for Winter? Think Again!
Spring is here, which means no more snow, right? Not so fast!
Spring is here, which means no more snow, right? Not so fast!
Will Snowstorms Win Again?
Perfect Valentine’s Day Weather Poll A few months ago we asked "what your favorite weather storm" was. Now we want to know what your perfect Valentine's Day Weather would be.
Perfect Valentine’s Day Weather Poll A few months ago we asked "what your favorite weather storm" was. Now we want to know what your perfect Valentine's Day Weather would be.
Wedding Contest Results?!
Winners, Lore, and More! Farmers' Almanac Worst Wedding Weather Contest voting is over. Learn how our Top Ten campaigned for the most votes, and when the winning couple will be announced.
Winners, Lore, and More! Farmers' Almanac Worst Wedding Weather Contest voting is over. Learn how our Top Ten campaigned for the most votes, and when the winning couple will be announced.
How accurate was the Farmers' Almanac this year?
Remember last winter? The Farmers' Almanac warned that "Shivery is not dead!" And this summer has been an interesting mix of hot, dry conditions. Find out how the Almanac did with its predictions for the 2007 winter and summer.
Remember last winter? The Farmers' Almanac warned that "Shivery is not dead!" And this summer has been an interesting mix of hot, dry conditions. Find out how the Almanac did with its predictions for the 2007 winter and summer.
Leap Year Wedding Proposals
Will you be popping the question this leap day?
Will you be popping the question this leap day?
Top ELEVEN Most Memorable Weather Events
In 1999 we published an article on the 100 Most Memorable Weather Events over the past century. In 2001, we went further back in weather history and named the Top 10. In 2007 we added one more event to the list.
In 1999 we published an article on the 100 Most Memorable Weather Events over the past century. In 2001, we went further back in weather history and named the Top 10. In 2007 we added one more event to the list.
Top 5 Coldest US Cities
Based on Winter Conditions from 2007-08 Ever wonder where the coldest cities are? Here's a look at some of the coldest places in the US last winter.
Based on Winter Conditions from 2007-08 Ever wonder where the coldest cities are? Here's a look at some of the coldest places in the US last winter.
What is a Blue Moon?
Ever wonder what a Blue Moon is?
Ever wonder what a Blue Moon is?
Stormy Weather for the Southern States
Is there a wet or rainy season in the southern US states? After a dry summer, it might be good to know when the rainy season may begin.
Is there a wet or rainy season in the southern US states? After a dry summer, it might be good to know when the rainy season may begin.
Record Breaking Winter Weather from 2008
Winter Extremes Winter of 2008 saw some record-breaking extremes. Find out where.
Winter Extremes Winter of 2008 saw some record-breaking extremes. Find out where.
Top Ten Reasons NOT to Wish Winter Away
It's been a cold winter. Many of us are dreaming of spring. But we think there are good reasons why you shouldn't wish winter away just yet.
It's been a cold winter. Many of us are dreaming of spring. But we think there are good reasons why you shouldn't wish winter away just yet.
What are Northern Lights?
When can they be seen? Fall is a great time to get out and look for the northern lights. But just what are these colors in the sky?
When can they be seen? Fall is a great time to get out and look for the northern lights. But just what are these colors in the sky?
8 Weather Lore Sayings You May Not Know
And one you most definitely do! April is a crazy month for weather, especially this year. Check out some natural spring-time weather lore here.
And one you most definitely do! April is a crazy month for weather, especially this year. Check out some natural spring-time weather lore here.
Frigid 2010 Forecast: How Cold will the Winter Weather Be?
Crazy weather on tap! Here it is! The 2010 Farmers' Almanac official long-range weather outlook.
Crazy weather on tap! Here it is! The 2010 Farmers' Almanac official long-range weather outlook.
Where to Hit the Slopes in 2009-10
Want to know where to go this winter for the best skiing?
Want to know where to go this winter for the best skiing?
Can the Moon be Wet or Dry?
How can the moon be "wet or dry?" Learn more here.
How can the moon be "wet or dry?" Learn more here.
