Almanac Predicts Cold, Brutal Winter for Much of the US

Brace yourself, it's going to be cold, brutal winter here in the Midwest. That's the prediction from the folks at the Farmers' Almanac, who have been making broad weather predictions since 1818.

The Almanac predicts that residents of the Central US, Midwest, and Northeast can expect a winter that is termed "cold and brutal." In addition, "biting cold" conditions are expected in the Midwest.

For those in other parts of the country, the Almanac predicts "teeth-chattering cold" for Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, while those in the Northeast section of the country are in for a "cold and white" winter.

The West Coast should see a more average winter while "greater than average rainfall" is expected in the Southeast and Pacific Northwest.

How do they know? According to the Farmers' Almanac website, forecasters use the following criteria to make long-range weather predictions.

• solar science, the study of sunspots and other solar activity;
• climatology, the study of prevailing weather patterns; and
• meteorology, the study of the atmosphere.

The Almanac claims 80% accuracy when it comes to weather predictions.