Here’s What the Farmer’s Almanac is Forecasting for Iowa This Winter

The New and Old Farmers' Almanacs have each released their winter weather forecasts -- and they seem to disagree with each other.

The Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting a “Cold and Snowy Winter” for Iowa.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac states, “not so cold, not too wet” for the Midwest. They believe that snowfall will be below normal in most places and temperatures will be ‘Well Above Normal.”  

So, what’s the difference between ‘The Old Farmer’s Almanac’ and ‘The Farmer’s Almanac.’

The Old Farmer's Almanac has been published continuously since 1792, making it the oldest continuously published periodical in North America.

According to their website, The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s weather forecast methodology is from a secret formula influenced by sunspots that was devised by Robert B. Thomas, in 1792 --- when George Washington was president.

Their website states that their forecasts are “traditionally 80% accurate.” However, the Chicago Tribune has noted that “Several analyses of the accuracy of weather forecasts in the Old Farmer's Almanac have indicated their predictions are about 52 % correct in their day-to-day forecasts.”

The Farmers' Almanac has been released every year since 1818. According to their website, the forecasting method is an “exclusive mathematical and astronomical formula, that relies on sunspot activity, tidal action, planetary position and many other factors."

Read more about the differences between the two almanac’s HERE.

Did they get last winter correct? Scroll down to find out...

What about last year’s predictions? The Old Farmer’s Almanac got some of it correct.

They predicted a ‘never-ending winter, particularly in the Midwest.’ ‘Winter’ did seem to start rather quickly, with over an inch of snow falling the week of Halloween. Last winter season, Waterloo saw just over 30” of snow – nearly 5” below average. But remember – Christmas Day was 59* -- setting an all-time record high for 12/25.

They also predicted “scorching” temperatures for the summer months. Well, they were right about that. Waterloo has seen 28 days of 90+* heat since early June.

Whether you believe their forecasting techniques or not, it’s still better than using a Groundhog’s methods.