The Farmers’ Almanac announced this month that its 2026 edition, which published in August, is its final edition after forecasting the weather annually more more than two centuries.
“We are incredibly proud of the legacy we leave behind and are filled with gratitude,” the Farmers’ Almanac said online on Nov. 6. “We appreciate and thank our loyal readers, contributors, and partners who have supported us through the years. Though the Almanac will no longer be available in print or online, it lives on within you.”
The Farmer’s Almanac, published since 1818, issued Nov. 6 announcement, titled, “A Fond Farewell.” In a separate post, editor Sandi Duncan said, “This decision, though difficult, reflects the growing financial challenges of producing and distributing the Almanac in today’s chaotic media environment.”
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the end of what has not only been an annual tradition in millions of homes and hearths for hundreds of years, but also a way of life, an inspiration for many who realize the wisdom of generations past is the key to the generations of the future,” Duncan wrote.
You can order your August 2026 edition online, the Almanac said. The Almanac said its website will be available until December 2025.
Before the Almanac goes away, it issued its outlook for the 2025-26 winter season. The Farmers’ Almanac expects Michigan to see colder and snowier conditions this year, which mostly mirrors the National Weather Service’s seasonal outlook for December through February.
The Old Farmers’ Almanac — a separate weather forecasting publication — forecasts a mild and dry winter for Michigan.
“Remember: “Mild” is relative. It’s still winter — so plan (and dress!) accordingly,” the Old Farmer’s Almanac said. “And if you’re in a snow-prone area, don’t retire that shovel just yet.”
After a mild fall, winter-like weather arrived in Michigan this week, with Negaunee, located west of Marquette in the north-central portion of the Upper Peninsula, getting 18 inches of lake-effect snow over weekend, Nov. 8-9.
Here’s what is in the forecast for winter in Michigan:
When does winter officially start?
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.
What does the Farmers’ Almanac’s forecast for winter 2025-26?
Michigan is expected to see a very cold and snowy winter. A “significant” cold snap is forecast to occur mid-January and mid-February.
“If you’re craving a classic winter wonderland, this is your year. New England and the Great Lakes are forecast to see frequent snowstorms, with the Pacific Northwest’s mountains also in for a powdery treat,” the Almanac said.
How accurate are the almanacs over the years?
The almanacs provide a long-range forecast for farmers to plan ahead and optimize their yield.
“When it comes to traditions and age-old wisdom, the Farmer’s Almanac stands as a beacon of knowledge and guidance,” Climavision said. “For centuries, this publication has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of farmers, gardeners, and enthusiasts of nature’s rhythms. From its intriguing origins to its questionable accuracy, the Farmer’s Almanac continues to captivate our fascination.”
The 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.
A 2022 article from popularmechanics.com also questioned 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: Is Michigan in for snowy winter? See Farmers’ Almanac’s last prediction
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
