The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the familiar, 223-year-old chronicler of climate, folksy advice and fun facts, is predicting a colder winter and warmer summer for much of the nation.
Published Wednesday, the New Hampshire-based almanac predicts a “super-cold” winter in the eastern two-thirds of the country. The west will remain a little bit warmer than normal.
“Colder is just almost too familiar a term,” Editor Janice Stillman said. “Think of it as a refriger-nation.”
More bad news for those who can’t stand snow: Most of the Northeast is expected to get more snowfall than normal, though it will be below normal in New England.
Before unpacking the parka, however, remember that “colder than average” is still only about 2 to 5 degrees difference.
Some other regional highlights:
- Florida’s winter could be rainier than most years while other locales in the Southeast and central states will see less rain.
- Summer will be warmer than usual in most places while a drop in rainfall in the country’s midsection could hurt crop yields.
- Despite some winter downpours in the west, the almanac says California’s drought will likely continue.
- Hurricane season isn’t expected to be especially active though a major storm could hit the Gulf Coast in late August.