Old Farmer’s Almanac Predicts ‘Above Normal’ Winter Snowfall

Photo by Rob Colonna on Flickr/Creative Commons

You’re probably panting in front of the air conditioner today, but come January, you might be longing for this week’s hot and muggy temperatures. That’s because it’ll be snowing like cats and dogs, or at least that’s what the almighty Old Farmer’s Almanac says.

In its newly released weather predictions for 2017, the Almanac asserts Boston will have “above normal” amounts of snowfall this winter, with the snowiest periods occurring between mid- to late January and early to mid-February. Precipitation is supposed to be slightly above normal, making for both a wet and snowy forecast. The coldest periods of the season are predicted for late December, the whole month of January, and early to mid-February. (If you ask us, that pretty much covers all of wintertime.)

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been around since 1792. It’s an annual guide to everything from weather and farming to the tides. The folksy book of predictions, which is the oldest continuously published periodical in North America, is chock full of homespun wisdom—and even some horoscopes. But is it smart to heed the book’s warnings?

The Almanac claims to have 80 percent accuracy in its predictions (which are determined by a secret formula). While the predictions are sometimes wrong, the the book’s believers conveniently point out that much like everyday meteorologists, the Almanac’s forecasts can’t be perfect.

So prepare for a snowy and white winter season. If it ends up being mild, at least you can say you were prepared.