Cooler October Expected in Eastern U.S., Almanac Predicts
The Old Farmer's Almanac has released its long-range weather forecast for October 2026, predicting cooler-than-average temperatures across much of the eastern United States. The publication also anticipates drier-than-average conditions in the Southwest and parts of the southern Plains, contrasting with NOAA's forecast of wetter conditions in those areas. The Almanac's predictions are based on a combination of solar science, climatology, and meteorology, as well as large-scale climate signals like El Niño. Regionally, the Northeast is expected to see slightly below-average temperatures and above-average precipitation, while the Southeast may experience below-average temperatures with varying rainfall patterns. The Pacific Northwest and Alaska are forecast to have cooler-than-average temperatures, with Alaska also seeing below-average precipitation. The Almanac claims an 80% accuracy rate for its seasonal forecasts, though this figure is self-reported. (Source: Newsweek, Sep 29, 2026, 05:00 AM EDT)