The Farmers’ Almanac has released its long-range outlook for winter 2026–2027, warning Americans to prepare for a season marked by sharp contrasts, changing temperatures and frequent shifts in precipitation.

The forecast describes a winter of “snow, sleet, and surprises,” with some regions facing repeated storms while others experience milder periods interrupted by sudden cold snaps.

According to the outlook, the southern United States could become one of the most active weather zones during the winter.

An active storm track may stretch from Southern California and the Desert Southwest across Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Southeast.

These areas could see wetter-than-normal conditions, frequent storm systems and occasional blasts of cold air.

The forecast indicates that El Niño may remain an important influence during the heart of winter. Its expected contribution to the weather pattern could support increased precipitation across much of the southern tier of the country.

Residents may experience long periods of rain, followed by short but noticeable cold spells.

Rain, Ice and Snow May Affect Texas and the Gulf Coast

In Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and nearby states, winter precipitation may not always arrive as snow.

When colder air moves into a moisture-rich storm system, some locations could receive sleet, freezing rain or heavy rain instead.

Freezing rain may create dangerous travel conditions, especially on bridges, overpasses and rural roads.

The combination of wet ground and sudden cold could also affect outdoor work, livestock care and agricultural operations.

Farmers may need to monitor local forecasts closely because a storm producing only rain in one part of a state could bring ice or snow farther north.

The southern Rockies may be one of the more favorable areas for winter snowfall. Mountain communities and ski regions could benefit from several storm systems moving through the Southwest.

However, the timing and intensity of individual storms will determine whether the season produces steady snowfall or a series of short, intense events.

Northern States Face Fast Cold Bursts

Across the northern Plains, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and parts of the West, average winter temperatures are expected to remain near normal overall.

The Farmers’ Almanac notes that near-normal seasonal temperatures do not necessarily mean a calm or mild winter.

Fast-moving weather systems could bring brief periods of snow, strong winds and sharply colder temperatures.

The northern Plains and Great Lakes may experience snow squalls and sudden bursts of bitter cold before milder air returns.

These quick changes can create difficult conditions for motorists because roads may change from wet to icy within a few hours.

The central part of the country could see repeated transitions between thawing and freezing. These temperature swings may cause icy sidewalks, slippery roads and fluctuating river or lake conditions.

In agricultural areas, alternating warm and cold periods could also make field conditions unpredictable.

Northeast Forecast Calls for Mixed Precipitation

The Northeast may face one of the most complicated winter patterns in the country.

Coastal communities could experience more rain and mixed precipitation, while inland areas may receive several rounds of heavy, wet snow.

January and February could be particularly active for parts of the region. A small change in storm direction or temperature may determine whether a community receives rain, sleet, freezing rain or accumulating snow.

This uncertainty can make winter preparation especially important for homeowners and commuters.

Heavy, wet snow can place additional weight on tree branches, utility lines and roofs. Even when total snowfall is not extreme, wet snow may lead to power outages and difficult cleanup.

Residents in New England and the interior Northeast may want to keep winter equipment ready and remain alert when forecasts change near the arrival of a storm.

Eastern Seaboard Could See Several Storm Tracks

The outlook suggests that a second storm path may develop along the Eastern Seaboard. This pattern could bring additional opportunities for rain and wintry weather from the Mid-Atlantic into New England.

Cities near the coast may see temperatures remain just high enough for rain, while areas only a short distance inland could experience snow or icy conditions.

The contrast may be especially noticeable during strong coastal storms, when warmer ocean air meets colder air over the interior.

For major population centers, this type of pattern may lead to rapidly changing travel conditions. Morning rain could change to sleet by afternoon, followed by snow overnight if colder air settles in.

Residents should rely on short-range weather updates as storms approach rather than treating a long-range outlook as a precise day-by-day prediction.

Pacific Northwest May Have a Changeable Season

The Pacific Northwest is expected to experience a changeable and less dependable snow season.

Some locations may see periods of rain and mild weather, followed by brief intervals of colder conditions.

The forecast also indicates that the northern Plains and Upper Midwest could turn drier at times if the southern storm track remains dominant.

Even during relatively quiet periods, however, short-lived episodes of wind, snow and freezing temperatures could still develop.

Mountain areas may have better opportunities for snow than lower elevations. The difference between valley and mountain conditions could be significant, making local forecasts important for travelers, outdoor workers and residents in areas vulnerable to winter storms.

Farmers and Drivers Should Prepare Early

The expected swings between rain, snow, ice and cold could create challenges for transportation and farming communities across the United States.

Muddy fields may become a concern in the South, while freezing conditions could affect roads, equipment and livestock in northern areas.

Drivers should check tire condition, keep emergency supplies in their vehicles and avoid assuming that a short warm spell means winter hazards are over.

Homeowners may also want to inspect heating systems, protect exposed pipes and clear gutters before the most active part of the season.

The Farmers’ Almanac says its long-range outlook is produced using a proprietary formula that considers recurring natural cycles, solar activity, lunar influences and historical weather patterns.

The publication also says modern forecasting resources, including satellite observations, computer modeling and meteorological data, are used alongside its traditional methods.

A Winter of Sharp Contrasts

The overall message from the Farmers’ Almanac is that winter 2026–2027 may not follow one simple national pattern.

The southern states could experience a wetter and stormier season, the northern tier may see sudden cold and snow bursts, and the Northeast could face a difficult combination of rain, sleet, freezing rain and heavy snow.

The forecast is a broad seasonal outlook rather than a substitute for local weather warnings.

Conditions can change considerably as individual storms develop, so residents should continue checking official forecasts during the winter.

For now, the advice is straightforward: Americans may want to keep snow shovels, rain boots, ice scrapers and cold-weather supplies ready.

From the Gulf Coast to New England and from the Rockies to the Great Lakes, the coming winter could demand preparation for more than one type of weather.