23 January—It would appear the squirrels were right. You won’t recall Squirrels’ nuts from 16 November 2025, about opposing weather forecasts for the 2025-26 winter. So here are forecast maps and forecasts of the two formerly competing prognosticators, the Old Farmers’ Almanac and the Farmer’s Almanac:

In short, the Old Farmers’ Almanac’s “Big Picture” predicted:

Temperatures: Near normal to slightly milder across most of the country—except in the Appalachians, Southeast, Florida, and Ohio Valley, where colder-than-average conditions are expected.

Precipitation: Overall below normal, with wetter areas such as Florida, the Intermountain West, and eastern Desert Southwest.

Snowfall: Near or below normal for most areas. However, greater amounts of snow are expected in much of the Carolinas, southern Appalachians, eastern Ohio Valley, southern Rockies, and eastern Desert Southwest.

“Don’t lose track of your snow shovels and umbrellas,” says Editor Carol Connare. “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.”

For what it calls the Atlantic Corridor, including Hartford, the Old Farmers’ Almanac predicted:

Milder and drier, with most snow falling around the holidays and late winter. Fewer snow days could ease commutes, but not as we get ready to usher in 2026.

Temperatures: Above normal.
Coldest periods: Mid- to late December, early and late January.
Precipitation: Below normal.
Snowfall: Below normal; snowiest periods in late December, early January, late February.

On the other hand, the Farmers’ Almanac predicted:

A season of dramatic swings and widespread wintry weather. Get ready to hit the slopes! When will it snow? The season’s coldest temperatures will be found from the Northern Plains to New England. Readers in the Northwest should also prepare for a cold winter, especially in Idaho and Washington.

A significant cold snap in mid-January will keep most shivering. Winter’s wrath continues with another pronounced cold spell predicted for mid-February.

Frequent snowstorms in New England should keep snow lovers happy. Areas up and down the Atlantic Coast will see significant rain, mixing with snow from time to time. The Mid-Atlantic region is forecast to see some decent snow, especially for areas in the mountains.

The Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and North Central states are set for a classic winter wonderland, while the Pacific Northwest mountains are gearing up for some impressive snowfall totals.

Winter in the Southeast will see average temperatures with many wet periods. Northern portions, particularly in the Appalachian regions, may see occasional snow events.

Texas and the Southern Plains (western Kansas, Oklahoma, and portions of Nebraska and New Mexico) are on tap for a wetter-than-average winter with periodic cold snaps. While snow will be limited, the region may face several cold rain events and occasional freezing precipitation, particularly in northern areas.

A wet winter is also predicted in the Southwest with near-average temperatures.

Sadly, this was the Farmers’ Almanac’s last winter forecast, because after 208 years it closed shop with its 2026 edition. But the 232-year-old Old Farmer’s Almanac is still in print and online and hawking all manner of allegedly farm-related merchandise . . .