Fall River deep freeze? Here's what the Farmers' Almanac says about this winter

Ashley Schuler, The Herald News
·2 min read

Old Man Winter was pretty easy on us last year, but don't expect the same this year.

Last season — which featured a few cold snaps, but remained mostly mild in the SouthCoast region — was lacking in snow, but those dreaming of a white winter could get their wish this time around, according to the Farmers' Almanac.

“After a weird and warm winter season last year, this winter should make cold weather fans rejoice — especially those in the Great Lakes, Midwest, and northern New England areas,” Farmers’ Almanac editor Pete Geiger said in a press release. “The ‘brrr’ is coming back! We expect more snow and low temperatures nationwide.”

In this January 2022 photo, Ziad Nasrallah shovels on High Street Fall River.
In this January 2022 photo, Ziad Nasrallah shovels on High Street Fall River.

When will we get snow?

The Farmers’ Almanac Winter 2024 Extended Weather Forecast, released annually in August, states those living along the I-95 corridor from Washington to Boston will experience "below-average temperatures and lots of snowstorms, sleet, ice, rain." In northern New England, that will be especially true in January and February, they note.

Last winter, Greater Fall River saw its first plowable snowfall of the season in late February, when a storm dropped 3-4 inches in Fall River and neighboring towns. Farmers’ Almanac predicts that will happen sooner in 2023-24.

Their extended forecast suggests the second week of January will be "stormy, snowy, and wet for both the Pacific Coast and the Eastern States."

How snowy will it get?

Other New England-specific winter weather predictions include an East Coast storm that "will bring snowfall, cold rain and then frigid temperatures during the second week of February," as well as another East Coast storm that will bring a wintry mess during the first week of March."

And don't put your snowblower away too early. Farmers Almanac says winter won't be letting go easily.

March’s extended forecast calls for wild swings in temps, especially in the East, and "a possible late-season snowfall over the high terrain of New England during the third week of April won’t be a fun April Fools’ Day prank," they state.

The Farmers' Almanac's predictions for this year's winter across the contiguous United States.
The Farmers' Almanac's predictions for this year's winter across the contiguous United States.

How are Farmers’ Almanac predictions made?

The Farmers’ Almanac, founded in 1818, is different from the Old Farmers Almanac. According to the Farmers’ Almanac website, its secret formula uses sunspot activity, tidal action of the moon, the position of the planets, and other factors in making its forecasts. And "the only person who knows the exact formula is the Farmers’ Almanac weather prognosticator, who goes by the pseudonym Caleb Weatherbee."

The Almanac claims on their website that their forecasts are 80 %to 95% accurate.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Farmers' Almanac predictions for winter 2024 look a lot different.