The Farmers’ Almanac has released its 2026/2027 winter outlook, and for the Northeast, it’s shaping up to be one of the trickiest winters in the country.
This year’s forecast calls for a season of sharp contrasts. Many storms will ride the line between rain and snow, and a small shift in temperature could change everything. One storm might bring a cold rain, while the next could bury the driveway.
The theme this year? Snow, Sleet and Surprises.
Here’s what to expect:
❄️ Heavy, wet snow inland: Several storms are possible, especially in January and February. The kind of snow that’s great for snowmen and tough to shovel.
❄️ A messy mix along the coast: Rain, sleet, freezing rain or snow, depending on how each storm tracks.
❄️ Temperatures hovering near freezing: Forecasts may change fast as storms roll in.
❄️ A second storm track up the East Coast: Extra chances for rain, wintry mix and snow from the mid-Atlantic into New England.
Pellet Prep Tips
Stock up early and store your pellets dry. A wet, sloppy winter is hard on pellets, so keep bags up off the concrete and covered. And since heavy snow and ice can knock out power, it’s a good year to look into a battery backup or generator for your stove.
Elsewhere in the country, the Almanac expects El Niño to bring a wet, stormy winter across the South. Much of the West and Midwest should see near-normal temperatures with quick cold snaps, while the Pacific Northwest may get less reliable snow than usual.
Of course, no long-range forecast is a sure thing. The Almanac puts its own accuracy at 80 to 85 percent, though independent reviews say it’s lower. Either way, it pays to be ready.
So check your stove and get your pellets stacked. Whatever this winter throws at us, nothing beats the steady, cozy heat of wood pellets when the temperature drops.