The 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac is projecting this coming winter to be far different than the previous year’s expectations: Things are looking gentler across most of the United States.
“This winter, temperatures will be up and snowfall down throughout most of the United States,” reports Carol Connare, the almanac’s editor-in-chief. “While there will still be plenty of chilly temperatures and snow for most slopes, the high heating costs associated with the season shouldn’t hit so hard. We’re predicting a temperate, uneventful winter — potentially a welcome reprieve from the extremes of recent years.”
There will be exceptions, of course. Winter rainstorms are likely to leave Florida, the Deep South, and southern California soaked, the 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac says. Meanwhile, heavy snowfall is expected in central and southern Appalachia, the western Ohio Valley, and the Rockies — calling all skiers and sledders!
The Old Farmer’s Almanac — considered to be North America’s most popular reference guide on agriculture and weather and one that is different from the similarly titled Farmer’s Almanac — dates to the late 18th century. The original formula that this publication uses to calculate the weather is kept tucked away in a black tin box in Dublin, New Hampshire, at the almanac’s offices.
Unfortunately, most people don’t have the credentials to get a sneak peak at the secret formulas the Old Farmer’s Almanac uses!
The Old Farmer’s Almanac claims that its forecasts are “traditionally 80 percent accurate,” and it includes a health dose of wit and wisdom in its pages, including puzzles, recipes, and a “trends” section.
Regional summaries for the U.S.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac breaks the nation down into 18 distinct regions, with the intent that you’ll be able to zero in on the unique climate in your neck of the woods.
For example, the almanac says of these key farming regions:
- Region 4: Southeast: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina: Winter will be cooler than normal in the east and warmer than normal in the west. The coldest periods are expected in late November, late January, and late February. Precipitation and snowfall will be above normal. The best chance for snow is in late January and early and late February. Superbowl 2025 is set in New Orleans in early February; this may affect travel, though the Superdome is completely covered.
- Region 8: Deep South: Wet and wild? Or, is that wet and mild? Across the Deep South, which covers Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and nearby states, there will be plenty of moisture and an extra dose of warmth this winter. Winter temperatures will be consistently warmer than average (about 2°F monthly). The coldest periods will occur in early and late November, from late January into early February, and in late February.
- Region 9: Upper Midwest: If you’re a roofer in Minnesota, you know winter! This northern-tier region comprises Minneapolis and other cities, including International Falls to the north and Marquette and Green Bay to the east. It’s cold in the Upper Midwest, but winter 2024-2025 will not be as cold as usual. The coldest shots will occur in early November, early and late January, late February, and early March. Precipitation and snowfall will be below average for the Upper Midwest, with the snowiest periods in late November, late December, mid- and late January, early February, and mid-March.
- Region 10: Heartland: The heartland of America mainly covers Iowa, Missouri, and eastern Kansas, as well as Nebraska. Cities include Des Moines, St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, and Topeka. Winter will be warmer than normal throughout this agricultural area. The coldest periods in the heartland will occur in late January and early and late February. Precipitation and snowfall will be below normal as well. The most snow will fall when temperatures are coldest in late January as well as early and late February.
- Region 12: High Plains: This region, located just to the east of the Rocky Mountains, covers America’s broad expanses of flatland. It extends from Amarillo north through Denver to Billings and east to Bismarck. Winter temperatures will be warmer than normal in the northern parts of this region—and colder than normal in the southern areas. Expect the coldest periods in early and mid-January and early to late February. Precipitation will be near normal, so don’t expect extremes. Snowfall will be near to above normal, with the snowiest periods in mid-November, mid- and late January, and late February.
Where can you get a copy of the 2025 Old Farmers’ Alamanc?
The 2025 Old Farmers’ Almanac, with its yellow and green cover, is now available in bookstores and retail stores and on Amazon and Almanac.com. Not just for farmers, the Old Farmers’ 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), and how to quit bad habits, brew beer, and grow basil.
