Farmer’s Almanac says to make way for ‘winter’s wallop’
Here are some vacation suggestions to consider with brutal weather to come
Every year since 1792, the Old Farmer’s Almanac has been released the first Tuesday of September to reveal farmer-friendly information like weather predictions and planting charts.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s first editor, Robert Thomas, created a secret weather forecasting formula using a “complex series of natural cycles” that was said to be 80 per cent accurate. Although the predictions aren’t perfect, they can still send shock waves across the country when they’re released.
With its latest release, the whimsically written Almanac announced that this winter is looking pretty unpleasant, warning readers to get ready for “winter’s wallop.”
The United States should expect cold through Valentine’s Day and then some, as well as at least seven big snowstorms from coast to coast (two of those in the West in April).
While this news isn’t great for people who hate winter, it’s extremely useful for planning vacations. Here are five locations to visit before, during or after the winter weather hits.
VANCOUVER, BEFORE IT GETS COLD, WET
The Old Farmer’s Almanac is calling for above-average precipitation in Canada this winter. That may mean snow in some parts and freezing rain and sleet in others parts like B.C. The rainy cold might not prevent locals from running outdoors, but you’ll probably prefer to see the city without the sleet before or after winter shows up.
NEW ENGLAND, BEFORE IT GETS WET AND WILD
If a soggy, cold vacation doesn’t sound very appealing, get to New England before winter arrives. The Almanac predicts “New England can bank on a slush fund, as ‘more wet than white’ conditions will leave sludgy messes that freeze during the overnights.” Plan to leaf-peep before the wrath of winter, aiming for a cider-filled October visit while the weather is still decent.
MINNEAPOLIS, (BEFORE OR DURING) THE PARADE OF SNOWSTORMS
Jump on your Minneapolis weekender before the “snowver load” arrives. According to Old Farmer’s Almanac editor Janice Stillman, winter may feel never-ending, particularly in the Midwest with frigid temperatures lasting well into the first days of spring. On the other hand, a parade of snowstorms may sound like fun if you’re from a snow-free area. In that case, plan your trip around Minneapolis’s 134th Saint Paul Winter Carnival, running from Jan. 23 to Feb. 3.
UTAH, DURING LOW TEMPS, DEEP POWDER
Winter sports enthusiasts should be stoked by the Almanac’s prediction for the region including Utah, Nevada, Wyoming and Colorado: Expect prime snow conditions thanks to low temperatures and deep powder predictions. Get your gear out of the attic and get excited for visits to destinations such as Park City, Utah.
SEATTLE, BUT NOT WHEN IT’S WET (OR WORSE!)
This winter, Washington state is expected to get pummelled by storms. “This could mean a repeat of last winter’s record-breaking extremes, including the Snowpocalypse that dumped 20.2 inches on Seattle in February,” the Almanac predicts. Instead of showing up for Seattle Snowpocalypse Part Deux, visit when you can better enjoy walking around the vibrant cityscape, like late summer and early fall.
The Washington Post