For farmers and ranchers, Mother Nature is one of the most unpredictable aspects of the operation. For example, parts of the northern United States have already received snow back in October. Although we cannot control the weather nor know the exact outcome, Farmers’ Almanac has been predicting the weather for two centuries now. The Farmers’ Almanac released both its 2021 edition and its long-range winter weather forecast, which is dubbed “Winter of the Great Divide” because of its unusual outlook.
Because the Farmers’ Almanac is anticipating “cold and snowy conditions in the north, drought in the west, and everything crazy in between,” they’re asking, “which side are you on?”
“Preparing people for the unexpected is more important than ever,” states editor Peter Geiger, Philom. “Our job as editors of the Farmers’ Almanac is to pass down valuable tips and advice to help our readers thrive, no matter the obstacles, including the weather.”
The Cold and Snowy Side
The Farmers’ Almanac, which has been predicting the weather using a carefully guarded formula for 204 years, forewarns areas from the Great Lakes and Midwest, westward through the Northern and Central Plains, and Rockies are in for a cold winter, with normal to below-normal temperatures.
Snow will be abundant, possibly above-normal amounts for parts of the western Dakotas, northern portions of Colorado and Utah, as well as Wyoming, which is great news for skiers.
Chilly Fringe
The Southeastern part of the country, excluding the Tennessee Valley, will experience average precipitation levels, with temperatures chillier than normal.
The Dry Side
Areas across the Desert Southwest, (Arizona and southern California), winter is predicted to be mild but dry. Not good news considering signs that drought conditions were beginning to ramp up in these regions at the close of the winter of 2020.
The Crazy In-Between
In New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma east into Arkansas, and Louisiana, Mother Nature will mix intervals of tranquil weather with occasional shots of cold and wintry precipitation. So those folks will have to stay on their (sock covered) toes to keep up with the changing weather.
Right along the Pacific Coastal Plain, from northern California and points north through western portions of Oregon and Washington, rainy and wet weather will be the rule for the winter ahead.
Wild Card
The “winter wild card” belongs to areas around the Tennessee and lower Ohio River valleys, north, and east up through New England where the Almanac suggests will see a mix of intense weather systems that will keep delivering a wintry mix of rainy, icy and/or snowy weather throughout the season.
Snow Way Out
“If you didn’t like last winter’s somewhat-boring weather in the Northeast,” shares managing editor Sandi Duncan, Philom., “you may be happy to hear what we are predicting for 2021.”
In the newest edition, Farmers’ Almanac acknowledges last winter’s “weird” conditions but hopes that their forecast of a blizzard, bringing 1-2 feet of snow along the eastern seaboard during the second week of February, will make up for it.
The 2021 Farmers’ Almanac, with its orange and green cover, is now available in bookstores and retail stores, as well as on Amazon and FarmersAlmanac.com.
