Farmers’ Almanac predicts kinder and gentler winter overall

The 2011 Farmers’ Almanac has been released and it contains the long-range forecast for the upcoming winter season. The almanac predicts the eastern third of the country from New England to Florida and west to parts of the Mississippi River Valley and Texas will experience colder than normal temperatures. Residents of New England in particular will face much colder than normal temperatures compared to last winter. Milder temperatures are expected for residents of the Western states spreading eastward to the Rocky Mountains and western Great Plains.

Three storm tracks are predicted to predominate this coming winter season. One that will impact the Gulf Coast and Southeast will bring a large amount of precipitation to lower Texas and across the South into the mid-Atlantic region. Another storm track will come across southern Canada into the Great Lakes states bringing a succession of Alberta Clipper systems accompanied by snowier than normal conditions. These clipper systems will also bring colder temperatures to the Eastern states. Storms moving in from the Pacific will also bring higher levels of precipitation to parts of the Pacific Northwest.

Pictured: The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting the Eastern third of the country will face colder than normal temperatures this winter.
Photo courtesy of Farmers’ Almanac