Farmers' Almanac predicts Missouri could see 'rapid-fire' winter storms

Summer's end may still be over a month away, but the Farmers' Almanac has already released its predictions for the upcoming winter.

The majority of the country is expected to experience a "Wet Winter Whirlwind," with "rapid-fire storms" of rain and snow, according to the Farmers' Almanac Winter 2025 Extended Weather Forecast. Above-average precipitation is expected for the Midwest.

This winter, La Niña, the periodic cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, is expected to develop and hang on through the entire winter season. The first day of winter begins with the winter solstice on Saturday, Dec. 21, lasting through Thursday, March 20.

The coldest outbreak of the season is expected to be during the final week of January, into the beginning of February, according to the Extended Weather Forecast, as frigid Arctic air will bring a "sharp plunge in temperatures" nationwide.

How does the Farmers' Almanac predict the winter forecast so early?

The Farmers' Almanac has been using almost the same formula for its extended weather forecasts since its establishment in 1818. The Almanac accounts for fluctuations in the environment on earth, sunspots, the motion of the moon, and other proprietary factors.

Physical 2025 Farmers' Almanac copies are now available for $8.99 on the Farmers' Almanac website.

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at[email protected].