After enduring multiple stretches of sweltering heat this summer, many Missourians may welcome the prospect of cooler weather.
While winter is still months away, early forecasts can offer a glimpse of what the season ahead may bring. The Old Farmer's Almanac, which has been publishing weather predictions since 1792, recently released its outlook for the winter of 2026-27.
So what can Missourians expect this winter? Here's what The Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting for the Show Me State.
When is the first day of winter 2026?
Winter officially begins in December, though the exact date depends on whether you follow the meteorological or astrological seasons.
Meteorological seasons are divided into four three-month groupings, with Dec. 1 marking the start of winter every single year.
But
astronomically speaking, the first day of winter is marked by the winter solstice, the day when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky. As a result, the date varies slightly from year to year and currently falls on Dec. 21 or Dec. 22.
This year's winter solstice will be on Monday, Dec. 21, which will also be the shortest day and longest night of the calendar year for the Northern Hemisphere.
What does the Old Farmer's Almanac predict for winter in Missouri?
The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts Missouri will see a warmer, wetter winter overall, with near-to-below-normal snowfall.
Temperatures are forecast to be above normal, with the coldest periods of the season expected in early and late January and again in early March. Precipitation is also expected to be above normal, with mild and wet conditions forecast across most of the state.
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Snowfall is expected to be near to below normal, with the greatest chances for significant accumulation in early December, late January and early March.
Missouri, on average, gets 8-24 inches of snow annually, with the heaviest amounts typically in the northern half of the state, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.
How accurate is the Old Farmer's Almanac?
The Old Farmer's Almanac claims it correctly predicts the weather about 80% of the time.
The publication has published long-range weather predictions for more than two centuries, using a proprietary forecasting method based on historical weather data, solar patterns and current sunspot activity.
Did the Old Farmer's Almanac get its prediction right last year?
The Almanac said its overall accuracy rate across the United States last winter was 88.9%, exceeding its typical performance.
The publication said its forecasts correctly predicted the direction of temperature departures for a representative city in each region 83.3% of the time and differed from actual temperatures in the top cities by an average of 1.1 degrees.
As far as precipitation, the Almanac said it accurately forecast the direction of precipitation departure from normal for a representative city in each region 94.4 percent of the time.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri winter forecast calls for less snow, milder temperatures
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