Dig out those mittens and scarves: Old Farmer's Almanac sees cold and snow for Oklahoma
Oklahomans have yet another prediction for cold and snowy weather as winter approaches.
The Old Farmer's Almanac came out just before Labor Day, featuring its annual forecasts about what people within 18 specific forecast zones across the nation can expect to see as daylight hours decline and temperatures cool.
Pretty much everyone outside of the Pacific Northwest and southern Florida should prepare for a wetter-than-average winter, it predicts.
As for snow, the Almanac predicts Oklahomans could expect to see average to above-average amounts during the coming winter months.
Like predictions made weeks ago by the Famers' Almanac, the Old Farmer's Almanac weather team uses solar forecasts, historical and long-range weather data and proprietary, special secret sauce-style formulas to let readers know just how miserable — or enjoyable — the weather might be once the season changes.
More: What's the difference between the Farmers' Almanac and The Old Farmer's Almanac?
Both have been around for more than 200 years, though the Old Farmer's Almanac is older. Its first annual edition was printed in 1792 by Robert. B. Thomas. The Farmers' Almanac was first printed in 1818.
As for Oklahoma's specific winter forecast, the Old Farmer's Almanac predicts above-normal precipitation and temperatures for November, below-normal precipitation and temperatures in December, below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation in January, below-normal precipitation and temperatures in February, and slightly-above normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation in March.
How ocean currents and temperatures influence Old Farmer's Almanac predictions
Carol Connare, the 14th editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac and the second woman to hold the title, said forecasting has become more interesting over time as changing currents and temperatures within the world's oceans continue to exert influence over weather experienced by the nation's roughly 332 million residents.
"It's really about warm-water pressure ocean currents and their interaction with El Niño. It slows down the jet stream and makes it a little wavier, so-to-speak, which increases volatilities with precipitation," she said.
Weather watchers have seen that volatility play out in recent years as certain parts of the country have experienced flooding rains, Connare explained.
"There are a lot of things going on, but because we are in an El Niño year, that changes things up and brings a lot of precipitation. That's definitely what's going to happen over the coming winter for Oklahoma and for Texas," Connare said.
That, combined with colder-than-average temperatures, means Oklahomans have something else to think about besides coming up with creative ways to stay cool as the state continues to bake thanks to above-normal temperatures National Weather Service forecasters predict will continue through September.
"There's good news ahead. There's snow coming," Connare said.
What this year's Old Farmer's Almanac also includes
More about changing ocean currents and temperatures that are impacting weather patterns across the globe.
An article about historically used cures, charms, ointments and other practices to cure things like baldness, toothaches and more.
Fun fishing secrets.
Memorable moments from past Olympic events.
An article about the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 (some Oklahomans can expect to see total darkness).
The Old Farmer's Almanac can be purchased online either directly from Yankee Publishing for $9.95 or through Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, Walmart and Target stores, plus at other retailers you can find listed if you Google "where can I buy an Old Farmer's Almanac?"
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a cold, snowy winter in Oklahoma
