Snow is expected this winter in the Lehigh Valley — both how much depends on which almanac you believe.
The New Hampshire-based Old Farmer’s Almanac predicted Tuesday in its extended winter forecast that snowfall will be light, and temperatures will be below normal this winter for most of the Lehigh Valley. A small part of the eastern portion of the region, including Easton, will have above-normal temperatures, according to the almanac.
The Lehigh Valley will likely be at its coldest in mid- and late December, as well as early and late January, according to the almanac. Snowfall will be below normal, however the publication is predicting at least some snowfall every month December through March.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s rival, Maine-based Farmers’ Almanac said in its predictions earlier this month that the Lehigh Valley, along with most of the mid-Atlantic, will get some “decent snow,” especially in areas with mountains. The winter will be cold and snow-filled for Pennsylvania through New York, according to the publication.
It also reported that there will be a significant cold snap in January, followed by a pronounced cold spell in mid-February.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac, founded in 1792, claims to have 80% accuracy in its predictions. The publication uses solar science, climatology and meteorology in deciding its predictions. The Farmers’ Almanac, which has been predicting weather since 1818, uses a mathematical and astronomical formula for its predictions, which the publication claims are 80%-85% accurate.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicted last year that the Lehigh Valley and surrounding regions would be warmer than normal, and would have less snow than normal. The Farmers’ Almanac claimed last year that Lehigh Valley’s winter would be stormy with above-normal amounts of snow, and above-normal temperatures.
The National Weather Service recorded 17.8 inches of snow last winter, well below the average of roughly 33 inches over the past 15 years. Temperatures were below normal in December and January, around normal in February, and above normal in March, according to weather service data.
Both almanacs have been derided by meteorologists.
