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Could this winter's weather add to economic woes?

As homeowners across the country pray for a mild winter to offset rising energy costs, the world-famous Farmers’ Almanac is warning us to prepare for the worst. “Numb’s the word!” is how the 192-year-old publication is predicting the upcoming winter season.

For 2008–2009, the Farmers’ Almanac is forecasting a “numbing” winter, with below-average temperatures for at least two-thirds of the country. Only the Far West and Southeast will see near-normal temperatures. Few, if any, locations will enjoy many above-normal temperature days this upcoming season.

Snow?
Precipitation-wise, most of the South, as well as the Midwest, should experience above-normal conditions, while the rest of the nation will average close to normal. With below-normal winter temperatures and an above-normal precipitation forecast, the Great Lakes and Midwest will see above-normal snowfalls, especially during January and February.

Above-normal precipitation is forecast for the Southwest during December 2008 and for the Southeast in January and February 2009. It should also turn out to be an unusually wet and/or snowy February across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

In contrast, for the Pacific Northwest, where wet weather is usually the rule during the winter, February could actually turn out to be a bit drier than normal.

What about spring and summer?
Find out when the first and last snowflakes may fall in your area by ordering a copy of the 2009 Farmers’ Almanac today or download a copy for instant access.

Check out how accurate the Farmers' Almanac winter weather predictions were last year.

Get the Canadian Farmers’ Almanac Forecast here.

The 2009 Farmers’ Almanac contains 16 months of weather predictions for the US – from September 2008 through December 31, 2009. Get your copy today or get instant access to our weather and/or entire edition online.