Winter may be a few months away, but it's front and center now as the Farmers' Almanac releases its 2021 edition and its long-range winter weather forecast, which is dubbed "Winter of the Great Divide."
Because the Farmers' Almanac is anticipating "cold and snowy conditions in the north, drought in the west, and everything crazy in between," they're asking, "which side are you on?"
"Preparing people for the unexpected is more important than ever," states editor Peter Geiger, Philom. "Our job as editors of the Farmers' Almanac is to pass down valuable tips and advice to help our readers thrive, no matter the obstacles."
The Cold and Snowy Side
The Farmers' Almanac forewarns areas from the Great Lakes and Midwest, westward through the Northern and Central Plains, and Rockies are in for a cold winter.
Snow will be abundant, possibly above-normal amounts for parts of the western Dakotas, northern portions of Colorado and Utah, as well as Wyoming.
The Southeastern part of the country, excluding the Tennessee Valley, will experience average precipitation levels, with temperatures chillier than normal.
The Dry Side
Areas across Arizona and southern California are predicted to have a mild but dry winter.
The Crazy In-Between
In New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma east into Arkansas, and Louisiana, Mother Nature will mix intervals of tranquil weather with occasional shots of cold and wintry precipitation.
Right along the Pacific Coastal Plain, from northern California and points north through western portions of Oregon and Washington, rainy and wet weather will be on tap.
Wild Card
The "winter wild card" belongs to areas around the Tennessee and lower Ohio River valleys, north and east up through New England. These areas will see a mix of intense systems that will keep delivering a wintry mix of rainy, icy and/or snowy weather throughout winter.
Snow Way Out
The 2021 Farmers' Almanac has an interesting forecast of a blizzard, bringing 1-2 feet of snow along the eastern seaboard during February 12-15.
Being Unprepared is so 2020
If 2020 taught us anything, it's that you "just never know." In addition to weather, the Farmers' Almanac includes useful advice on ways to raise chickens, save money, boost your immunity, grow food, and allow readers to live more self-sufficient lives.
The 2021 Farmers' Almanac, with its orange and green cover, is now available in bookstores and retail stores, as well as on Amazon and FarmersAlmanac.com
