While the Lehigh Valley is dealing with one of its snowiest and coldest winters in years, the Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a much different spring.
The New Hampshire publication, which has predicted forecasts for more than 200 years, announced last week that Lehigh Valley and most of Pennsylvania will have a warm, dry spring.
Most of Pennsylvania will have warmer than usual temperatures, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Rainfall will be below normal in April and normal in May, the publication said.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac claims its predictions, based on solar science, climatology and meteorology, are 80% accurate. The publication predicted that temperatures this winter would be below normal, and snow would be above normal.
Temperatures recently have been below normal, and snowfall so far this winter has been above normal, according to National Weather Service data.
AccuWeather, in its spring forecast, has a different outlook. It said Pennsylvania will be slow to transition to warmer spring weather. Warmer weather won’t settle in until May, according to forecasters there.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in its forecast that Pennsylvania could have above normal temperatures during the spring, and normal precipitation chances.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s rival, Maine-based Farmers’ Almanac, said late last year that its 2026 edition would be its last. The publication announced Wednesday that it has changed ownership, and will continue publication.
Both have been derided by professional meteorologists.
The various spring forecasts come as the ultimate weather prognosticator, Punxsutawney Phil, makes his annual prediction about spring on Groundhog Day. Feb. 2 marks the halfway point between winter solstice and spring equinox. By now, you know the drill: If Phil sees his shadow, it means we’re in store for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, it signals an early spring.
However, a look at Phil’s track record shows the odds aren’t on his side. An analysis by NOAA of March temperature averages for the U.S. found his accuracy rate to be a measly 35%, which was 17th out of all 19 forecasting groundhogs and other animals (real or not) that it studied.
The most accurate: Staten Island Chuck, who had an accuracy rate of 85%.