Fall hasn’t even started yet, but forecasters are already looking ahead to what this winter may bring for the U.S.
While the cold weather months are likely the last thing on your mind, the Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its forecast for 2025-2026 season and it’s not looking too great — unless, of course, you’re a fan of cold, snowy weather.
So, what does the Old Farmer’s Almanac predict for Wisconsin’s winter?
Here’s what to know:
When does winter start?
Meteorological winter begins on Dec. 1 while astronomical winter begins on Dec. 21.
More: When does fall start in Wisconsin? It’s a topic of debate, so we want to hear from you
What is the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicting for Wisconsin’s winter 2025-2026 weather forecast?
The extended forecast predicts Wisconsin is in for a “very cold, snowy winter.” And, in its fall weather outlook, the Almanac said parts of the Badger State could be in for some snow as early as September.
But, Wisconsinites won’t be the only ones needing to bundle up.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editor Sandi Duncan told USA TODAY most of the U.S. is in store for “a cold or very cold” season. “It’s going to cool down, it’s going to snow, then it might warm up a little, then it’s going to repeat itself again,” Duncan said.
The Farmers’ Almanac forecasts an early start to winter 2025-2026 and the cold may linger into April in some parts of the U.S.
But, it’s worth noting another projection from the forecaster indicated Wisconsin could be in for a mild and dry winter.
How accurate is the Old Farmer’s Almanac forecast?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been making weather predictions for hundreds of years. To make these predictions, forecasters compare “solar patterns and historical weather conditions with current solar activity.“
Predictions are accurate about 80% of the time, according to its website. Though, forecasters noted its predictions for last winter were 64% accurate, which they said is “a reflection of how abnormal recent weather patterns have been.” A report from the Columbus Dispatch also found that most analyses of the almanac’s predictions have an accuracy rate closer to 50%.
So, it’s pretty much a coin toss.
For more information on how the Old Farmer’s Almanac makes weather predictions, you can visit https://www.almanac.com/how-accurate-old-farmers-almanacs-weather-forecast.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here’s what Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts for Wisconsin winter 2025-26