OutdoorHub
Old Farmer’s Almanac Releases Winter 2025-2026 Forecast
The 2026 Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its winter forecast for 2025-2026, and sportsmen across the country are taking note. Whether you’re planning late-season deer hunts or wondering if your favorite lake will freeze thick enough to fish, this forecast gives you a heads up on what Old Man Winter has in store for you.
The Big Picture
According to the Almanac, most of the United States can expect a typical or slightly milder winter this year. Don’t pack away your cold-weather gear just yet though. Editor Carol Connare warns that while temperatures will be near normal to slightly milder across much of the country, certain regions are in for a colder-than-average season. The Appalachians, Carolinas, Florida, and Ohio Valley should brace for a sharper chill, while the Deep South can expect warmer-than-average conditions.
Regional Breakdown
Deep South (Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama):
- Warmer-than-average temperatures expected overall
- Coldest periods: mid-December, early and late January, and early February
- Below-normal precipitation throughout the region
- Snow chances also trending low
- Best snow opportunities in northern areas: mid-November, late January, early February
- Most won’t need snow boots for accessing fishing holes or hunting spots
Carolinas and Southern Appalachians:
- “Cold, snowy” winter predicted
- Greater-than-normal snowfall expected
- Those in North Carolina, West Virginia, and Tennessee mountains should plan for winter weather
- Access roads and boat ramps could be challenging
- May need to adjust outdoor plans around snow and ice conditions
Other Notable Regions
The Intermountain region, Florida, and eastern Desert Southwest may see above-average precipitation, bucking the national trend of drier conditions. Snowfall is expected to be near or below normal for most areas, but the southern Rockies and eastern Desert Southwest could see greater accumulations than usual.
Overall precipitation is forecasted to be drier than usual across the country, with extended dry stretches likely in many regions. That could impact water levels come spring, so pay attention to your local conditions as the season progresses.
2025 Winter Reminder
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been publishing weather predictions for over 200 years using a formula based on celestial events and meteorological patterns. While it’s not a scientific forecast, many outdoorsmen use it as a general guide for planning their seasons. Always check your local weather before heading out, and remember that conditions can change rapidly regardless of what any long-range forecast predicts.
Winter is winter, no matter what the Almanac says. Even in regions expecting milder temperatures, cold snaps happen. Pack your gear accordingly, let someone know where you’re going, and be prepared for changing conditions. The forecast gives you a starting point for planning, but experience and common sense should always guide your decisions in the field.
The post Old Farmer’s Almanac Releases Winter 2025-2026 Forecast appeared first on OutdoorHub.
