Since 1792, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been making weather predictions -- along with a dash of wit and wisdom -- for the upcoming year.
How well could a publication predict something as complicated as the atmosphere if it also interprets the behavior of cats and breaks down the perfect hug?
Well, it turns out the Almanac has a self-touted accuracy of 80%. Not buying it? Not sure I do, either. So how about we track a few of the Almanac’s predictions for this year together?
‘Wet winter whirlwind’
The 208th Edition of the almanac says Michigan should prepare for a “Wet, Winter Whirlwind” during the 2024-2025 winter season.
Its editor, Sandi Duncan, (not to be confused with the Sandy Duncan) says Michigan looks more “wet than white in many areas.”
‘Frigidly cold’ temps
The Almanac predicts Michigan will have “frigidly cold” temperatures beginning in early November and lasting until Nov. 11.
‘Wet snow and rain’
Michigan is also expected to experience “wet snow and rain” during the first half of November, according to the Almanac.
Not sure how that works with “frigidly cold” temperatures, but if the Almanac says it, then it must be true, right?
Thanksgiving weather
The Almanac says Michigan will either have wet snow or rain for Thanksgiving.
Christmas weather
The Almanac predicts a “wet, not white” Christmas in Michigan.
Coldest outbreak
The Almanac predicts the coldest outbreak of the season will settle in the final week of January into the first week in February. It’s predicted a frigid Arctic air mass will cause a sharp plunge in temperatures across the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley.
The coldest week of the year in late January? Sounds like a safe bet, and not all that shocking.
Late January snowfall
What about snow? Mark your calendars for Jan. 20-27, when a major storm is forecasted by the Almanac to bring “copious amounts of snow, rain, sleet, and ice.”
‘Rapidly moving storm’
Around March 15, a “rapidly moving storm” will bring 2-5 inches of wet snow to the Great Lakes, according to the Almanac.
There you have it, folks! I guess if the Almanac’s forecast doesn’t work out, at least we will know more about the curious behaviors of cats and become better huggers!