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Articles

How to Use your Watch as a Compass
In a pinch? Need to figure out which way is north? Check out this helpful hint.

Which way is North?
Use your watch to find out. Learn how to use your watch as a compass.

How did America get an Uncle Sam?
Ever wonder how and why "Uncle Sam" became a symbol for the USA?

Is El Niño a theory or a proven fact?
The Paita sailors, who frequently navigate along the coast in small craft, either to the north or the south of that port, name this countercurrent the current of "El Niño" (the child Jesus) because it has been observed to appear immediately after Christmas.

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.

Quill Pens Scribed American History
The quill pen scripted major turning points in American history, including the Mayflower Compact. Learn More.

Farmers' Almanac Readers Name Apple Pie as our National Dessert
There are many symbols we use to help represent the US and what we stand for. But what about dessert? In 2001, we asked this very question.

Winning Apple Pie Recipes
Farmers' Almanac readers elected Apple Pie as America's Dessert. Now check out our top three winning recipes for this tasty pie.

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?

Hungry? Think Blue!
July is National Blueberry Month. July is the best time to eat more blueberries. They're healthy, patriotic, and tasty!

Vote Your Taste Buds!
America's Favorite Dinner Looking for a break from all the campaign craziness? Let your taste buds cast this ballot.

January's Full Wolf Moon
Farmers' Almanac explains the folklore behind the first full moon of the new year.

Happy Birthday Norman Rockwell!
What was the secret to Norman Rockwell's artistic success? You may be surprised!

Full Snow Moon
Why is February's full moon called the Full Snow Moon? Find out here.

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.

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?

Snowed In? Check out these record snowfalls.
This week's marks a record in snow history Can you imagine receiving almost 200 inches of snow from one storm? It happened.

What is "Indian Summer'?
Learn about this warming weather pattern and why it's referred to as "Indian Summer."

Learn More About the Big Dipper
Did you know the Big Dipper isn't really a constellation?

Little Known Pumpkin Facts
What do pumpkins have to do with freckles and snakebites? What state grows the most pumpkins annually?

What is an Annular Eclipse of the Sun?
You've heard of a solar and perhaps a lunar eclipse, but what is an annular eclipse?

Test Your Patriotic Knowledge
Fourth of July Fun See how much you really know about some patriotic symbols.

Care to Sit on my Waffle?
Facts behing the naming of waffles. Ever wonder why a waffle is called a "waffle?"

Here Come the Leonid Meteors
Circle November 17th on your calendars for an early showing of meteors!

Farmers' Almanac Looks to Janus
The Roman god of gates and doors. Ever hear of the Roman god Janus? Why did the Almanac mention him in its winter outlook?

Think Snow is Only for Winter? Think Again!
Spring is here, which means no more snow, right? Not so fast!

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.

Where did Ice Cream Come From?
You scream . . . I scream . . . We all scream for ICE SCREAM ...but who Screamed first? Learn about the history of this popular dessert.

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.

Farmers' Almanac Fall Forecast
What does Mother Nature have in store for the coming autumn?

Look -- It's a Shooting Star!
Don't miss one of the year's best meteor showers. The Perseids peak August 12.

Where to Hit the Slopes in 2009-10
Want to know where to go this winter for the best skiing?

Fall Foliage Dates
When are the peak times to see the most color? Check out our map below.

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.

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.

A Lunar Show You Won't Want to Miss!
Tune in this Wednesday, February 20. Finally! A Lunar Eclipse that more than 3 billion people will be able to view! Find out more about this spectacular event!

Test Your Christmas Trivia
Did you know that Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday? Test your Christmas trivia here.


Best Wedding Weather State?
Ever wonder what states may have the best weather for weddings? Check out what we found from our Worst Wedding Weather Contest.

Meteor Shower Mayhem
Now is the time of year when meteor showers appear more often.

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?

New Year’s Football Forecast
What will the weather be like for the New Year's college bowl games? Farmers' Almanac has the forecast.

