Farmers’ Almanac predicts ‘classic winter wonderland’ for Colorado this season

The dog days of summer end Aug. 11, which means it’s time to look ahead at the winter forecast, according to the old reliable — or unreliable, depending on your meteorological beliefs — Farmers’ Almanac.

The 209th edition of the almanac recently released its winter weather forecast with this ominous prediction: “Chill, Snow, Repeat” forecasting “dramatic swings and widespread wintry weather” overall for the U.S.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and The Old Farmer’s Almanac have yet to release their long-range winter forecast. But NOAA released its September through November forecast for Colorado (see below).

‘Classic winter wonderland’ forecast for Colorado and surrounding states

The almanac predicts for the North Central states (Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming) “very cold, snowy” conditions this winter resulting in the states forecast for a “classic winter wonderland.”

Snowstorms are expected mid-February in Kansas and Nebraska and in mid-March in the Central Plains.

Last year’s almanac winter forecast for Colorado and the surrounding states was for a nondescript “cold, average snowfall.” That was fairly accurate with Colorado showing a mixed bag of above, average and below tempeatures and snow, according to the National Weather Service.

What the Farmers’ Almanac forecasts for winter around the U.S.

Winter officially begins Dec. 21, “but the cold and snow might make an appearance as early as September in some areas of the country,” the almanac predicts.

• The season’s coldest temperatures will be found from the Northern Plains to New England. Those in the Northwest should also prepare for a cold winter, especially in Idaho and Washington.

• Texas and the Southern Plains (western Kansas, Oklahoma, and portions of Nebraska and New Mexico) are on tap for a wetter-than-average winter with periodic cold snaps. While snow will be limited, the region may face several cold rain events and occasional freezing precipitation, particularly in northern areas.

• Frequent snowstorms in the New England states should keep snow lovers happy. Areas up and down the Atlantic Coast will see significant rain, mixing with snow from time to time. The Mid-Atlantic region is forecast to see some decent snow, especially for areas in the mountains.

• The Great Lakes and Ohio Valley states are set for a classic winter wonderland, while the Pacific Northwest mountains are gearing up for someimpressive snowfall totals.

• Winter in the Southeast will see average temperatures with many wet periods. Northern portions, particularly in the Appalachian regions, may see occasional snow events.

• A wet winter is also predicted in the Southwest with near-average temperatures.

Here’s a look at the fall forecast for Colorado

Fall begins Sept. 22 with a key component of long-term forecasting in a state of flux.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center stated the El Niño-Southern Oscillation is currently in a neutral state, with roughly equal chances of remaining neutral or transitioning to La Niña developing in the fall and into winter.

What state the ENSO is in often influences weather patterns.

• Farmers’ Almanac: Predicts a “warm start, cold, rainy finish” to the fall for Colorado and North Central states.

• NOAA: Predicts above average temperatures for all of Colorado from September through November. It predicts below average precipitation for most of the Eastern Plains and near normal precipitation for much of the rest of the state save for far northwestern Colorado, which has equal chances of precipitation.

That forecast could lead to optimal aspen viewing, though drought over large areas of the state that have led to significant wildfires could hamper the fall foliage show.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Farmers’ Almanac makes bold winter forecasts for Colorado, U.S.