NOAA’s top almanacs predict what NYC can expect this season

Last year, there was some snow in the Big Apple, but it was far less than the region typically experiences. What can we expect from this year? 

A NOAA winter outlook, the Old Farmer’s Almanac, and the Farmer’s Almanac can be found here.

In its updated winter outlook, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center provides specific predictions for December through February. This forecast indicates a typical La Niña pattern.

NOAA predicts that La Nia will dominate weather conditions between December and February. This often translates to wet conditions in the northern tier of the country.

NOAA projects a 71% chance of La Nia emerging between September and November, with cooling continuing through January to March of 2025. Fall and winter are less likely conditions for a moderate to strong La Nia, but it’s still possible.

The El Nio-Southern Oscillation (ESNO) is expected to return to neutral conditions for the February-April 2025 season.

Winter precipitation is expected to be above average in the northwest United States, Great Lakes region, Northeast and Alaska. (FOX Weather)

NOAA indicates that this winter will be above-average for precipitation in the Northeast.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, which was founded in 1792 in New Hampshire, its centuries-old formula for predicting the winter is based on solar science, sunspot observations, climatology, and meteorology.

Carol Connare, the editor-in-chief of the Old Farmer’s Almanac, announced the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s winter prediction by writing, “Temperatures will rise and snowfall will fall this winter.”

It is predicted that heat will increase to around 20 degrees Celsius, but that heating costs will decrease. This would be a welcome change from recent years’ harsh winter conditions.

Forecast for the winter of 2024-25 from the Old Farmer’s Almanac. (The Old Farmer’s Almanac)

There’s a particularly strong likelihood of “gentler-than-normal season” in the Northeast, a season that won’t be as harsh as normal. 

In the Interstate 95 corridor, which includes the Tri-State area, the North will receive less snow than average, while the South will receive more, with the coldest temperatures coming when January and February are underway.

A Farmers’ Almanac published in 1818 in Maine warns, “Be ready for a Wet Winter Whirlwind!” It predicts rapid-fire storms with snow and rain.

There is a very active storm track predicted to bring strong and gusty winds and heavy rainfall to the eastern half of the United States. Weather will be affected by the effects of La Nia, the outlook notes.

The Northeast will experience above-average winter precipitation and near-to-above-average temperatures, as forecasted by the National Weather Service. 

During the last week of January and early February, frigid Arctic air will bring a sharp drop in temperatures across the country, according to the Farmers’ Almanac.

As well, heavy snowfall is expected in the interior and mountainous regions, while sleet and rain are forecast along the coast, especially along Interstate 95.

As a result of a very active storm track crossing most of the eastern part of the country, the almanac is red-flagged for the final week of January.

This is the Farmers’ Almanac extended weather forecast for the winter of 2025. (FOX Weather)

It might be a good idea to block out Jan. 20 through 27 for that tropical getaway if you are a planner. In the Farmers’ Almanac forecast for that time, “copious amounts of snow, rain, sleet, or ice” were likely to be forecast. 

A Farmers’ Almanac forecast pointed out that the period from January 20 to 23 and 24 to 27 could be prone to an array of weather conditions, including snow, rain, sleet, and ice (depending on where you live).