The Old Farmer’s Almanac is offering its early outlook for the 2026-2027 winter, and Iowa could see a milder and wetter-than-normal season, with several periods of colder temperatures and snow.
According to the Almanac’s forecast for the Heartland region, which includes Iowa, temperatures are expected to average above normal, while precipitation is forecast to be above normal. Seasonal snowfall is expected to be near to below normal.
The Almanac identifies early December, late January and early March as periods that could bring increased chances for snow. Some of the coldest stretches are expected around early January, late January and early March.
The publication describes the first half of winter as potentially stormy, with a combination of precipitation and changing temperatures. However, the forecast does not indicate that Iowa should expect an exceptionally snowy winter overall.
The Almanac says a strong El Niño pattern is among the factors influencing its winter outlook. El Niño can affect the position of the jet stream and the movement of storm systems and colder air across the United States.
It is important to note that the Almanac’s forecast is a long-range seasonal outlook, not a prediction of individual storms. Specific snowstorms, ice events and periods of severe winter weather cannot be accurately forecast months in advance.
For Iowa, the Almanac’s overall outlook is for a warmer and wetter winter, with snowfall near or below average, while still allowing for several periods of potentially significant winter weather.
Sources: The Old Farmer’s Almanac; National Weather Service; Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