The Things We Say
Learn how some common phrases orignated. Ever wonder why we say the things we do? Check out the origin of some popular sayings.
Learn how some common phrases orignated. Ever wonder why we say the things we do? Check out the origin of some popular sayings.
Gowks, April Fish and Other April Fools' Day Lore
April Fools' Day is a day of pranks. Ever wonder why?
April Fools' Day is a day of pranks. Ever wonder why?
Canada's Frigid Forecast: 2010 Winter Weather
Find out here and now what the Canadian Farmers' Almanac is calling for this winter ahead.
Find out here and now what the Canadian Farmers' Almanac is calling for this winter ahead.
Rain or Snow?
What are the deciding factors?! Ever wonder why it rains but is very cold or why it snows when the temperature is above freezing?
What are the deciding factors?! Ever wonder why it rains but is very cold or why it snows when the temperature is above freezing?
Foolish Weather for April?
April's weather can fool many of us into thinking that winter is hanging on. But the sun is getting stronger and the temperatures will warm up.
April's weather can fool many of us into thinking that winter is hanging on. But the sun is getting stronger and the temperatures will warm up.
Cold Spring on Tap for Canada
Winter doesn't seem to want to end. Numbing cold conditions are predicted to continue into spring.
Winter doesn't seem to want to end. Numbing cold conditions are predicted to continue into spring.
Hurricane Preparedness: Is Your Pet Safe?
How to protect your pets from the unexpected. Hurricane season is here and will peak on September 10th. Here are ways you can help keep your pet safe in case of a weather disaster.
How to protect your pets from the unexpected. Hurricane season is here and will peak on September 10th. Here are ways you can help keep your pet safe in case of a weather disaster.
The Great Christmas Eve Snow Storm (2004)
Just two years ago, some very unlikely places experienced a white Christmas.
Just two years ago, some very unlikely places experienced a white Christmas.
Farmers’ Almanac and Groundhog Concur: Winter is here to Stay!
February 2 is Groundhog Day. While many may be rooting for an early spring, the Farmers' Almanac predicts a colder outlook.
February 2 is Groundhog Day. While many may be rooting for an early spring, the Farmers' Almanac predicts a colder outlook.
Leading The Way In Improving Ozone Protection
Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. Depending on where it is in the atmosphere, ozone affects life on Earth in either good or bad ways.
Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. Depending on where it is in the atmosphere, ozone affects life on Earth in either good or bad ways.
Why do we Swear in New Presidents in January?
Ever wonder why January is the time when a new president of the USA takes office?
Ever wonder why January is the time when a new president of the USA takes office?
How to Create a Year of Wellness
Follow these month by month steps to a successfully healthy year.
Follow these month by month steps to a successfully healthy year.
Who Invented the Telescope?
A history this most important important astronomical tool.
A history this most important important astronomical tool.
Stormy Spring in the Forecast
Farmers' Almanac releases its stormy spring forecast.
Farmers' Almanac releases its stormy spring forecast.
lunar eclipse
Choosing a date for your wedding is a big decision. Check out this old wedding lore rhyme.
Choosing a date for your wedding is a big decision. Check out this old wedding lore rhyme.
10 Fun Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
Looking for great ideas for St. Patrick's Day? Try these fun ways to spend the day!
Looking for great ideas for St. Patrick's Day? Try these fun ways to spend the day!
Top Twenty Wettest Places
Annual precipitation values for the rainiest places. Last week we looked at the rainiest cities in April. This week here's a list of the rainiest places annually!
Annual precipitation values for the rainiest places. Last week we looked at the rainiest cities in April. This week here's a list of the rainiest places annually!
Stormy End to October?
Weather forecast for the rest of the month. Will the kids be cold and wet this Halloween? Get the forecast now.
Weather forecast for the rest of the month. Will the kids be cold and wet this Halloween? Get the forecast now.
Why a birthday cake? Why candles?
Birthday traditions revealed. Learn the history behind birthday parties as well as where some birthday traditions come from.
Birthday traditions revealed. Learn the history behind birthday parties as well as where some birthday traditions come from.
Numbingly Cold Conditions Won't End For Spring!
