Winter is coming.
But what it will look like just got a bit more confusing.
A new winter forecast is melting predictions of a milder winter in the Chicago area this year, instead calling for “biting cold” and snowy conditions.
The latest prediction from the Farmer’s Almanac, which says it bases its long-range forecasts on a “mathematical and astronomical formula developed in 1818,” differs from one put out earlier by the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
The earlier prediction called for above-average temperatures for much of the country during the winter season ahead, noting a decrease in solar activity and the expected arrival of a weak El Nino.
But the Farmer’s Almanac says the Great Lakes will likely see teeth-chattering temperatures mid-February as an Arctic front brings “blustery and bitter winds, a sharp drop in temperature, and widespread snow showers.”
But there’s one thing both predictions seem to agree on – above-normal precipitation.
Local
The Old Farmer’s Almanac noted some of the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and part of Wisconsin, can expect to see a wet season, though the almanac said it expects below-normal levels of snowfall in areas that normally get snow.
The Farmer’s Almanac also predicts above-normal precipitation, but calls for higher levels of snowfall.
According to long-range forecasts from the National Weather Service as of August, October through December are expected to see above-average temperatures with normal precipitation.
So what does that mean? Looks like we'll just have to wait and see.
