Michigan could see a snowy winter season with bursts of cold spells through February, if long-range forecasts recently released prove accurate.
“Farmers’ Almanac 2025-26 winter forecast calls for a season of dramatic swings and widespread wintry weather. Get ready to hit the slopes!” the Almanac said. “This winter’s outlook suggests a memorable winter from coast to coast, featuring some cold temperatures, frequent snowfalls, and plenty of surprises for every region.”
For Michigan, the Farmers’ Almanac forecasts a “very cold, snowy,” 2025-26 winter season, while the National Weather Service sees normal temperatures with above-average snowfall. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has not released its full winter forecast, but said to expect weather swings.
Both almanacs predict the upcoming fall will be cool and drier-than-normal weather, but the National Weather Service says to instead expect more warmth after Labor Day.
Here’s what the almanacs and the NWS forecast for winter in Michigan.
When is the start of winter?
Winter begins at 10:03 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, according to the Farmers’ Almanac marking the winter solstice as the shortest day of the year (therefore, longest night) and official start to winter.
The winter solstice is the start of astronomical winter, when Earth’s northern hemisphere is pointed the farthest away from the sun due to its tilted axis.
‘Chill, Snow, Repeat’: What the Farmers’ Almanac says about Michigan’s winter?
Michigan is expected to see a very cold and snowy winter. A “signficant” cold snap is forecast to occur mid-January and mid-February.
“The Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and North Central states are set for a classic winter wonderland, while the Pacific Northwest mountains are gearing up for some impressive snowfall totals,” the Farmers’ Almanac said.
The coldest temperatures are predicted for states in the northern Plains and New England. The Northwest also should prepare for cold, especially Idaho and Washington.
For the 2024-25 winter season, the Farmers’ Almanac accurately predicted the cold weather in the northern Plains and the Great Lakes, according to USA TODAY, though due to La Niña the season overall was not as wet as anticipated.
What does the Old Farmers’ Almanac predict for winter in Michigan?
The Old Farmers’ Almanac has not yet released its complete forecast for winter, however the publication included a “sneak peak” of what may be in store via analyzing solar cycles, La Niña, ocean oscillations and more.
For 2025-26 winter season, shifting stratospheric winds could result in cold air from Canada entering into the U.S. as polar vortex moves. In addition, “the polar vortex may wobble,” which could send bursts of frigid air and snow to the U.S.
The sun’s “Solar Cycle 25” recently peaked and was stronger than its last cycle, which overall indicates warmer temperatures for Earth.
A fading La Niña weather pattern could result in more varied weather.
What does the National Weather Service forecast for winter 2025-26?
Michigan is forecast to see normal temperatures for December, January and February, the NWS seasonal outlook released on July 17, says. The November-January outlook says temperatures across the southern half of the Lower Peninsula could be above normal.
Will Michigan get a lot of snow this winter?
For the southern half of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, there is a chance for above-normal precipitation for December-February. The rest of Michigan is forecast to see typical levels.
How accurate are almanacs?
The almanacs provide a long-range forecast for farmers to plan ahead and optimize their yield.
A climavision.com article notes the uncertainty of almanacs should be taken into consideration and shouldn’t be relied on for detailed predictions.
“While the (Old Farmer’s) Almanac claims an 80% accuracy rate and has made notable predictions, studies show it is only 52% accurate, making it unreliable for precise, long-term forecasts compared to modern meteorology,” according to climavision.com.
An article from popularmechanics.com also questions the accuracy of such almanacs.
“The almanacs say they can predict weather with around 80% accuracy, but a University of Illinois study disagreed, saying the Almanac was only about 52% accurate — which is essentially random chance,” popularmechanics.com said.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Will Michigan see a snowy winter? Old Farmer’s Almanac says to expect temperature swings
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
