Old Farmer's Almanac Forecasts Stormy Winter Start

The upcoming 2026-2027 season is projected to bring significant stormy weather during its first half.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Forecasts

Snow-covered pine forest under a heavy, dark, and turbulent winter sky with swirling snow. — The Old Farmer's Almanac projects a stormy start to the 2026-2027 winter season across the U.S., driven by a super El Niño event. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Old Farmer's Almanac expects the first half of the 2026-2027 winter in the U.S. to be particularly stormy. These projections are fueled by a super El Niño event originating in the Pacific Ocean.

Why it matters

The forecast points to active weather patterns reminiscent of historic climate events that previously disrupted winter conditions across the nation.

The upcoming forecast mirrors the 1997-1998 period, which remains one of the warmest and wettest winters in U.S. history. Climatology reports indicate that a super El Niño event is currently the primary driver of these active, stormy projections.

The players

The Old Farmer's Almanac

This publication provides long-range weather predictions based on historical climatology and solar patterns.

The details

Forecasters developed these projections by analyzing long-term climate patterns and historical data. The study compares current conditions to the 1997-1998 winter, a period defined by extreme precipitation and elevated temperatures driven by oceanic warming.

1997-1998 saw the warmest and wettest winter in U.S. history.
The first half of winter 2026-2027 is expected to be stormy.

Seasonal Patterns

This forecast is anchored to the 1997-1998 super El Niño winter, which serves as a benchmark for extreme seasonal weather. By aligning the 2026-2027 outlook with this historical precedent, the Almanac signals an expectation of significantly above-average precipitation.

Residents should prepare for potentially wet and stormy conditions during the early winter months by checking home drainage and emergency supplies. Monitoring local NWS advisories will be essential as the season approaches to ensure public safety.

The takeaway

Understanding historical climate precedents like the 1997-1998 winter helps in anticipating the volatility of upcoming seasons. Residents can mitigate risks by prioritizing weather-proofing and staying informed on changing meteorological forecasts.