Farmers, get ready for a challenging winter. The 2025 Farmers’ Almanac predicts a cold, stormy season, far different from last year’s unusual weather anomalies.
While the winter of 2023-24 saw unpredictable warm spells and sudden cold snaps, this year’s forecast promises more traditional winter conditions, particularly for the northern and eastern regions.
Winter officially starts on December 21, 2024, with the winter solstice, but don’t expect the cold to hold off until then. La Niña’s influence means cold temperatures and storms could hit earlier. The Farmers’ Almanac highlights that the season’s coldest temperatures will affect the Northern Plains and Great Lakes, where heavy snow is expected, especially during the final week of January into early February, as frigid Arctic air sweeps across much of the country.
The eastern half of the U.S. is on “red flag” alert for the final week of January due to a highly active storm track. Between January 20 and 27, expect frequent bouts of heavy precipitation, along with gusty winds. This period could bring significant amounts of snow, rain, sleet, or ice, depending on your region.
For those in Texas and the Northwest, mark your calendars for early February. A potential snowstorm could bring up to 6 inches in Texas, while Idaho’s Bitterroot Mountain range could see up to 12 inches.
Precipitation patterns
Above-average precipitation is forecasted for the eastern third of the U.S., including the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Midwest. The almanac says the Pacific Northwest will also have a wet and chilly winter, while the Southwest and South Central States are expected to experience average to below-average precipitation. This is a stark contrast to last year, when Texas experienced unusually cold conditions.
This winter, the Southern Plains, including parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and New Mexico, should have a warmer season, with the Southeast and Atlantic Coast also expected to experience above-average temperatures.
Looking back, and forward
Last winter’s strange anomalies were driven by an El Niño event, but this year’s steadier La Niña influence should bring more consistent winter weather patterns. However, with a highly active storm track predicted, the season is expected to deliver heavy snow, ice, and rain for many regions.
The Farmers’ Almanac continues to use its time-tested formula, developed in 1818, which accounts for environmental fluctuations, sunspots, the motion of the Moon, and other proprietary factors.
Even when nature throws curveballs, the almanac doesn’t shy away from forecasting the weather months in advance. For more detailed forecasts and regional maps, you can order your 2025 Farmers’ Almanac or get all-access online. And, to be clear, this almanac should not be confused with the competing Old Farmer’s Almanac, which is also leaning toward higher precipitation amounts compared with last year.
»Related: 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac teases a winter far unlike the last
