Farmers' Almanac: 'Frosty And Wet' Virginia, DC Winter Forecast

WASHINGTON, DC — Do the milder temperatures have you hoping that summer's heat and humidity is about to give way to crisp fall air? While more comfortable conditions would be great, a glimpse at the winter forecast is full of snow, frigid cold and gloom — at least if you believe the Farmers' Almanac.

The centuries-old forecaster has released its prediction of what's to come this winter, and it will make you stock up on boots and warm sweaters, or contemplate a move to Florida. "The Northeast, including the densely populated corridor running from Washington to Boston, will experience colder-than-normal temperatures for much of the upcoming winter," the almanac said. DC and Virginia straddle the line between the Northeast and Southeast regions for the almanac's purposes.

And what about Labor Day weekend, summer's last hurrah? The almanac is calling for "thunderstorms increase, then cooler, for Aug. 28-31, then "mixed clouds sun, possible residual shower or thunderstorm" for Labor Day.

The coldest snap of the winter is expected hit during the last week of January 2020 and stretch into February, according to the forecast. And yes, you can expect a lot of snow.

"The almanac calls for above-normal winter precipitation over the eastern third of the country as well as the Great Plains, Midwest and the Great Lakes," according to the prediction.

"With colder-than-normal temperatures in the Northeast and above-normal precipitation expected, our outlook forewarns of not only a good amount of snow, but also a wintry mix of rain and sleet — especially along the coast," the almanac writes.

Don't expect an early spring next year, the almanac says. As well as cold and icy, this coming winter is going to be long.

"According to our long-range outlook, spring will be slow to start with winter lingering across the Midwest, Great Lakes, Northeast, and New England. Occasional wet snow and unseasonably chilly conditions will hang on for a ride that you may not be able to get off until April," the almanac said.

The Farmers' Almanac was founded in New Hampshire by David Young in 1818 and uses a “secret” mathematical and astronomical formula based on factors such as sunspot activity and the tidal action of the moon to predict the weather. It's not to be confused with The Old Farmer's Almanac, which has been forecasting the weather since 1792.

If you want to check it accuracy, last year, the Farmer's Almanac predicted:

• Colder than normal temperatures.
• More snowfall than normal.
• Bitter cold, winds and snow from mid-February.
• Cold to keep its grip on the region after the official start of spring.

Patch reporter Gus Saltonstall contributed to this report.