Winter 2023: Ask an Old Farmer

Winter 2023: Ask an Old Farmer

Founded in 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac’s timeless appeal has spanned three centuries, offering readers a trademark blend of long-range weather predictions, humor, fun facts, and valuable advice on gardening, cooking, fishing, conservation, and much more. My grandparents on both sides always had an Almanac hanging from a string on a nail in the kitchen. It was the go to of all go to references. If you took it down to look at it, do not take it from the kitchen or the wrath of the grandmother would be a-pond you.

I will follow with some other blogs about maintenence of your home to help cope with seasonal changes and to maintain the value of your home (which is most people largest investment).

The first day of winter and the shortest day of the year, officially arrives on December 21, 2022, but that doesn’t always mean that the cold temperatures and snow storms will wait until then. So what’s in store? Here’s the Farmers’ Almanac extended winter weather forecast for the winter of 2022-2023 in the United States.

Farmer’s Almanac writers have dubbed the coming winter as a time to “Shake, shiver and shovel.” Their predictions call for a season with plenty of snow, rain and mush “as well as some record-breaking cold temperatures.”

They’re calling for an early winter, too, which is dire news for anyone who has to fill the oil tank. We’re talking a classic Nor’easter in October followed by months of bitter cold in the first half of winter.

It’s those bone-chilling temperatures that has Geiger concerned.

“The fact is, it’s going to be cold,” he says. “And that’s going to be an issue for people who are going to be buying 100 gallons of oil at $7 or $8 a gallon. Even at $5 a gallon that would be five hundred bucks. The reason we’re launching earlier is so that people can start thinking about it sooner than later.”

There are tips on how to cheaply insulate your home (bubble wrap, anyone?) There’s a guide on how to deal with pain during cold weather. It’s the kind of stuff nobody wants to think about in the glorious heat of early August, but in just a couple months, it may become crucial.

Winter—It’s Coming!

The Farmers’ Almanac 2022-2023 Extended Weather Forecast:

Got flannel? Hot chocolate? Snowshoes? It’s time to stock up! According to our extended forecasts, this winter season will have plenty of snow, rain, and mush—as well as some record-breaking cold temperatures! We are warning readers to get ready to “Shake, shiver, and shovel!“

The first bite of winter should come earlier than last year’s. December 2022 looks stormy and cold nationwide with an active storm pattern developing and hanging around for most of the season over the eastern half of the country. (Maybe there will be a white Christmas in some areas?)

Winter Storm Warnings

What we hear more often than not is how much snow will you get? When will the winter storm warnings start? (And when will it end!?) Well, according to our extended forecast, there should be quite a few significant winter weather disturbances nationwide in 2022-2023. A few of these dates include:

— The first week of January in the Rockies and across the Plains. During this time, we see good potential for heavy snow that may reach as far south as Texas and Oklahoma, followed by a sweep of bitterly cold air.

–— January 16-23, we’ll raise another red flag for bouts of heavy rain and snow across the eastern two-thirds of the country followed by what might be one of the coldest outbreaks of arctic air we have seen in several years. How cold? Try 40 degrees below zero!

How Much Snow Will You See This Winter Season?

Winter 2022-2023 should be dominated by an active storm track in the eastern half of the country, running from the western Gulf of Mexico to the northeast, across the Virginias, and across interior New York State and New England.

Areas south of the storm track (much of the Southeast) will see frequent storms bringing cold rains and a wintry mix of wet snow, sleet, ice, freezing rain—as well as chilly temperatures.

The I-95 corridor can be included in this winter mix zone with places to the north of the track seeing the precipitation fall more as snow and at times, a lot of it. This may be especially true over the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes area.

Snow lovers will be happy in the North Central States as they will see a fair share of storminess during the winter season, which should mean plenty of snow for winter enthusiasts to enjoy (maybe even in time for a white Christmas?).

The South Central States are forecast to see some accumulating snow, especially in early January. The Far West and the Pacific Northwest will see about-normal winter precipitation; however, the Southwest will experience less than normal.

How Cold Will It Get?

The big takeaway for our winter season forecast is that frigid temperatures should flow into many areas nationwide—especially in the North Central region, where readers will certainly be shaking and shivering!

Hot Chocolate Warning In The East And South

A cold December and a very cold January might make readers in the Northeast shake and shiver. But February will bring milder temperatures that should make winter seem more bearable.

The Southeast will experience some shivers, especially during the month of January. Fortunately, for the snowbirds, February will likewise warm the region to near-normal winter season temperatures overall.

Extra Flannels Necessary In Other States!

Winter will feel unreasonably cold for readers in the Great Lakes region, especially in January.

Farther south, into the Southern Plains, temperatures will average chillier than normal.

The Pacific Northwest will see brisk/cool conditions, and the Southwest will be the mild area of the country, with near-normal winter temperatures.

When Will It Warm Up?

After the vernal equinox, when we should be slipping into spring, expect a lion-like end of March. There should be a wide variety of weather conditions, ranging from heavy snows to torrents of rain to gusty thunderstorms across much of the nation.