Ewww... What's that Smell?
Before you point the finger at a skunk or start looking around for dirty socks, consider that the source of a bad odor might just be . . . a flower. Some plants are known for their bold, beautiful blooms. Others are known for their sweet, luscious fruit. There are a few plants, however, that are famous for something less romantic: A foul, offensive odor. Here are a few putrid plants to ponder.

How do the seasons change?
Fall is here! Ever wonder why we have seasons? Learn more here.

Thanksgiving Forecast: Soup May be a Hit.
Farmers’ Almanac Predicts Cold Conditions for Turkey Day It's November. Cold weather is expected. Check out what the Farmers' Almanac is predicting in your area.

A Beginner’s Guide to the Stars
Star gazing is fun. Here's a quick guide to help you figure out which star is which.

Remembering the Perfect Storm
The Halloween Nor'easter of 1991 has been immortalized in print and on film. But what made this storm so "perfect"?

What Is a Light Year?
Want to see the past? It's possible!

What is Earth Day?
April 22 is Earth Day. Ever wonder how and why Earth Day became a holiday of sorts?

Best Days for Leaf Peeping
Find out peak dates to see fall foliage in your area.

Did you take your vitamin-D today?
It’s hard to say enough about the health benefits of vitamin D—check out the great things it can do for your body!

Summer Weather Update
Will it ever warm up and dry out? Summer is here but many are wondering why this spring has been so cool and wet.

Gowks, April Fish and Other April Fools' Day Lore
April Fools' Day is a day of pranks. Ever wonder why?

Should you make indoor or outdoor plans for Memorial Day?
And what about the 4th of July? Farmers’ Almanac predicts a “Fairly” good weather weekend for Memorial Day.

Poison Ivy?
Natural Cures to Stop the Itch Learn to recognize and treat this natural nuisance.

Life, Liberty, and (Iced) Coffee for All!
Submit your Iced Coffee Recipe and Learn Coffee's History Share your best iced coffee recipes with us and learn all about coffee in the U.S.

Does it Really Rain BLOOD?
No this isn't a Halloween hoax. It does sometimes rain "blood" in some areas of the world. Find out what this "blood" is.

How Does the Farmers' Almanac Make Its Weather Predictions?
Is it folklore? The groundhog? Radar and computers? Find out how the Almanac makes its amazingly accurate long-range weather predictions.

Make Your Own Eggnog
Recipe and More! Make your own eggnog this holiday season. It's fun, easy, and tasty.

Timely Tips About Ticks
Tick season is upon us! Find out what you should do if you find a tick on you.

Hush Puppies
This little round ball of fried dough has a unique, and potentially sad, origin.

Will Your Christmas be White?
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Find out if it will be snow or grass covered here.

Record Breaking Winter Weather from 2008
Winter Extremes Winter of 2008 saw some record-breaking extremes. Find out where.

Longest Running Almanac Editor In History
September 18th marks the birth anniversary of the Farmers' Almanac's most colorful editor.


A Peanut A Day
March is national peanut month. Find out why you should incorporate peanuts into your daily diet.

Pole Vaulting to a Solar Eclipse
First-hand account from Farmers' Almanac Astronomer. Imagine flying in a plane to chase a solar eclipse. That's what Joe Rao our astronomer did. Here's his eclipse review.

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.

Everything you always wanted to know about a hot dog . . .
And then some. What do you call them? Hot dogs, frankfurters, wieners? Learn some trivia about this popular summertime food.

Why a birthday cake? Why candles?
Birthday traditions revealed. Learn the history behind birthday parties as well as where some birthday traditions come from.

Valentine's Trivia
According to legend, a woman who sees a sparrow overhead on Valentine's Day will marry a poor man.

Fair Trade Gives People a Fair Chance
Find out how your shopping habits can help someone in a developing country.

One Potato, Two Potato, Three Potato, Four: The Story of America's Favorite Vegetable
Americans love potatoes, whether it's fried, baked or mashed. They have become one of America's favorite vegetables. In this article, we will get to the roots of the potato, where it came from, and how it made its way onto our plates, and into our hearts.

