INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — This year’s Farmers’ Almanac 2025-26 winter outlook is headlined by “Chill Snow Repeat.” Remember, the Farmers’ Almanac should not be confused with the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

For Indiana and the Ohio River Valley, they are calling for a “very cold, snowy” winter, which for them is December to March. Here are the predictions for other regions of the United States:

These Almanac outlooks are fun to look at, but how accurate is it for central Indiana?

Previous predictions for Indianapolis

It’s been a tough go for the Farmers’ Almanac in recent winter predictions for our area. For example, if you take their wording, such as a “cold, snowy” prediction, to mean below-average temperatures and above-average snowfall, forecasts have been poor.

Over the last five winters, they have been incorrect with temperature and precipitation outlooks for each year.

Even though winter 2024-2025 was the coldest and snowiest since 2020-21, it still had a below-average amount of snow and temperatures were above average.

Indianapolis averages 24.4 inches of snow and has an average temperature of 34.2 degrees from December to March, according to the 1991-2020 climate normals.

Factors we will monitor for this winter

If day-by-day forecasts tend to lose accuracy over 7 days out, how can the Farmers’ Almanac predict this winter?

Essentially, agencies like the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) are trying to forecast the average jet stream pattern, which over months can signal who will be above or below average with temperatures and precipitation.

La Niña may return this winter after being stuck in the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral pattern this summer. A strong La Niña signal would give Indiana a better chance at wetter than normal conditions.

At the end of August, the Old Farmer’s Almanac will release its winter forecast. The CPC releases their outlook closer to the start of winter, and it tends to be the most accurate.

You can always find the latest 7-day forecast by visiting Storm Track 8’s weather blog here.

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