It may be the middle of August, but to quote “Game of Thrones,” winter is coming — and this one could be wet and wild.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its 2026-2027 winter weather predictions, and it warns of colder temperatures in the south, icy days up north, and sudden downpours in the middle of the desert — thanks partly to the El Niño climate pattern, which is back after three years.
Here’s how winter could shape up for your region — if the predictions come to fruition.
Grace Chyuwei pours water on Joe Chyuwei to help with the heat on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in Death Valley National Park, Calif. AP
Vehicles cross over a flood control basin that has almost reached the street on Sunday, August 20, 2023. AP
The Northeast: Cold weather chaos
“The Northeast may face one of the season’s most complicated winter patterns,” the Almanac warns.
El Niño usually makes a warmer-than-usual winter in the northern states, but it also causes sudden, unpredictable storms.
Coastal communities should be ready for rain or mixed rain-and-snow, while inland cities may see more heavy, wet snow, especially in January and February.
Trucks plow through the snow in Times Square. Experts predict northern cities like New York could see more rain and snow this winter. Getty Images
A map showing the Old Farmers’ Almanac 2026-2027 winter weather predictions by region. Farmersâ Almanac
The Southwest: Desert downpours
More frequent storms will likely dump rain on communities from Southern California to Texas.
“These areas should watch for frequent storm systems, muddy fields, and occasional surges of cold air,” the Almanac recommends.
The southern Rockies should also gear up for more sleet, freezing rain, and heavy, wet snow as the wetter air meets cooler temperatures.
The Deep South: Rain at the tailgate
The southern storm track will likely extend through the Gulf Coast, drenching states from Louisiana to Florida.
Snowbirds and college football fans should be ready for colder-than-usual temperatures combined with sudden storms.
More northerly states like Tennessee and Kentucky should be ready for increased snow and ice.
People caught in the rain in Dallas, Texas — one Southwestern city that could have a very wet winter. AP Photo/LM Otero
Holden Newcomb, 14, cools off in a mister as temperatures hit the mid-90s before a baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
The Pacific Northwest and Midwest: An unpredictable ski season
The Almanac predicts “a more changeable and somewhat less dependable snow season” for the Pacific Northwest.
Further inland, northern Midwest states could see a dry winter as more moisture moves southward.
“Even so, brief but intense periods of cold, wind, and snow will remain possible,” the Almanac says.
The Midwest: Wind sweeping down the plain
What sort of winter the Midwest will have varies between regions, but the region roughly diagonal from Missouri to Montana will likely have breezier, drier days with some snow, but less than usual.
Moving east, the Great Lakes region should be ready for long periods of sleet, icy rain, and wet, heavy snow.
Heavy, wet snow dumps are predicted for the northeast and southern Rockies. Albany Times Union via Getty Images
Sergio Mendoza uses a snow blower to clear snow from a sidewalk on Stratfield Road on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Fairfield, Connecticut. CT Post via Getty Images
The bottom line: Be ready for anything
“Winter 2026–2027 may be defined by contrasts: an active and wet southern storm track, quick bursts of snow and cold across the North, and a particularly unpredictable mix of precipitation in the Northeast,” the Almanac predicts.
“Keep the snow shovel, rain boots, and ice scraper close at hand. This winter, you may need all three.”