Famers' Almanac Spring Outlook Tired of cold weather? Wondering what spring weather will bring?
Famers' Almanac Spring Outlook Tired of cold weather? Wondering what spring weather will bring?
First Solar Eclipse in 2 Years!
This Friday, August 1, 2008 There will be a total eclipse of the sun this Friday. Find out more from Farmers' Almanac experts.
This Friday, August 1, 2008 There will be a total eclipse of the sun this Friday. Find out more from Farmers' Almanac experts.
Will This Winter's Weather Be a Repeat of 1989/90?
Check out the similarities so far . . . The U.S. hasn't seen this cold of a November since 1989. Check out Caleb Weatherbee's overview and comparison.
Check out the similarities so far . . . The U.S. hasn't seen this cold of a November since 1989. Check out Caleb Weatherbee's overview and comparison.
Winter Preparedness Safety Tips
Along with cold weather, winter can often bring a series of dangerous situations. Be prepared for Mother Nature's worst weather! Find valuable tips and be prepared by reading our story here.
Along with cold weather, winter can often bring a series of dangerous situations. Be prepared for Mother Nature's worst weather! Find valuable tips and be prepared by reading our story here.
Snow Facts and Trivia – Get in the Snow.
How much do you really know about snow? Can it snow when it's 40 degrees out?
How much do you really know about snow? Can it snow when it's 40 degrees out?
Where to Hit the Slopes in 2008/09
Like to ski? Check out where the Farmers' Almanac is predicting a great ski season.
Like to ski? Check out where the Farmers' Almanac is predicting a great ski season.
Weather Glossary
Ever wonder what an anemometer measures? Or what a dust devil is? Here's a helpful glossary of popular weather terms.
Ever wonder what an anemometer measures? Or what a dust devil is? Here's a helpful glossary of popular weather terms.
Groundhog vs. Farmers' Almanac:
Will the groundhog agree with the Almanac's preditions? Groundhog Day comes at a time when many are sick of the cold, snowy temperatures. What does the Farmers' Almanac forecast for Groundhog Day and beyond?
Will the groundhog agree with the Almanac's preditions? Groundhog Day comes at a time when many are sick of the cold, snowy temperatures. What does the Farmers' Almanac forecast for Groundhog Day and beyond?
Top 5 Best Weather Cities To Catch a Minor League Baseball Game
Rain can spoil or cancel the game! Find out where the best weather is to catch a game this summer.
Rain can spoil or cancel the game! Find out where the best weather is to catch a game this summer.
Ben Franklin's Letter to the Editor
Re: Saving Daylight An actual duplicate of Franklin's letter in which he described why there should be some changes with the clocks.
Re: Saving Daylight An actual duplicate of Franklin's letter in which he described why there should be some changes with the clocks.
Extreme Weather Stories
Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Thunderstorms Did hail wreck your car? Wonder why hurricanes form? Do you live in an area prone to twisters? Check out this informative and interesting story about extreme weather conditions.
Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Thunderstorms Did hail wreck your car? Wonder why hurricanes form? Do you live in an area prone to twisters? Check out this informative and interesting story about extreme weather conditions.
Blog
March - Best and Worst
March 6, 2008 9:34 AM
March 6, 2008 9:34 AM
Blizzard Survival Tips
December 1, 2006 7:07 AM
December 1, 2006 7:07 AM
In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
March 1, 2007 9:59 AM
March 1, 2007 9:59 AM
Easter
March 5, 2008 1:15 PM
March 5, 2008 1:15 PM
Winter Weather Glossary
December 12, 2007 6:01 PM
December 12, 2007 6:01 PM
Storm Stories
December 13, 2006 8:25 AM
December 13, 2006 8:25 AM
Is March Really A Lion?
February 27, 2009 1:52 PM
February 27, 2009 1:52 PM
March - Spring & Birds
March 3, 2008 7:05 AM
March 3, 2008 7:05 AM
Winter Weather Terms
November 9, 2006 9:10 AM
November 9, 2006 9:10 AM
Ever Wonder Why April 15 is Tax Day?
April 13, 2009 9:07 AM
April 13, 2009 9:07 AM
March the Lion - And The Rest of the Story.
