Fall hasn't started yet, but the Farmer's Almanac is already looking ahead to winter. Its long-range forecast calls for a "complicated" season in New York and across the Northeast.
The publication has released its extended winter weather forecast, which calls for a mix of heavy, wet snow, rain, sleet and ice across the region.
Conditions could vary depending on where you live. Inland areas could see several rounds of heavy, wet snow, particularly in January and February, while coastal communities could see more rain or mixed precipitation.
The forecast also calls for mild stretches interrupted by brief cold snaps.
"Prepare for a winter of snow, sleet, and surprises," the Farmer's Almanac report says. "Keep the snow shovel, rain boots and ice scraper
close at hand. This winter, you may need all three."
What will New York's winter be like?
The Farmer's Almanac describes the upcoming season as a "tricky" and unpredictable mix of rain, sleet, ice and heavy, wet snow across the Northeast.
Storm tracks could play a major role in what falls in different parts of New York. Small changes in a storm's path could mean rain in one area, while another sees sleet, freezing rain or accumulating snow.
Inland parts of the Northeast are expected to see several rounds of heavy, wet snow, particularly in January and February, according to the forecast. Coastal areas could see more rain or mixed precipitation.
The Farmer's Almanac describes the setup as one of its "most complicated winter patterns."
When is the first day of winter?
The winter solstice, which marks the start of astronomical winter in the United States, is Dec. 21. This year, the solstice falls on a Monday.
When does winter end?
Winter ends March 20, 2027, when the spring equinox occurs.
How accurate is the Farmer's Almanac?
The Farmer's Almanac uses a proprietary method to develop its long-range weather forecasts.
The publication's seasonal outlook can provide a general idea of what to expect, but it is not a substitute for short-term forecasts from the National Weather Service. Those forecasts become more useful as individual winter storms approach.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Farmer's Almanac winter forecast 2026-27: What New York can expect
