Look alive — even though the summer’s heat and humidity are still sticking, it’s never too early to look ahead to see what winter will bring.
The Farmers’ Almanac has released its 2026-2027 winter weather predictions, offering a look at what temperatures, storms and precipitation could look like across the United States. In the Midwest, it is forecasting cold, breezy weather, with some snow at times.
Check out what else is in the forecast.
What does the Farmers’ Almanac predict for winter 2026-27?
Midwesterners can expect frequent swings between thawing and freezing conditions, creating rapidly changing road and field conditions.
Across the entire United States, there are going to be some sharp contrasts. The forecast calls for a mix of conditions, with some areas seeing frequent storms and increased precipitation while others experience near-normal temperatures interrupted by sudden cold snaps.
In Des Moines, an average winter produces 36.5 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.
Where will the most precipitation fall this winter?
The Farmers’ Almanac expects an active storm pattern across the southern United States, with above-normal precipitation possible from California and the Southwest eastward through Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Southeast.
Meanwhile, parts of the northern United States could see quick-moving storms, snow squalls and periods of bitter cold.
Another storm path could bring additional precipitation opportunities along the East Coast, including rain, sleet and snow from the mid-Atlantic into New England.
Because temperatures may frequently hover near freezing, the type of precipitation could change quickly. A small shift in temperatures or storm tracks could mean the difference between rain, ice or accumulating snow.
How accurate is the Farmers’ Almanac?
The Farmers’ Almanac has published long-range weather predictions since 1818, using a proprietary forecasting method it says combines natural cycles, solar activity, lunar influences and historical weather patterns.
The publication says its regional forecasts are 80-85% accurate, though independent reviews have found long-range forecasts can be much less reliable than short-term weather predictions.
Meteorologists generally caution that seasonal forecasts months in advance carry significant uncertainty, especially when predicting conditions for specific locations.
How could El Niño affect winter 2026-27?
El Niño is expected to remain an important influence during the winter season, according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
During El Niño winters, changes in the Pacific Ocean and atmosphere can shift storm tracks across the United States. The pattern often favors wetter conditions across parts of the southern United States and can influence where storms develop and travel.
Historically, a strong El Niño has led to above-normal winter temperatures in Iowa, according to an analysis by the National Weather Service. Wet conditions usually develop in the fall with strong El Niño conditions and carry into winter.
However, every El Niño event is different, and other weather patterns will also determine how winter unfolds.
When does winter begin?
The first official day of winter 2026 is Monday, Dec. 21, marking the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
The solstice occurs when the sun reaches its southernmost point relative to the equator, bringing the shortest day and longest night of the year for much of the Northern Hemisphere.
For meteorologists, winter begins earlier. Meteorological winter starts Dec. 1 and runs through Feb. 28, aligning with the calendar months used for seasonal weather tracking.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What does Farmers’ Almanac’s winter prediction show for Iowa in 2026?
Reporting by Lucia Cheng and Brandi D. Addison, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lucia Cheng and Brandi D. Addison, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
