Farmers’ Almanac forecast: A winter of sharp contrasts ahead for the Northeast in 2026–2027

The 210th edition of the Farmers’ Almanac is predicting a winter of sharp contrasts for 2026–2027, with a complex pattern expected across the Northeast.

According to the long-range outlook, the Northeast could face one of the most challenging forecasts of the season. Coastal areas are likely to see more rain or mixed precipitation, while inland communities may get hit by several rounds of heavy, wet snow, particularly in January and February.

Storm tracks and temperatures are expected to hover near the freezing mark often enough that precipitation type will be hard to pin down. A slight shift could turn cold rain into sleet, freezing rain, or significant accumulating snow. Residents should be ready for forecasts to change quickly as systems approach.

A secondary storm path along the Eastern Seaboard is forecast to bring additional chances for rain, wintry mixes, and snow from the mid-Atlantic into New England. Overall, the Almanac describes the Northeast as facing a “tricky” mix of rain, sleet, ice, and heavy wet snow.

Nationally, the outlook includes an active southern storm track driven in part by El Niño, quick bursts of cold and snow across the North, and near-normal temperatures interrupted by sudden cold snaps in the Midwest and Great Lakes, but for the Northeast, keep the shovel, rain boots, and ice scraper close.

To read the full detailed forecast, click here.