Farmers’ Almanac winter weather forecast calls for a season of rapid-fire storms that will bring both rain and snow, with little downtime in between. Brace yourself for a Wet Winter Whirlwind! Here is everything you need to know about the extended weather forecast, including an important winter weather advisory.
Wet Winter Whirlwind
The astronomical start of winter begins with the winter solstice on Saturday, December 21, 2024. This winter, La Niña, which refers to the periodic cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, is expected to develop and hang on through the season. Taking into account the effect La Niña has on the weather, along with our long-standing formula, we anticipate the winter of 2024-25 will be wet and cold for most locations.
Coldest Outbreaks
The season’s coldest temperatures will be found from the Northern Plains to the Great Lakes region. But areas east of the Rockies into the Appalachians will also experience many periods of cold conditions. The coldest outbreak of the season will come during the final week of January into the beginning of February, when frigid Arctic air brings a sharp plunge in temperatures almost nationwide, but especially across the Northern Plains. As this very cold air blows across the Great Lakes, heavy snow showers and snow squalls will bring intense bursts of snow to the lee (east) of the Lakes. Jump to important dates.
Winter in New England and the Northeast will be stormy with above-normal amounts of winter precipitation and near-to above-normal temperatures. Snow will be most prevalent over the interior and mountainous terrains, while sleet and rain will be more common near the coast, especially near and along the I-95 corridor.
Texas, the Southern Plains (western Kansas, Oklahoma, and portions of Nebraska and New Mexico), and up across the Southeast and Atlantic Coast should experience a warmish winter, with above average temperatures. The Southwest will see average winter temperatures, while the Pacific Northwest will be unseasonably chilly.
Above-average precipitation is expected over the eastern third of the country, especially the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Midwest. The Pacific Northwest will also have a wet winter. However, the Southwest and South Central States are on track for a winter with average to below-average precipitation, according to our winter weather forecast.
Dates to Remember
We are “red flagging” the final week of January over most of the eastern half of the country because of a very active storm track that we expect will deliver frequent bouts of heavy precipitation, as well as strong and gusty winds. We would especially highlight the time frames from January 20 to 23 and 24 to 27, which could mean copious amounts of snow, rain, sleet, and ice (depending on where you live). Â
Readers in Texas and the Northwest might want to circle the beginning of February for a possible snowstorm with up to 6 inches in Texas, and 12 inches in the Bitterroot Mountain range of Idaho.
About Farmers’ Almanac Forecasts
For over 200 years, the Farmers’ Almanac has been predicting long-range weather forecasts to help you plan ahead.
These forecasts are created using a tried-and-true formula that adapts to the mysteries of nature and the ever-changing world in which we live. The basis of our prediction method was developed by our founding editor according to correlations between celestial events and various meteorological conditions.
Today this formula uses some of the original rules set forth back in 1818, but also accounts for fluctuations in the environment on Earth, as well as sunspots, the motion of the Moon, and other proprietary factors.
Yes, nature throws us a curveball from time to time, but it doesn’t stop us from going out on a limb to not only predict what the weather may bring up to a year in advance, but to also put it in print. Order your copies of FA 2025 here. Better yet … Get All-Access now—online exclusives and FREE shipping!
Any questions? Let us know in the comments!
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I am trying to plan a retirement party for husband that is retiring at the age of 75 after working for the same company since military. Employed for them for 53 years. But this winter has been strange if nothing else…lol Could I possible plan this for out of state family in the out of doors in the first or second week of March in the Northeast of Fl in the area of Jacksonville fl and St. Augustine, FL.
Congratulations on his retirement! As a previous editor once said “may it rain enough,” – enough to keep drought away, flowers blooming, but stay away on important dates. We list a month at a time of our long-range predictions on our web site, but you can access the entire year in the print book. Check out https://www.farmersalmanac.com/long-range-weather-forecast/southeast-us. I hope it’s a great weather day for your celebration.
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What will the weather be like in Central Indiana for the month of May?
Is it too early to remove frost covers on plants in new orleans la.?
Hi June, Thanks for your question. In New Orleans, we would recommend waiting until at least February 16.
Is South Texas done with winter? Should we start pruning? My roses think so!
I’m from South Central Louisiana and we had 11+ inches of snow. Love that you were not spot on this year. I have great pictures and videos of grandchildren playing in the snow. Great memories but wouldn’t want it as much as the north.
HI Desi, snow is fun if it doesn’t last to long! 11 inches is a lot of snow even up here!
We’re glad you had a wonderful time in the snow!
What’s the prediction for Charleston South Carolina the first week of February 2025?
For the Southeast region – 1st – 3rd, Very cold air plunges across the South, bringing frosts to Gulf Coast and northern FL.
4th – 7th, Generally fair, but chilly.
Crazy. This article red flagged Jan 20-23 for snow in Texas. We are in Austin and hardly ever see snow! I’m writing this today Jan 21…as predicted…it snowed.
I live in oneonta Al will I see snow anymore this year. Are will we see ice
It is going to snow on the 21 of Jan in houston
Visiting Kansas in mid February. Don’t drive on snow and ice. Am I safe
Hi Maggie, Here are 3-day forecasts for US North Central states, including Kansas – https://www.farmersalmanac.com/long-range-weather-forecast/north-central-us. We also recommend paying attention to local weather conditions as it gets closer to the time of your visit. Best wishes!