The Farmers' Almanac has unveiled its 2026-2027 winter weather forecast, predicting a season of dramatic weather contrasts across the United States. While some regions are expected to see repeated storms, heavy snow and freezing rain, others could experience milder conditions interrupted by sudden cold snaps. The long-range outlook suggests that El Niño will play a key role in shaping weather patterns, particularly across the southern half of the country.
Wet and stormy winter expected across the southern US
According to the Farmers' Almanac, an active southern storm track is likely to dominate much of the winter season. States stretching from Southern California and the Desert Southwest through Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Southeast could receive above-normal rainfall.
Frequent storm systems are expected to bring muddy conditions, strong downpours and periodic blasts of cold air. When colder temperatures combine with abundant moisture, parts of the region could experience sleet, freezing rain or heavy, wet snowfall. The southern Rocky Mountains are also expected to benefit from significant snowfall, creating favorable conditions for winter recreation.
Northern states may see sudden cold snaps and snow squalls
While temperatures across the West, northern Plains, Upper Midwest and Great Lakes are forecast to remain close to seasonal averages overall, that does not mean a quiet winter.
The Farmers' Almanac predicts fast-moving clipper systems, brief but intense cold waves and periodic snow events. Residents across the northern Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes could also encounter snow squalls, gusty winds and bursts of bitterly cold air, even as milder weather periodically returns.
Rapid shifts between freezing and thawing temperatures could create hazardous travel conditions and rapidly changing road surfaces across parts of the central United States.
Northeast could face one of the season's most unpredictable winters
The forecast highlights the Northeast as one of the most challenging regions this winter.
Coastal areas are expected to receive more rain or mixed precipitation, while inland communities could experience several rounds of heavy, wet snow, especially during January and February.
Forecasters caution that even small changes in storm tracks or temperatures could dramatically alter conditions, with precipitation quickly shifting between rain, sleet, freezing rain and accumulating snow. Residents are advised to monitor forecasts closely as winter storms develop.
Pacific Northwest and Midwest may see changing conditions
The Pacific Northwest could experience a more variable snow season, with conditions changing frequently.
Meanwhile, the northern Plains and Upper Midwest may trend drier during periods when the southern storm track is strongest. However, occasional outbreaks of strong winds, snow and bitter cold are still expected throughout the season.
Where could the heaviest precipitation occur?
The Farmers' Almanac expects the heaviest precipitation to fall along the active southern storm corridor extending from California and the Southwest through Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Southeast.
A second storm track along the Eastern Seaboard may deliver additional rain, wintry mixes and snowfall from the Mid-Atlantic into New England.
Because temperatures in many regions may frequently hover around the freezing mark, predicting precipitation type could prove especially difficult. A slight change in temperature or storm direction may determine whether communities receive cold rain, icy conditions or a significant snowstorm.
Bottom line
The 2026-2027 winter weather forecast points to a season of sharp contrasts across the United States. While the South could see an active and wetter-than-normal storm pattern, northern states may experience repeated cold snaps and snow squalls. The Northeast appears poised for one of the most unpredictable winters, with rain, sleet, freezing rain and heavy snow all possible depending on changing weather patterns.
As winter approaches, Americans should prepare for rapidly changing conditions and monitor local forecasts, particularly during major storm systems.
