The first day of winter is Dec. 21 in 2025, and for Southern Tier residents, this means cold weather, less sunlight and some snow.
The first day of winter begins on the day of the winter solstice, when the sun is at its lowest in the sky, as the Older Farmer’s Almanac states, bringing in the shortest day and longest night of the year.
Have you been wondering what this winter will bring to the area? Here’s what the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts.
Old Farmer’s Almanac 2025 winter predictions
The general prediction for the U.S. is “mostly mild — with pockets of wild,” the almanac states. However, for New York state’s Southern Tier, a colder-than-average winter season is anticipated.
For the region specifically, the almanac has predicted below normal temperatures, with the coldest periods being mid-to-late December, early and late January and early February.
Precipitation for the area is expected to be below normal, with most of the snow arriving in late December, late January, early and late February, and mid-March.
How does the Old Farmer’s Almanac make predictions?
The predictions are based off “three scientific disciplines,” the almanac states, which are as follows:
For the 2025-26 winter season, the almanac is using historical averages and patterns from 1991-2020.
How accurate are the Old Farmer’s Almanac predictions?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac says its predictions are 80% accurate.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Old Farmer’s Almanac 2025-26 winter predictions: NY Southern Tier forecast
Reporting by Sunshyne Lynch, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
