In a recent report, the Farmers’ Almanac predicted that the winter months of late 2015 and early 2016 will mostly be a repeat of the prior year’s winter, which was marked with extremely cold temperatures across the eastern parts of the Great Lakes and through most of the Atlantic Seaboard. Kentucky, Ohio, the Tennessee Valley, most of the Mississippi Valley, most of the Gulf Coast and the lower peninsula of Michigan are also expected to see unseasonably cold temperatures this winter. The Farmers’ Almanac told New Englanders to expect frigid temperatures that would remind them of last year.
The majority of the central portion of the United States is expected to see winter temperatures that are about normal. This area includes the Great Plains, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan’s upper peninsula and the central and western areas of the Great Lakes region. For these areas, short spells of bitter cold temperatures mixed with mild to moderate temperatures are expected. Although they are not expected to see anything too extreme, Texans and residents of the South Central states will see a cool winter with periods of cold temperatures.
Temperatures are expected to be milder than average for the Pacific Northwest, the Rockies region, the Colorado Plateau and the Southwest. With last year’s winter season, temperatures were similar in these regions. Experts from the Farmers’ Almanac said that their predictions this year are like winter Déjà vu for them. In many states across the country, last year’s winter predictions came true. They noted that 23 of the states in the East experienced one of the top 10 coldest Februaries on record. Experts recommend stocking up immediately on winter clothing and readiness supplies. This includes everything from sweaters and firewood to water and canned food.
The Farmers’ Almanac said that people who enjoy snow should visit the central and northern parts of the Great Plains, New England or the Great Lakes. The winter months are expected to be stormy over the Atlantic states and the Northeast. For the second weeks of both January and February, experts predict that the weather will be stormier than usual, and this is expected to continue through the middle of March. Storms are also expected to bring precipitation levels that are above normal to the Southeast, the southern region of the Great Plains, the Mississippi Valley, the Atlantic Seaboard and the Gulf coast.
Unfortunately, the drought-stricken Southwest is not predicted to see more rainfall this winter. However, the Pacific Northwest is expected to see higher-than-average precipitation levels. Experts emphasized that the new edition of the Farmers’ Almanac contains much more than dismal winter news for most of the nation. There are also informative and entertaining articles, historic information and educational facts. The latest edition is also full of advice on how to live healthier and more naturally. It contains recipes, a recipe contest, advice for quitting smoking, tips for weaning toddlers, advice for removing garden pests, several life hacks and a list of some of the weirdest places tourists can visit. These are just a few of the many other interesting and useful resources in the book.
One of the most important takeaway points from the weather forecast this year is to be prepared. The Farmers’ Almanac has survived this long because their predictions are mostly right. Stock up on supplies for winter storms and emergencies. Review insurance coverage to make sure the policy is updated with new purchases and includes important items that may become an issue with a winter storm. For example, homeowners should know how to react and who to call if a pipe freezes and bursts. It is also good to know how to prevent such a disaster. To learn more winter preparedness tips and to review coverage, discuss concerns with an agent.
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