Right now, as Milwaukeeans enjoy the height of summer, winter probably seems like ages away.
And after last year's mild winter ― the warmest in both Wisconsin and U.S. history ― Milwaukee's typical cold and snowy season might be only a distant memory. However, if the Farmers' Almanachas predicted correctly, Milwaukee's warm streak could soon come to an end.
The almanac, which has released extended weather forecasts using the same astronomical and meteorological formula since 1818, recently published its extended forecast for the upcoming winter, titled "Wet Winter Whirlwind." It predicts a "cold, wet and white" winter for Wisconsin and much of the Midwest.
So, what does this mean for Milwaukee and the rest of Wisconsin? Here's how the upcoming winter weather could impact you.
What is the Farmers' Almanac predicting for Milwaukee's upcoming winter weather forecast?
Across the country, the almanac says its winter forecast calls for "a season of rapid-fire storms that will bring both rain and snow, with little downtime in between."
The Northern Plains and Great Lakes regions, including Wisconsin, are predicted to see the nation's coldest temperatures this winter, though areas east of the Rocky Mountains into the Appalachians will also experience "many periods of cold conditions." The almanac says the season's coldest outbreak will occur during the last week of January into the beginning of February. "Frigid Arctic air" is expected to tank temps across the country, especially in the Plains and Great Lakes.
As the cold air blows across Wisconsin and the Midwest, heavy snow showers are predicted to bring "intense bursts of snow." The almanac forecasts above-average precipitation throughout the winter in the Great Lakes and Midwest. It specifically flags the last week of January as a stormy period for the eastern half of the country.
There is "a very active storm track that we expect will deliver frequent bouts of heavy precipitation, as well as strong and gusty winds," the almanac says. "We would especially highlight the time frames fromJan. 20 to 23 and 24 to 27, which could mean copious amounts of snow, rain, sleet, and ice."
Why is it expected to be so cold this winter?
A naturally occurring weather phenomenon known as La Niñais expected to bring a colder and snowier-than-normal winter to the northern U.S. La Niña is caused by the cooling of water temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean to below average for several months.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, these cold waters in the Pacific push the polar jet stream northward. This often brings drought to the southern U.S. and heavy rains in the northwest and Canada. La Niña tends to produce colder winter temperatures in the northern U.S. and warmer temps in the south. It can also generate a more active hurricane season.
NOAA issued aLa Niña watchin mid-June, predicting La Niña conditions to emerge between September and November and persist through the winter.
Last winter, Milwaukee and Wisconsin strongly experienced the effects of El Niño, the opposite of La Niña. During an El Niño year, warmer-than-average temperatures in the Pacific bring warmer, drier winter conditions to the northern U.S. Numerous local weather experts and meteorologists told the Journal Sentinel that El Niño was the main culprit behind Wisconsin's record-setting warm winter.
How accurate is the Farmers' Almanac forecast?
The Farmers' Almanac has released extended weather forecasts annually since 1818, using the same formula. The almanac states that its readers find its predictions accurate about 80-to-85% of the time. However, the Columbus Dispatch found thatmost analysesof the almanac's predictions have indicated an accuracy rate of 50%. If that's the case, you might as well flip a coin.
Last year, the almanac predicted a "cold and stormy" winter for Wisconsin and other Midwest states in itsextended winter weather forecastfor winter 2023-2024.
This forecast, titled "The BRRR Is Back!", said that the almanac's formula indicated below-average temperatures and lots of snowstorms, sleet, ice and rain for much of the Great Lakes and Midwest regions, especially in January and February. Continued storms and cold weather with "wild swings in the thermometer" were predicted for March throughout the country.
However, Wisconsin saw its warmest winter on record, according to National Weather Service and State Climatology Office records dating back to the late 19th century. Wisconsin's winter was also relatively snowless; between December 2023 and February 2024, Milwaukeereceived just 19.5 inches of snow, almost 18 inches less than the normal winter total of 37.1 inches.
Where can I find the Farmers' Almanac winter weather forecast?
The Farmers' Almanac "Wet Winter Whirlwind" winter 2024-2025 extended weather forecast can be found online here.
You can also purchase a physical copy of the 2025 Farmers' Almanac online at FarmersAlmanac.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here's Farmers' Almanac 2024-25 winter weather forecast for Wisconsin