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.

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.

Want Orange Leaves? Plant White Oak
If you enjoy the colors of fall, check out this list. It tells you which trees you should plant, based on leaf color.

Chilling Forecast for Halloween
Farmers' Almanac Forecast Dressing up this Halloween? You may want to note our forecast and pile on a few extra sweaters.

Can Acorns Predict a Rough Winter?
Natural Signs of a Bad Winter

Sauerkraut, it’s not just for hot dogs
There are several creative recipes that can be made with Sauerkraut.

June Weather Lore and More!
If June is wet, will September be dry? Check out some fun weather lore sayings we found about the sixth month of the year.

Little Known Facts about the Fourth of July
Here are some strange and surprising bits of Independence Day trivia.

Rice Rocks
Rice, a staple food for more than half of the earth's population, is an amazing grain.

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.

Predictions Ring True: Almanac accuracy from last winter!
For almost 200 years, the Farmers’ Almanac has been providing valuable long-range weather outlooks. Many people question how accurate our forecasts can be. Read on.

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.

Where did we get Mardi Gras from?
Mardi Gras is right around the corner. Learn more about the traditions behind this festival of fun.

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?

Winter Solstice -- Longest Night of the Year
Does the winter solstice mark the beginning or middle of winter? Find out.

Who had the worst wedding weather?
Vote for the best of the worst. Cast your vote for the best of the worst weather that is on our top ten finalist's big day!

Winter Feeding Mistakes
Try these solutions for Cattle Feeding foul-ups.

Recycling: Test Your Knowledge
How much do you know about recycling? Take this quiz and find out.

Move over fossil fuels...
It’s time for some ingenuity. Did you know algae can be used to make fuel? Check out some pros and cons of a few alternative fuel sources.

Happy Kwanzaa
Learn what this holiday is all about. Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that starts on December 26th. Learn more about the origin and traditions of this holiday.

Planets Quiz: Did You Know...?
Take this quiz to test your knowledge on these lesser known planet facts.

How Much Do You Know About Hurricanes?
First appearing in the 2006 Farmers' Almanac They may be more deadly than you think. Read these hurricane facts.

Fun Bugs?!!
Is there such a thing? Fun bugs? Check out some interesting bugs that might make for a fun day of exploration.

The Great Christmas Eve Snow Storm (2004)
Just two years ago, some very unlikely places experienced a white Christmas.

Weather Instruments You May Want to Own
Weather Tools and What They Do Everything you need to predict the weather, right from the comfort of your own home!

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.

Five Favorite Winter Warming Recipes
Cold outside? Warm up with these flavorful recipes.

Snack Smart
Snacking throughout the day can help you stay healthy.

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.

A Gardener's Guide to Frost
How to predict when it's coming and what to do about it It's fall. Temperatures begin to cool down, but your gardens still look so nice. How do you know when frost may hit ? Learn the signs and precautions you should take.

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.

Top Ten Deadliest Hurricanes
This has been a stormy hurricane season. Check out a list of some of the deadliest storms over the past 100+ years.

How did an Almanac Save Christopher Columbus?!
Christopher Columbus once used an Almanac and an eclipse to save he and his crew. Find out how.

Is There Life On Mars?
You've heard of the "man on the moon" but what about "man on mars?" Read about the idea of a man on mars here.

Poll Results: Pizza Wins by a Landslide!
You cast your votes, and pizza takes the title of favorite all-American dinner.


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.

Weather Glossary
Ever wonder what an anemometer measures? Or what a dust devil is? Here's a helpful glossary of popular weather terms.

Recipes

Zucchini Fritters
Here's a tasty treat that's even better with grated cheese incorporated before frying.


Cinnamon French Toast
French toast, often known as eggy bread in the UK, is a popular breakfast food in North America.

