The National Weather Service and a pair of longtime weather almanacs say New York may see warmer-than-normal weather this spring.
The Weather Service’s seasonal outlook for March and April says that New York has equal chances to see normal spring temperatures, but part of the state is more likely to receive above-average precipitation. The eastern part of the Empire State, including New York City, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley, has equal chances to see normal precipitation.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac updated its spring outlook in late January. According to the almanac, New York may see warm and dry weather conditions. New York – which has portions of the state within four of 18 regions nationwide – is predicting warmer than average temperatures this spring, particularly in May, and below normal rainfall.
The other almanac – The Farmers’ Almanac, recently bought by a New York-based company saving it from permanently shuttering – predicts mostly cold and unsettled weather (some with heavy snow forecast) for the Northeast, including New York.
“Spring is expected to arrive at an unhurried pace – taking its time before fully stretching into warmth,” the Farmers’ Almanac said. “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. Frosty mornings may persist longer than average.”
Here’s more on New York’s current spring forecasts:
Will it be a rainy spring season in New York?
According to the Weather Service, much of New York is expected to see above-average precipitation – up to 50% in western New York, including the Buffalo region, and between 33% and 40% for much of central and northern New York, including the Finger Lakes region and the Adirondacks. The Lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island are all expected to see normal precipitation, according to the forecast.
What temperatures are predicted this spring in NY?
The temperature outlook for New York remain uncertain, with equal chances of having colder-than-normal or warmer-than-normal temperatures, according to Weather Service meteorologists.
What does The Old Farmer’s Almanac say for spring 2026?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts New York experiencing mostly above-average temperatures for spring. But the severity of the season will vary based on where you live.
In all four regions within New York state, expect a warmer-than-normal spring. Precipitation is predicted to be below average throughout most of the state.
What does the Farmer’s Almanac say for spring in NY?
According to Farmers’ Almanac’s spring outlook forecast, lower temperatures are expected to linger from late March through mid-April across much of the northeastern United States, including New York. The Northeast is predicted to see “cool, soggy” weather.
Much of the country, including New York, is predicted to experience a soggy spring. Spring storms are expected to be “frequent and active,” according to the Farmer’s Almanac, with prediction of heavy rain, thunderstorms and even occasional snow.
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.
According to its website, The Old Farmer’s Almanac bases its long-range forecasts on a mix of solar science (sunspot activity), climatology (prevailing weather patterns) and meteorology (atmospheric study). The Almanac claims a 80% accuracy rate. According to climavision.com, studies show it is only 52% accurate, “making it unreliable for precise, long-term forecasts compared to modern meteorology.” An article from popularmechanics.com also cited a 52% accuracy rating through a University of Illinois study.
Contributing USA Today Network.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY spring weather forecast: Conflicting predictions for temperatures, rain
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
