Weather
And the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration isn’t making it any clearer.
Last winter, New England saw milder temperatures, but a somewhat wet and snowy atmosphere. This year, The Farmers’ Almanac and the Old Farmer’s Almanac can’t agree on the wintery conditions ahead.
The Farmers’ Almanac predicts a cold, snow-filled winter throughout New England, while the New Hampshire-based Old Farmer’s Almanac — a competing publication that identifies itself as the oldest almanac in the country — says it’ll be mild and dry.
In a video from The Farmers’ Almanac, the publication said, “If you’re in the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, or New England states, consider this your warning: this winter is going to be quite cold.”
“New England is on top for a snow lover’s dream,” the video continued. “Up and down the Atlantic Coast, the almanac predicts a wet-and-wild mix” of heavy rain and some snow.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac had a different take.
The editor of the Old Farmer’s Almanac, Carol Connare, said, “Don’t lose track of your snow shovels and umbrellas. Most areas will experience near-normal to slightly milder temperatures” with only bursts of snow throughout.
While the winter may turn out to be light, The Old Farmer’s Almanac added, “Remember: ‘Mild’ is relative. It’s still winter—so plan (and dress!) accordingly. And if you’re in a snow-prone area, don’t retire that shovel just yet.”
The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s Northeast region — Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Western Mass. — can expect a lighter-than-average snow season with milder temperatures, they predicted. Whereas, the Atlantic Corridor — eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut — may see a white Christmas with most snow falling around the holidays and in late winter, with mild and dry temperatures throughout, that almanac said.
So the annual reference books are at odds, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration isn’t clearing up the dispute — in fact, it’s actually reaffirming the conflicting predictions.
The administration, also known as NOAA, is predicting equal chances of above- or below-average precipitation levels in New England this winter.
However, NOAA is predicting winter temperatures along the East Coast specifically will lean above average, with temperatures in Maine and the east coast of New Hampshire firmly above average.
Amid the clash between the almanacs, local meteorologists don’t recommend taking these early predictions too seriously, Boston.com reported in 2019.
“I think it’s a great read, I just don’t think people should be planning their vacations or how much energy they’re going to need for the winter based on the almanac’s outlook,” Eric Fisher, chief meteorologist for WBZ-TV, said of the Farmer’s Almanac.
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