Winter 2025-26:
What Two 200-Year-Old Almanacs Are Predicting
Winter 2025–26 could end up as one for the record books, or at least, one for the snow shovels. The Farmers’ Almanac just released its annual winter forecast, dubbing the season a “wild weather ride across the nation.”
From heavy snow in the Northern Plains to unpredictable swings in the South, the Almanac is predicting a season full of chills, snow, and repeated cycles of cold and brief warm-ups. Guess this means, it’s time to get your Mozy!
What the Farmers’ Almanac Is and How It Forecasts
The Farmers’ Almanac has been around for over 200 years, originally offering guidance to farmers on planting, harvesting, and surviving winter storms. Today, it remains best known for its long-range forecasts and seasonal advice.
The Almanac keeps its formula for forecasting a secret. While some speculate that solar activity, moon cycles, and historical climate trends are part of the formula, the company does not reveal specifics. So, while the Almanac’s predictions are fun and traditional, weather experts warn caution before making decisions based on the outlook. “It's pretty easy to say 'winter will be cold' and 'summer will be hot' and when that happens people believe it was an accurate prediction,” says Amy Sweezey, Certified Meteorologist. “Two hundred years ago, the Farmers' Almanac was the only game in town for any kind of 'weather prediction.' Now with our technological advancements and computer modeling, it seems more like a 'fun' outlook that should be taken with a grain of salt.”
The Forecast: Chill, Snow, Repeat
So, what does the Farmers’ Almanac predict for the season? For Winter 2025–26:
• Northern Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes: Colder-than-usual temperatures with heavy snow and persistent cold snaps. 🥶
• New England: Expect a snowy, classic winter with early cold events and a season that lingers late into spring. 🥶
• Pacific Northwest and Rockies: Cold air and mountain snow will dominate, with stormy conditions more frequent than average. 🥶
• Southern Plains and Southeast: Wetter-than-average conditions with a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, plus occasional brief warm-ups. ☔
The Almanac even warns of potential snow as early as September in northern regions and a late-season punch, suggesting the chill could last well into spring.
Modern Science vs. Almanac Predictions
Meteorologists today use satellite data, climate models, and ocean temperature measurements to predict weather patterns, which are different from weather forecasts. “Patterns are easy and broadly based on climatology: 'Winter is cold. Summer is hot.' But forecasts contain specific details: 'What time will it rain? How much snow will we have? When will it freeze?',” notes Sweezey. She points out that forecasts are only accurate about 5 or 7 days out. “There's a reason the TV stations show a 7-day forecast and a reason that many apps don't go out much more than 14 days.”
Sweezey adds her thoughts on what may shape the coming winter: “If La Niña continues into the winter months of 2025-2026, as signs are beginning to show, that usually translates to more cold and snow for the northwest, drier conditions in the south and higher than normal temperatures in the southeast.” She points out that while historic patterns are interesting, they aren't accurate predictors of daily weather specifics.
Farmers’ Almanac vs. Old Farmer’s Almanac
The Farmers’ Almanac isn’t the only old fashioned predictor that’s calling for a classic “old fashioned winter.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been around even longer – since 1792! It too is predicting cold, snow, and repeated cycles of chill and thaw. Key similarities between the two predictions include:
• Early Start and Late Finish: Snow may arrive before the solstice and last into spring.
• Coldest Regions: Northern Plains, Great Lakes, New England, and the Pacific Northwest.
• Winter Pattern: Rapid alternation between cold outbreaks, snowfalls, and brief warm spells.
The differences are subtle: The Farmers’ Almanac emphasizes dramatic swings and persistent patterns, while the Old Farmer’s Almanac stresses variability with occasional periods of notable warmth. Both note above-average precipitation in the South and heavy snow in the northern U.S., though the Old Farmer’s Almanac projects slightly more overall moisture nationwide.
Regardless of the differences, the message is clear: this winter will demand preparation, especially for those in the North and anyone who spends time outdoors.
Why Mozy Is Your Winter Essential
Whether the Almanacs’ predictions are perfectly accurate or just “fun to follow,” one thing is undeniable: winter 2025–26 is shaping up to be active and unpredictable. That’s where Mozy comes in.
Mozy is designed for real winter conditions:
• Superior Warmth: Ergonomic design traps heat efficiently.
• Weather Protection: Shields against wind, cold, and wet conditions.
• Go-Anywhere Comfort: Lightweight and portable, perfect for errands, winter sports, or outdoor adventures.
With the Farmers’ Almanac forecasting “chill, snow, repeat”, Mozy ensures you’ll stay cozy no matter what the storm brings.
