The Lehigh Valley could be in for a snowy, cold winter, if the latest Farmer’s Almanac predictions come true.
The Maine publication, which has predicted forecasts for more than 200 years, announced its predictions this month. This year’s headline? “Chill, Snow, Repeat.”
The Farmers’ Almanac claims that the Lehigh Valley, along with most of the mid-Atlantic, will get some “decent snow” especially in areas with mountains. A map released by the publication states the winter will be cold and snow-filled for Pennsylvania through New York.
Additionally, the publication reports there will be a significant cold snap in January, followed by a pronounced cold spell in mid-February.
The Farmers’ Almanac claims to have 80%-85% accuracy in its predictions, which are made based on a mathematical and astronomical formula. Last year, it claimed Lehigh Valley’s winter would be stormy with above-normal amounts of winter precipitation, and temperatures above normal.
National Weather Service data shows the Lehigh Valley got just under 18 inches of snow last winter, below the average of 29 inches over the past decade, and the third-lowest snowfall total of the last 10 years.
Minimum temperatures were lower than the previous winter. One day in January reached a low of minus 8, which was the lowest temperature in about a decade, according to weather service data.
The Farmers Almanac’s rival, the New Hampshire-based Old Farmer’s Almanac, is expected to release its winter outlook this month. Both almanacs have been derided by meteorologists.
