Farmers Almanacs Winter 2017 Split On Snow And Cold

The winter of 2016 to 2017 is slated to be dominated by a much different set of conditions than last year. We had a record El Nino then, but now a weak to moderate La Nina or colder water pattern in the Pacific Ocean is set up. The intensity of that will determine the storm track and strength. I will give more detail in my winter outlook, but here is the basic set up form the Farmers’ Almanac and the Old Farmer’s Almanac which are the two major publications among countless others. I like to compare to these two side by side to identify each one as different and see if they agree or not.

This year they do not, but do give more direction than the ‘equal chances’ offered by NOAA.

The major difference is seen with the temperatures. The Old Farmer’s Almanac is actually saying ‘Mild’ which contradicts the La Nina pattern and it’s own call for more snow. However, this could be simplified too much. It is possible to have the cold air time out when weather systems arrive with mild air in between. The other Farmers’ Almanac shows extensive cold for much of the eastern US with plenty of snow.

Again- This is NOT my forecast. 

Old Farmer’s Almanac