Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts cold, wet winter

This winter will be colder than normal, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. However, the National Weather Service’s three-month outlook has Southeast Missouri on the line between above normal and below normal temperatures.

“Unfortunately, at this point there is nothing that stands out that would suggest temperatures heading in either direction,” said Ben Miller, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis. “We are right on the line. We have an equal chance of above normal or below normal temperatures.”

Miller said the National Weather Service’s outlook suggests that there will be less precipitation this winter than normal.

The Farmer’s Almanac said it will be a cold winter though, because there will be a “persistent cold from mid-February through mid-March.” The coldest, however, is forecasted between early to mid-December, mid-to-late January, and the last part of February.

The almanac also suggests precipitation will be above normal with the biggest snowstorms in mid-December and early to mid-January.

The average temperature for December, according to the Farmer’s Almanac will be 34 degrees. The first week of December is forecasted to be sunny and mild with temperatures plunging between Dec. 6 through 11. Between Dec. 12 through 16 snow and ice is in the forecast. The week between Christmas and New Years is expected to be sunny and mild.

Chris Cline is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or at ccline@dailyjournalonline.com.