The Farmers' Almanac Winter 26/27 Forecast Calls for Snow, Sleet, and Surprises Due To El Niño
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, skiers and snowboarders… the time has come.
The Farmers’ Almanac has just released its Winter 26/27 long-range weather forecast, and the predictions should bode well for skiers. In summary, the Farmers’ Almanac is predicting “Snow, Sleet, and Surprises” from coast to coast.
“Winter 2026–2027 is shaping up to be a season of sharp contrasts, with an active southern storm track, quick bursts of snow and bitter cold across the North, and a tricky mix of rain, sleet, ice, and heavy wet snow in the Northeast,” writes the Farmers’ Almanac. “Keep the shovel, rain boots, and ice scraper close—this winter may bring plenty of surprises.”
While the Farmers’ Almanac typically relies on unconventional methods to make its forecast, this winter’s predicted strong El Niño is factoring into its forecast. That could explain the “less dependable snow” description for the Pacific Northwest. During typical El Niño years, the PNW receives warmer temperatures and less precipitation. The opposite can be said for the American Southwest and interior.
See the full Farmers’ Almanac Winter 26/27 prediction map below. Keep reading for a breakdown.
The Farmer's Almanac
New England + The East Coast
“The Northeast may face one of the season’s most complicated winter patterns,” says the Farmers’ Almanac. The forecast calls for heavy rain and warm temperatures along the coast, and “wet, heavy” snowfall inland.
Skiers should keep an eye on freezing levels and plan trips when the moisture and temperatures align. There’s nothing like a Nor’easter powder day!
The Midwest
If you ask any Midwest skier how they hope a given season will play out, the majority, if I had to guess, would simply hope for consistently cold temperatures and the odd snowstorm here and there.
If the Farmers’ Almanac’s prediction of “Cold, Snow Periods” plays out, Midwest skiers could be in for a real treat. We’ll see!
California + The Southwest
That dreaded r-word. Californian skiers have battled their fair share of rain over the last two ski seasons, and according to the Farmers’ Almanac, they could be in for more. El Niño is expected to bring swaths of moisture to California and the Southwest, but will the air be cold enough to produce snow in the mountains? That’s up for debate at this point.
The Farmer's Almanac
Pacific Northwest
Some of the Pacific Northwest’s highest ski resorts sport a certain level of immunity to the changing tides of El Niño/La Niña, but if the “strong” El Niño plays out as it’s forecasted, PNW skiers might be hurting for snow.
The South
The South is notably devoid of ski resorts (except for the handful in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama, of course), but Winter 26/27 could bring colder-than-average temperatures. The Farmers’ Almanac is also calling for “wet” conditions from Texas to Florida and up through Kentucky.
Will Louisiana see another snow day like last winter? Maybe!
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