The 2023 edition of the Farmers’ Almanac is predicting this to be a “shake, shiver, and shovel” winter. The Almanac says that winter will likely come earlier than last year with storms and cold nationwide, and here to stay. How about that for a white Christmas?
For farmers and ranchers, Mother Nature is one of the most unpredictable aspects of the operation. Although we can’t control the weather, or predict exactly how things are going to play out this winter, the Farmers’ Almanac has been predicting long-range weather patterns since 1818.
If you’ve longed for coverall weather, you will likely get it (unless you’re in the Southwest U.S.). This season is supposed to be filled with snow, rain, and mush, with December looking stormy nationwide.
But just how much snow are you going to get?
A winter storm track in the eastern United States is predicted to run from the western Gulf of Mexico to the northeast, across the Virginias, New York State and New England.
The Southeast will see storms with cold rains and a mix of snow, sleet, ice, freezing rain, and chilly temperatures.
Meanwhile, the North Central states may see a fair amount of snow throughout the winter, and the Southern Central States may see some snow accumulating in early January.
The Far West and Pacific Northwest will see about-normal winter precipitation, while the Southwest is predicted to remain in a drought with less than average amounts of moisture.
As for the cold…
You may want to ask Santa Claus for a new coat (and shovel). Frigid temperatures are likely in many areas through January, especially in the North Central region (get ready to shake and shiver!) The 2022-23 winter season may break some records with temperatures 40 below zero in the United States.
The Southeast will also likely make you want to bundle up while the Great Lakes region calls for “unreasonably cold” temperatures. During the first week of January, the Rockies and Plains may experience heavy snows that may reach Texas and Oklahoma followed by bitterly cold air. Thankfully February may ease the pressure a bit — making winter a little bit more bearable.
When does it end?
After the vernal equinox, expect spring to go out like a lion at the end of March with a wide variety of weather conditions.
The 2023 Farmers’ Almanac, with its orange and green cover, is now available in bookstores and retail stores, as well as on Amazon and FarmersAlmanac.com. Not just for farmers, the Almanac reaches a broader audience with husbandry tips, days to cut your hair or mow your lawn (that you won’t see for a while), quit bad habits, brew beer, and grow basil.