Blog

North Star
November 8, 2007 10:54 AM


Do You Know Any Indian State Names?
September 7, 2005 12:09 PM


Spectacular Night Sky
February 20, 2008 8:41 AM

The Spirit of America
September 28, 2009 3:30 PM

Total Eclipse of the Moon
February 11, 2008 1:32 PM

Almanacs, Large and Small
September 15, 2006 11:02 AM



What's in a name?
August 28, 2008 4:32 PM

Ray Geiger and the Farmers’ Almanac
September 18, 2006 9:55 AM

20 Signs of a Hard Winter
August 26, 2008 1:17 PM

25 Random Things
February 17, 2009 1:47 PM


The Most Accurate Weather Proverbs
January 10, 2007 1:15 PM

Cold, Ice, Snow, Oh My!
December 16, 2006 7:09 AM

A Man and His Machine (Snow Blower)
December 23, 2008 11:02 AM

Itching for Blackberries
July 13, 2005 4:53 PM




Nightmare Wedding Day?
January 14, 2008 3:59 PM

The Weather in Idaho
February 8, 2007 12:02 PM

What is the FFA?
October 12, 2006 10:49 AM

June 6th - D-Day
June 6, 2008 10:06 AM

A Long, Hard Winter
April 5, 2007 9:18 AM

Drink Hot Green Tea to Good Health
January 16, 2006 12:30 PM

Strawberry Moons….Forever
June 18, 2008 12:30 PM

Brad Pitt: "Build Green"
September 8, 2006 11:58 PM


Pumpkins and October
October 9, 2007 11:50 AM

Phil Agrees - 6 More Weeks of Winter
February 2, 2009 10:12 AM

We Told You So!
December 13, 2007 11:18 AM

Birth Control for Maple Trees
November 7, 2008 12:44 PM

Lake Effect Snow
March 11, 2008 12:02 PM

Wood Burning and other comments
January 8, 2009 3:30 PM

Ice Storm of 2008 - Blizzards
December 15, 2008 11:04 AM

Holiday Trivia
December 20, 2007 5:37 PM

Snowy, Freezy, Nuts
December 17, 2008 2:02 PM

Our Pets & Winter… Texas Weather
December 4, 2008 12:15 PM

Winter Weather Indicators
November 13, 2008 1:08 PM

20 Signs of a Hard Winter (Part 1)
August 29, 2007 2:31 PM

Front Page News
September 11, 2007 5:02 PM


Holy Hurricane Season
June 2, 2008 1:00 PM

Wild, Wacky Weather
October 15, 2009 2:41 PM

Winter Weather Observers
September 22, 2008 10:05 AM

Weather by Caterpillar
September 8, 2008 9:53 PM


Wedding Weather Contest Finalists
March 31, 2008 1:33 PM

The SECRET is OUT!
August 27, 2007 9:20 AM


The 10 Best Weather Cities
October 5, 2006 1:47 PM

Answering E-Mails
October 28, 2008 10:57 AM

Growing Out of Poverty
October 15, 2008 9:39 AM

The 10 Worst Weather Cities
October 6, 2006 6:20 AM

Biodeisel Fuel
July 11, 2008 10:39 AM


Move Thanksgiving?!
November 20, 2007 5:53 PM


Pages

Farmers' Almanac Fact Sheet
Every year since 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac has been sought after for its long-range weather predictions, practical gardening and household advice, fishing tips, astronomical data and articles on ways to conserve time, energy, and the earth. The Farmers' Almanac has...

Common Press Questions and Answers
What is the Farmers’ Almanac? Founded in 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac is North America’s most timeless, trusted, and treasured source for long-range weather predictions, humor, fun facts, and valuable advice on gardening, cooking, fishing, conservation, and much more. The...

In The 'Nac
What's in the 'Nac -- the Farmers' Almanac that is:Always thrifty, always "green," the Farmers' Almanac is the "go-to" source for resourceful living. It's the only source for amazingly accurate 16 months of weather forecasts that help readers plan for...