March 2, 2009 10:23 AM
March 2, 2009 10:23 AM
Trapped In Your Car
January 22, 2009 12:24 PM
January 22, 2009 12:24 PM
Spring at last
March 20, 2008 11:57 AM
March 20, 2008 11:57 AM
From Maple Tree to Maple Syrup Facts
March 13, 2006 9:35 AM
March 13, 2006 9:35 AM
Late Winter (March) Pruning
March 6, 2006 2:17 PM
March 6, 2006 2:17 PM
Atlanta Snow Footage
March 1, 2009 10:45 PM
March 1, 2009 10:45 PM
To Rain, or to Snow?
November 7, 2006 2:28 PM
November 7, 2006 2:28 PM
March - Maple Syrup
March 4, 2008 2:38 PM
March 4, 2008 2:38 PM
Wild March Weather - Scamming the Elderly
March 10, 2008 12:36 PM
March 10, 2008 12:36 PM
“Attention All Passengers: It’s the Weather”
February 26, 2007 3:33 AM
February 26, 2007 3:33 AM
Tips for Driving Safely in Heavy Rain
November 28, 2006 10:07 AM
November 28, 2006 10:07 AM
Winter Weather Awareness Week
October 29, 2008 10:13 AM
October 29, 2008 10:13 AM
Ten of the Worst Tornadoes
February 8, 2008 10:25 AM
February 8, 2008 10:25 AM
Where’s Winter?
December 15, 2006 9:22 AM
December 15, 2006 9:22 AM
Thanksgiving Weather
November 8, 2006 10:07 AM
November 8, 2006 10:07 AM
Weird Atlanta Weather - Flooding Awareness
March 17, 2008 11:57 AM
March 17, 2008 11:57 AM
VIDEO: Controlled Underbrush Fire
February 20, 2009 2:31 PM
February 20, 2009 2:31 PM
Wedding Contest Results Coming Soon
March 18, 2008 10:26 AM
March 18, 2008 10:26 AM
Cold, Ice, Snow, Oh My!
December 16, 2006 7:09 AM
December 16, 2006 7:09 AM
Animals and the Full Moon
February 28, 2008 10:18 AM
February 28, 2008 10:18 AM
Daylight Saving Time Question
October 1, 2007 10:29 AM
October 1, 2007 10:29 AM
Does the warm winter really mean something?
January 8, 2007 11:02 AM
January 8, 2007 11:02 AM
Dark Enough Mornings For You?
October 27, 2009 8:13 AM
October 27, 2009 8:13 AM
Phil Agrees - 6 More Weeks of Winter
February 2, 2009 10:12 AM
February 2, 2009 10:12 AM
Dear Editor: Go Away, Winter!
April 10, 2007 9:19 AM
April 10, 2007 9:19 AM
Cuddling to stay warm this Valentine’s Day
February 15, 2007 8:39 AM
February 15, 2007 8:39 AM
Winter Officially Arrives Saturday
December 18, 2007 4:04 PM
December 18, 2007 4:04 PM
Buying & Caring Tips for Potted Poinsettia
December 5, 2005 12:15 PM
December 5, 2005 12:15 PM
Halloween Heaven
October 31, 2008 1:42 PM
October 31, 2008 1:42 PM
Stop The Traffic! Frogs are Crossing!
February 19, 2008 2:46 PM
February 19, 2008 2:46 PM
Flood Awareness Week
March 12, 2008 12:21 PM
March 12, 2008 12:21 PM
Ice Fishing in Lake Erie
February 9, 2009 12:52 PM
February 9, 2009 12:52 PM
Planting Tips For Your Strawberry Pyramid
April 14, 2006 8:01 AM
April 14, 2006 8:01 AM
The Big Myth Is Coming?
