The New Hampshire-based Old Farmers\u2019 Almanac<\/a> claims most of the Lehigh Valley will have below-average temperatures and above-normal snowfall. The eastern portion of the region, however, could have above-normal temperatures and below-normal snowfall.<\/p>\n Both publications have been derided by meteorologists.<\/a> The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration\u2019s<\/a> Climate Prediction Center said in its winter outlook for December, January and February that temperatures are leaning above normal, and that precipitation will be likely above normal.<\/p>\n Farmers\u2019 Almanac: A complicated winter<\/p>\n The Farmers\u2019 Almanac, which claims to be 80%-85% accurate in its predictions, bases its forecasts on a mathematical and astronomical formula. In its prediction for the upcoming winter, the publication claimed the Northeast will face one of its most complicated winter patterns.<\/p>\n Small shifts in storm tracks and temperatures could mean the difference between rain, sleet, freezing rain and snow, according to the publication, which encouraged residents to be prepared for the possibility of all of them. The Lehigh Valley could also get hit with several rounds of heavy, wet snow in January and February, according to the report.<\/p>\n The Farmer\u2019s Almanac said all of Pennsylvania will have snow, sleet and mixed precipitation during the winter months.<\/p>\n Temperatures will be variable, with cold snaps followed by mild stretches, and rain will be more likely than extended snow, according to the publication\u2019s predictions. Moderate snowfall is possible, but will not be persistent, their report states.<\/p>\n The Farmers\u2019 Almanac predicted a snowy, colder winter for this past winter.<\/a> About 35 inches of snow fell in the Lehigh Valley, making it the snowiest winter since the 2020-21 winter, when 58.1 inches fell, according to weather service data. Temperatures on average were also lower, that data states.<\/p>\n The Old Farmers\u2019 Almanac, the Farmers\u2019 Almanac\u2019s rival, has different outlooks for the Lehigh Valley. Most of the region is included in what the publication calls the Appalachians region, which follows the mountain system and covers a large portion of Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n The publication predicts below-normal temperatures, below-normal precipitation, and above-normal snowfall for that region. Additionally, it predicts the coldest periods will be mid-January and mid- to late February, while the snowiest periods will be in mid-January and early and late February.<\/p>\n The eastern part of the Lehigh Valley, which includes Easton, is what the publication considers part of the Atlantic corridor, which covers Philadelphia and areas north of it. It stretches form Richmond, Virginia, through Washington, Baltimore, New York and Boston. The Old Farmer\u2019s Almanac believes a milder winter is likely for this area.<\/p>\n Here, temperatures will be above normal, while rain and snow will be slightly below normal, according to its forecast. The coldest periods will be early to mid-December, early to mid-January, and early and late February, the publication said. Additionally, it claimed the snowiest periods will be in late November, early and mid-January, early and late February, and late March.<\/p>\n The Old Farmers\u2019 Almanac, which has been making predictions for more than 200 years, claimed this summer would be cool and dry. The National Weather Service recorded 10.86 inches of rain between June, July and August, which was a little under 2 inches below the average for those three months over the last six years, according to weather service data.<\/p>\n Here is a look where we stand with 90\u00b0F days so far this year. It has been a few weeks since we’ve had widespread 90s, but hotter temps, including some 90s, are forecast for Tues through Thurs. Most sites average a couple of 90\u00b0 days in Sept, so this is not out of the ordinary. pic.twitter.com\/O3rYarP7aM<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) August 31, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Still, the rainfall was enough to alleviate drought conditions in both Lehigh and Northampton counties.<\/a><\/p>\n The weather service also recorded 17 days above 90 over the summer months, and one day above 100.<\/p>\n The Old Farmer\u2019s Almanac claims its predictions, which are based on solar science, climatology and meteorology, are 80% accurate.<\/p>\n \t\t\t![\"Three](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/TMC-L-slow-moving-snowstorm-613-RTK_eaaad8-e1769888320587.jpg\")
Three people make their way down Main Street in downtown Bethlehem with a sled and snowboard, looking to have fun, Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, as the Lehigh Valley received more than two feet of snow form a winter storm. (Rick Kintzel\/The Morning Call)
\nOld Farmers\u2019 Almanac: Cold and snowy<\/p>\n