The ‘Surprising’ Winter 2026-2027 Outlook from Farmers’ Almanac

Winter is technically still four months away as I write this. And with massive, western wildfires in the headlines and the peak of hurricane season still to come, winter is about the furthest thing from most peoples’ minds. Except for maybe folks behind the Farmers’ Almanac. The storied periodical, which has published for more than 200 years, has released its outlook for the 2026-2027 winter weather season.

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the upcoming winter season is shaping up to be a season of sharp contrasts, with an active southern storm track, quick bursts of snow and bitter cold across the North, and a tricky mix of rain, sleet, ice, and heavy “wet snow in the Northeast. This winter may bring plenty of surprises.”

In fact, the publication’s winter forecast theme is “Snow, Sleet, and Surprises.”

To no surprise for me, the forecast includes more than a few extremes in the mix. This is primarily a product of the strengthening El Niño climate phase that’s ongoing. Many forecasts are predicting a “Super El Niño” event that could carry through the winter months into early spring.

Some of the quick takeaways from the Farmers’ Almanac Winter Weather 2026-2027 Outlook include the following:

• A Wet and Stormy Southern Tier: “An active storm track (due to El Niño) may extend from Southern California and the Desert Southwest through Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the Southeast. These areas should watch for frequent storm systems, muddy fields, and occasional surges of cold air. When that colder air meets abundant moisture, some storms could produce sleet, freezing rain, or heavy, wet snow. The southern Rockies may fare especially well for mountain snowfall.”
• Cold Snaps Across the North: “Fast-moving clippers, sudden cold snaps, and brief snowy periods are likely, although milder breaks may frequently interrupt the wintry weather. Farther north, the Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes could experience sudden snow squalls, blustery winds, and bursts of bitter cold.”
• Tricky Winter for the Northeast: “Coastal communities could receive more rain or mixed precipitation, while inland areas may be hit by several rounds of heavy, wet snow—particularly during January and February. Small shifts in storm tracks and temperatures could make the difference between rain, sleet, freezing rain, and accumulating snow. Residents should be prepared for forecasts to change quickly as storms approach.”
• Mixed Bag in the Northwest: “The Pacific Northwest may experience a more changeable and somewhat less dependable snow season.”

To read the entire winter 2026-2027 forecast from the Farmers’ Almanac, CLICK HERE.

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the 2026–2027 winter outlook was prepared by Caleb Weatherbee, its official forecaster. Like those before him, he employed the same proprietary weather formula the Farmers’ Almanac has relied upon since its founding in 1818. Despite the Farmers’ Almanac announcing this past November the 2026 edition would be the last, it continues on for now in digital platform.

Whether or not the winter weather outlook from Farmers’ Almanac verifies, being prepared is always a good choice. This especially for specialty crop growers, who have reported extreme weather impacts as one of their top challenges.

For now, let’s get through the rest of the summer. We’ll check back in on this forecast’s accuracy next spring.