For The Press
Common Press Questions and AnswersFind answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Farmers' Almanac.Fact SheetGet some quick facts, such as Almanac readership. Interview RequestsGet contact information for the editor and managing editor of the Farmers' Almanac,...

Meteor Showers
This table lists some of the best-known meteor showers. If your location observes Daylight Saving Time, please add one hour to the time shown. All times given are listed in Eastern Standard Time. The best way to watch for...

Sandi Duncan, Philom., Managing Editor of the Farmers' Almanac
If only Sandi Duncan could remember all of the interesting bits of trivia she’s learned throughout her years of editing the Farmers’ Almanac, she’d be able to make a fortune on the television quiz show circuit and retire comfortably. Luckily...

2006-2007 Weather Outlook for the U.S.
Tired of the Heat? Hang on – 2007 Farmers' Almanac Predicts "SHIVERY IS NOT DEAD"Lewiston, ME: After a brutally hot summer in most of the country, cool news is on the way. The new edition of the Farmers' Almanac, which...

2006-2007 Weather Outlook for Canada
Tired of the Heat? Hang on – 2007 Canadian Farmers' Almanac Predicts "SHIVERY IS NOT DEAD"Lewiston, ME: After a hot summer in most of Canada, cool news is on the way. The new edition of the Canadian Farmers' Almanac, which...

Where to Buy
Thanks to the many retailers in North America, the Farmers' Almanac and Canadian Farmers' Almanac are available in your favorite grocery, drug, bookstore, and retail store. Below is where you should find your copy in stores across the US. For...

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...

Inside the 2010 Farmers' Almanac
Buy the Almanac now!Buy the 2010 Farmers' Almanac now in our online store »Find the Almanac near you!Click here for a list of Farmers' Almanac Retail Locations »What our readers are saying...We often receive comments from our customers who like...

Farmers' Almanac Weather Outlook for Hawaii
Farmers Almanac Weather Summary for HawaiiDue to Hawaii's fairly constant weather patterns, the Farmers' Almanac provides an overall climatological summary for Hawaii. This summary should give you a good idea of what type of weather to expect if you are...

Meet the Editors
Peter Geiger, Philom., EditorIf Peter Geiger hadn’t become the seventh editor of the world-famous Farmers’ Almanac, he would have wanted to write a syndicated column offering handy, time saving household hints. Luckily for famous hint maven Heloise, Peter’s fate was...

An Interview With Ken Burns (from the 2010 Farmers' Almanac)
For three decades, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has been exploring the people, places, and events that comprise the fabric of America. Whether a bridge over the East River in New York, a five-year war between the states, or the transformative...

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...

Welcome to the NEW FarmersAlmanac.com
We've been very busy at Farmers' Almanac and Farmers' Almanac TV working on a new site that provides you with a more weather, wisdom, video, recipes, and more! Check out our new enhanced features: One-Stop Weather Site:Our new site is...

Interview Requests
Looking for a lively, unusual, but informative interview for your story or show? Farmers’ Almanac editors love to talk about unusual weather, long-range weather outlooks and more! Both seasoned interviewees, editors Pete Geiger and Sandi Duncan are ready, willing...

What’s inside the 2009 Farmers’ Almanac? Take a peek…
Numb’s the Word: Find out where the Farmers’ Almanac is forecasting a “numbing” winter. Learn how cold it will be, how much snow you can expect and where the best spots for winter warmth will be. (Page 114) Natural Cures...

Farmers' Almanac History
Founded in 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac’s timeless appeal has spanned three centuries, offering readers a trademark blend of long-range weather predictions, humor, fun facts, and valuable advice on gardening, cooking, fishing, conservation, and much more. The Farmers’...

What's inside the 2009 Canadian Farmers' Almanac?
As always, the 2009 Canadian Farmers’ Almanac contains 16 months of our legendary weather predictions for Canada. Don’t be caught off guard—see what’s in store for your hometown for the next winter, spring, and summer ahead.This year’s edition contains hints,...

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...

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...