Friday, March 20, marks the first day of spring and forecasters at the major farm almanacs and National Weather Service say Michiganders should be prepared for just about anything.
On March 19, the National Weather Service issued a seasonal outlook for April, May and June. Michigan is forecast to experience wet conditions across most of the Lower Peninsula, and eastern Upper Peninsula, while temperatures could be average for this time of year.
In addition, the Old Farmer’s Almanac updated its spring outlook on March 16, and among the 18 regional forecasts nationwide, the predictions say Michigan will experience a mixed bag of weather.
“The spring outlook predicts warmer-than-normal temperatures across much of the United States, with a few exceptions. Parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and areas of Montana and Colorado are expected to see temperatures closer to or below seasonal averages,” The Old Farmer’s Almanac said. “Much of the country is forecast to experience drier than normal conditions. However, wetter conditions are expected in: Upper Alaska, Texas-Oklahoma, northern Appalachians, High Plains, Upper Midwest (and) Intermountain region.”
The Farmers’ Almanac, meanwhile, predicts “chilly, unsettled,” conditions for the Midwest this spring. The northern region of the U.S. is also predicted to see colder temperatures and “fluctuating warm and cold spells.”
“Patience will be the key to this spring. While conditions may be slow, cool, and wet in many areas, careful planning and close attention to local weather patterns can help gardeners and farmers make the most of the season once spring finally finds its stride,” The Farmers’ Almanac wrote as the bottom line.
Here’s more on Michigan’s updated spring forecasts:
Will it be a rainy spring season in Michigan? What the National Weather Service says
Portions of Michigan is expected to see above-normal precipitation, including the eastern U.P. and most of the Lower Peninsula, the National Weather Service says.
The heaviest precipitation is expected in the southeast and northeast regions of the Lower Peninsula, according to the NWS seasonal outlook issued on March 19.
Will spring be warm in Michigan? NWS outlook says average temps
Most of Michigan is forecast to see equal chances for either warm, cold or normal temperatures for April, May and June, as of March 19. Counties near the Ohio border see above-normal chances for warmer air.
“The Arctic Oscillation (AO) is currently in its positive phase, and GEFS forecasts indicate a gradual transition to its negative phase in late March, which typically favors cooler-than-normal temperatures across the Great Lakes and Northeast,” according to NWS forecast for April.
What does The Old Farmer’s Almanac see for spring 2026?
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s 2026 spring outlook, here’s what to expected:
What does the Farmers’ Almanac predict for spring?
The Farmers’ Almanac predicts “chilly, unsettled,” conditions for the Midwest this spring. The northern region of the U.S. is also predicted to see colder temperatures and “fluctuating warm and cold spells.”
“Mother Nature may be reluctant to turn up the heat immediately. Cool temperatures are forecast to linger from late March through mid-April, particularly across the North Central States, New England, and much of the Northeast,’ the almanac said. “Frosty mornings may persist longer than average, increasing the risk of late freezes that could affect early-blooming fruit trees and tender garden plants.”
Much of the country is predicted to experience a soggy spring, which may benefit drought-stricken areas, but also raises concerns about erosion, root rot, and fungal diseases in crops.
“Despite spring’s slow start, Memorial Day weekend looks generally favorable for outdoor activities across much of the country. Some scattered showers may pass through parts of the Northeast and Great Lakes, but widespread washouts are not expected,” The Farmers’ Almanac said.
How accurate are the almanacs?
For centuries, almanacs have provided long-range forecasts 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: Spring is finally here. Will it be warm in Michigan?
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
