Ohio’s winter weather may seem far away as we slog through summer heat.
But the Farmer’s Almanac and the Old Farmer’s Almanac have already published their predictions for the upcoming winter season.
The 2025-26 Ohio winter season saw cold snaps from Arctic air and record-breaking snowfall. Here’s what winter in Ohio is predicted to look like this year.
What is the winter 2026 forecast for Ohio?
Ohio will see less precipitation than average thanks to El Niño, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
But that doesn’t mean Ohio is out of the woods. The Farmer’s Almanac predicts cold snaps for this winter. The Midwest, including Ohio, could experience “sudden snow squalls, blustery winds and bursts of bitter cold,” the publication reads.
When does winter 2026 begin?
Winter starts in the Northern Hemisphere on the winter solstice, when the hemisphere is tilted farthest from the sun. This year, the winter solstice will occur on Monday, December 21, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
How accurate is the Old Farmer’s Almanac?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has published long-range weather predictions for more than two centuries, using a proprietary forecasting method it says combines solar activity, climate patterns and historical weather trends.
The publication boasts 80% accuracy, though some experts claim it’s closer to 50%.
Meteorologists often caution that forecasts made several months in advance carry significant uncertainty, especially at the local level.
How accurate is the Farmer’s Almanac?
The Farmer’s Almanac has forecasted winter weather since 1919, the year it was founded. The almanac makes its predictions by analyzing sunspot cycles, lunar position, tidal pull and historical patterns.
The Farmer’s Almanac states that it has 80-85% accuracy in regional weather outlooks. The publication says independent reviews report the accuracy as somewhat lower, but “still meaningfully above chance.”
While scientists may question the accuracy of the Farmers’ Almanac – and the competing Old Farmer’s Almanac – the guide, which includes planting tips and an astronomical calendar, remains an interesting read.
Enquirer reporter Kaycee Sloan contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What will winter be like in Ohio? See Old Farmer’s Almanac forecast
Reporting by Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
