Winter Weather Forecast 2021
from The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Light Winter for Many, Colder in the West
Every year, folks ask us … what’s the winter forecast? Without further ado, here is a sneak peak at our famous long-range weather predictions from The 2021 Old Farmer’s Almanac edition—including the winter maps for all of the U.S. and Canada.
Good maps, certainly, but not our complete forecast. For that, you’ll need a copy of The 2021 Old Farmer’s Almanac, which can now be found in local stores across North America. Or, order a copy from the comfort of your easy chair at TheAlmanacStore.com.
Will it be a snowy winter? Will it be an exceptionally cold winter? How bad a winter is it going to be? We’ve highlighted our regional weather summaries below to give you an idea of what kind of winter we’re going to have in the 2020-2021 season—and why.
What’s Shaping the Weather this Year?
Solar Cycle 25 is now underway. Cycle 24 was the smallest in more than 100 years and possibly the smallest since the Dalton Minimum in the early 1800s, while Cycle 25 is expected to also bring very low solar activity. Although such minimal activity has historically meant cooler temperatures across Earth, we believe the recent warming trends will dominate in the eastern and northern parts of the nation this winter, with only the Southwest being colder than normal. Most of Canada will have a cold and snowy winter. However, rising temperature trends mean that the winter will not bring extreme cold; instead, it will be closer to normal
U.S. Winter Weather Forecast 2020-2021
If you were hoping for a reprieve from harsh winter weather this year, we have some news that just might make you smile. We’re predicting a light winter for most of us here in the United States, with warmer-than-normal temperatures in the forecast for a large part of the country.
Uncommonly chilly temperatures will be limited mostly to the western states and northeastern New England. Specifically, winter will be colder than normal in Maine; the Intermountain, Desert Southwest, and Pacific Southwest regions; and eastern Hawaii and above normal elsewhere.
On the precipitation side of things, expect “wet” to be a wintertime constant, with rain or average to below-average snowfall to be the standard throughout most of the country.
Specifically, precipitation will be below normal from Delmarva into North Carolina; in the southern Appalachians, Georgia, and Florida from the Ohio Valley westward to the Pacific and southward to the Gulf and Mexico; and in western Hawaii and above or near normal elsewhere.
Snowfall will be greater than normal in the Northeast, Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, the High Plains, and northern Alaska and below normal in most other areas that receive snow.
Order Your U.S. 2021 Almanac Here
Canadian Winter Weather Forecast 2020-2021
The 2021 Old Farmer’s Almanac Canadian Edition is calling for below-normal winter temperatures through most of the country. However, it’s still winter and expect frigid and frosty weather!
The exception will be in Atlantic Canada and the Prairies, which will experience above-normal temperatures.
Precipitation will be above normal in all of the Commonwealth. Snowfall will be much greater than normal from Quebec westward through most of the Prairies and close to normal elsewhere.
So, while the Atlantic Canada and the Prairies may feel some relief from winter’s chill, they–like the rest of the country—will see lots of rain, snow, and sleet.
Areas from Alberta eastward to Quebec should brace for a virtually continual “Snow Train” that will be carrying a series of winter storms throughout the season.
Comments
The Editors
August 11, 2020 - 8:21pm
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Alaska
Hi Sandra, Thank you for posting! We do indeed cover Alaska in The 2021 Old Farmer’s Almanac! In fact, Alaska is its own region (region 17). Sincerely, your Almanac editors
Marie Works
August 15, 2020 - 9:22am
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Alaska-no longer there...
Sandra, maybe you're not getting the "Old Farmer's Almanac" and just "A" Farmer's Almanac.... See previous comments on the same subject with replies from the "Old Farmer's Almanac" staff.
Rich Hondo
August 11, 2020 - 8:55am
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weather
I have always taken an interest in weather, guess i should have been a meteiorologst well its a bit late for that since the late 70s i follow it daily. i also have 3 weather stations. i look foreward to your e- mail every day. thank you
Anita
August 11, 2020 - 8:16am
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Farmer's Almanac
I follow the weather alot during Hurricane Season - it is so nice to be able to go on your WEATHER tab and view that state to state. I also enjoy ALL your gardening tips, how to rid of pests/bugs and what flowers to grow not to attract wasps ! Bees we need to pollinate those beautiful flowers we so enjoy! But wasps, uh uh, not for me. We currently have WASP HOLES in our yard about 6 of them and I am getting a big bottle of vinegar today and mix with water and put down those holes -- better than using chemicals! Thank you for that tip.
Tammy Conahan
August 11, 2020 - 8:02am
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This Almanac Is Our Family Tradition
Thank you for consistently publishing a family favorite guaranteed to be used throughout the year. I ordered my first subscription as my memaw always supplied us a copy but unfortunately she is no longer with us and parents have also gone. I look forward to carrying on this tradition with my children encouraging them to also be one with nature.
Every issue is eagerly looked forward to and I thank you for always consistently maintaining these high standards.
Customer and family for always,
Tammy Conahan
Jane Selleck Bush
August 11, 2020 - 7:06am
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Thank You !
My daily e-mail from The Old Farmer's Almanac is always a highlife of my morning. I especially like the gardening tips. Thank you very much. You contribute happy thoughtfulness to my day. Jane
The Editors
August 13, 2020 - 4:16pm
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Thank you!
Dear Jane, Thank you for sharing! Your kind comments are the highlight of our day, nay, week. We’ll strive to continue to start your morning right—with a smile! Sincerely, your OFA editors
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