REFRIGERNATION: Farmers Almanac predicts super-cold winter... The Old Farmers Almanac, the familiar, 223-year-old chronicler of climate, folksy advice and fun facts, is predicting a colder winter and warmer summer for much of the nation. Published Wednesday, the New Hampshire-based almanac predicts a super-cold winter in the eastern two-thirds of the country. The west will remain a little bit warmer than normal. Colder is just almost too familiar a term, Editor Janice Stillman said. Think of it as a refriger-nation. More bad news for those who cant stand snow: Most of the Northeast is expected to get more snowfall than normal, though it will be below normal in New England. Before unpacking the parka, however, remember that colder than average is still only about 2 to 5 degrees difference. Some other regional highlights: - Floridas winter could be rainier than most years while other locales in the Southeast and central states will see less rain. - Summer will be warmer than usual in most places while a drop in rainfall in the countrys midsection could hurt crop yields. - Despite some winter downpours in the west, the almanac says Californias drought will likely continue. - Hurricane season isnt expected to be especially active though a major storm could hit the Gulf Coast in late August. For loyal readers of an almanac that also tracks to the minute every sunrise and sunset for the year, the timing of this years publication may come as a surprise. Normally, it hits the stands in mid-September. In recent years, its younger cousin, the Maine-based Farmers Almanac, has published in August and a competition of sorts has emerged, though Stillman said it had nothing to do with the earlier drop date. Weve found that folks want the almanac as soon as the issue is done up, right as the growing season is done, she said. Its also time to order oil, wood, salt for roads. Weve had so many inquiries we just decided to get it into peoples hands earlier. The almanac, which has about an 80 percent success rate in its forecasts, employs modern technology but still uses the secret formula that founder Robert Thomas devised in 1792. By combining the study of sunspots, prevailing weather patterns and basic meteorology, the almanacs weather staff comes up with a long-range forecast. The temperature deviations are based on 30-year averages compiled by government forecasters. The almanac also provides advice on planting, astronomy, food, love and trends. hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OLD_FARMERS_ALMANAC?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-08-20-15-08-00
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 15:48:41 +0000