The Old Farmer’s Almanac Forecasts a ‘Colder-Than-Normal’ Winter for Some Unsuspecting Homeowners

The fall leaves are making way for chillier temps and snowy conditions much sooner than many would expect, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

In truth, the Almanac suggests that homeowners won’t have a terrible winter season. In fact, it might be much milder than years previous. But according to editor Carol Connare, folks should still prepare for snow and in some parts of the country, like the Southeast and Florida, it will be colder than it’s been in quite some time. 

“Don’t lose track of your snow shovels and umbrellas,” advised Connare in a press release. 

“Most areas will experience near-normal to slightly milder temperatures, but from the Appalachians south through the Southeast and Florida, and westward across the Ohio Valley, we’re predicting a colder-than-normal winter.”

Of course, winter is still more than two months away, so there’s plenty of time to get your home prepared before the cold months really settle in. 

The forecast for the nation this winter

The Almanac helpfully breaks the country down into 18 regions, giving each part of the country a thorough forecast for temperatures, precipitation, and snowfall. 

Homeowners across the Northeast and Atlantic Corridor should expect a milder, drier winter, which is good news for commuters but a potential red flag for gardeners and those relying on consistent snowfall. Both regions are forecast to see above-normal temperatures and below-average precipitation, meaning less snow overall and an early thaw that could disrupt dormant plants. 

For those from Albany to Washington, DC, the snowiest stretches will arrive around the holidays and again in late winter, so keep a shovel handy—but don’t count on many snow days. 

Further inland, conditions swing cooler. The Appalachians, Southeast, and Ohio Valley are gearing up for a colder-than-usual season, with the most intense chills hitting from mid-December through early February, according to the Almanac. Homeowners here should prep heating systems early and insulate pipes—especially in higher elevations and the eastern slopes where snow may pile up more heavily. The Southeast could even see rare snow events east of the Appalachians, while the Ohio Valley’s eastern half braces for above-average flakes. 

In the nation’s midsection—including the Deep South, Texas, and the Heartland—a warmer and drier winter is on deck, though the season won’t be without its cold snaps. Residents from Nashville to Dallas should protect tender plants and outdoor plumbing before January’s freeze periods, which are expected to be brief but biting. Snowfall will stay below normal, except for a few northern flurries in mid-November and late January. The High Plains and Upper Midwest will also feel the effects of a milder winter—less snow overall, but bursts of cold and lake-effect snow could still create travel headaches in December and March. 

Out West, homeowners from the Intermountain region to the Pacific Coast will see a season of contrasts. The Pacific Northwest and Southwest will both trend warmer and drier, raising concerns about low mountain snowpack and late-winter water reserves. Meanwhile, the Desert Southwest and parts of the Intermountain West could see more mixed precipitation and occasional snow surges—particularly in higher elevations. 

Finally, Alaska is in for a milder, less-snowy winter, while Hawaii should prepare for heavy rains in early November and December. 

How to prepare for the winter months

No matter where you live or what kind of winter is headed your way, there are more than a few ways to prepare for the season—and the sooner the better!

If you've been clearing out your gutters on the regular, you should be in good shape. Still, once every tree is bare, it's time for one final cleaning session to "avoid moisture building up against your house—and ice dams," says Derek Christian, the owner of Handyman Connection in Blue Ash, OH.

While you’re inspecting the upper echelons of your home, you may also want to take a peek in your attic. Before winter sets in, make sure it’s properly insulated to keep your heat in and your bills low. Also, this is a good way to ensure no uninvited guests have made their way into the home. 

"Make sure any gaps and holes into your attic are sealed tight," Christian says. "As winter approaches, critters will be looking for somewhere to spend it."

Lastly, no matter how you heat your home, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re safe if a fire breaks out. 

"With all these heat sources in use, homeowners must take precautions to protect themselves from house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning," says Sophie Kaemmerle, a home improvement expert with NeighborWho, a property information website.