March 19, 2008 11:40 AM
March 19, 2008 11:40 AM
Editor’s Choice - Toughest Jobs On Earth (Winter)
December 8, 2008 12:04 PM
December 8, 2008 12:04 PM
Hilo, Hawaii
March 10, 2009 10:16 AM
March 10, 2009 10:16 AM
DayLight Saving Time
March 6, 2009 4:42 PM
March 6, 2009 4:42 PM
Ice Storm in Kentucky
March 3, 2009 10:13 AM
March 3, 2009 10:13 AM
In Anticipation of Summer
March 16, 2009 8:44 AM
March 16, 2009 8:44 AM
The Last Great Race on Earth
March 5, 2009 7:30 PM
March 5, 2009 7:30 PM
From the Producer: Season 2 of Farmers’ Almanac TV
January 12, 2007 11:01 AM
January 12, 2007 11:01 AM
Move Thanksgiving?!
November 20, 2007 5:53 PM
November 20, 2007 5:53 PM
Pages
The Seasons
Note: All times shown are Eastern Standard Time 2007 Spring begins, March 20, 2007, 8:07 p.m. Summer begins, June 21, 2007, 2:06 p.m. Autumn begins, September 23, 2007, 5:51 a.m. Winter begins, December 22, 2007,...
Note: All times shown are Eastern Standard Time 2007 Spring begins, March 20, 2007, 8:07 p.m. Summer begins, June 21, 2007, 2:06 p.m. Autumn begins, September 23, 2007, 5:51 a.m. Winter begins, December 22, 2007,...
What is a "Blue Moon"?
For more than half a century, whenever two full Moons appeared in a single month (which happens on average every 2 1/2 to 3 years), the second has been christened a "Blue Moon." In our lexicon, we describe an unusual...
For more than half a century, whenever two full Moons appeared in a single month (which happens on average every 2 1/2 to 3 years), the second has been christened a "Blue Moon." In our lexicon, we describe an unusual...
Farmers' Almanac Weather Outlook for Alaska
Farmers' Almanac Weather Summary for Alaska Due to Alaska's fairly constant weather patterns, the Farmers' Almanac provides an overall climatological summary for Alaska. This summary should give you a good idea of what type of weather to expect...
Farmers' Almanac Weather Summary for Alaska Due to Alaska's fairly constant weather patterns, the Farmers' Almanac provides an overall climatological summary for Alaska. This summary should give you a good idea of what type of weather to expect...
Dates and Times of Full Moons
Here are the dates, names, and times (EDT) of upcoming full moons from the Farmers' Almanac. Have you ever wondered why full Moons were given these names? Click here and get the fascinating facts! Remember, the Farmers' Almanac also has...
Here are the dates, names, and times (EDT) of upcoming full moons from the Farmers' Almanac. Have you ever wondered why full Moons were given these names? Click here and get the fascinating facts! Remember, the Farmers' Almanac also has...
Full Moon Names and Their Meanings
Full Moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Their names were applied to the...
Full Moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Their names were applied to the...
Weather Glossary
Below are some common, and uncommon, weather terms. Absolute Zero The temperature at which all molecular motion ceases, equal to -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit or -273.16 degrees Celsius.Anemometer An instrument for measuring wind force and speed. Aurora A glow of colored...
Below are some common, and uncommon, weather terms. Absolute Zero The temperature at which all molecular motion ceases, equal to -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit or -273.16 degrees Celsius.Anemometer An instrument for measuring wind force and speed. Aurora A glow of colored...
Farmers' Almanac Testimonials
Our readers say it best! As North America's Favorite Farmers Almanac, we receive tons of letters, emails, and phone calls from readers and fans. Here are a fews of our favorite comments:Dear Almanac,I absolutely love you magazine and now I...
Our readers say it best! As North America's Favorite Farmers Almanac, we receive tons of letters, emails, and phone calls from readers and fans. Here are a fews of our favorite comments:Dear Almanac,I absolutely love you magazine and now I...
On The Money
Major Weather Events Accurately Predicted by the Farmers’ Almanac... Photo Courtesy of NOAA • In 2009, the Farmers’ Almanac predicted an exceptionally cold winter and a cool, wet spring...
Major Weather Events Accurately Predicted by the Farmers’ Almanac... Photo Courtesy of NOAA • In 2009, the Farmers’ Almanac predicted an exceptionally cold winter and a cool, wet spring...