Homeowners across the United States should prepare for winter 2026–2027 based on regional conditions, as the Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a season of mild stretches, sudden freezes, and heavy snow in some areas.
“Winter won’t look the same everywhere this year,” shared Carol Connare, editor-in-chief of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. “While much of the country is headed for a milder season, some areas will still see plenty of cold and snow.”
Which homeowners will see the most snow?
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac winter forecast, the heaviest snowfall is expected from central New England through the Appalachians, across the Intermountain region and Pacific Northwest, and into Alaska.
Southern parts of the Northeast are also expected to receive above-normal snowfall, particularly in mid- and late December, mid-January, and early and late March. Northern Appalachian communities, especially those at higher elevations, could see significant accumulation during peak snow periods in mid-January and throughout February.
Some of this winter activity is expected to be influenced by the transition from a Super El Niño to a more active La Niña season. Homeowners in these areas should be prepared to clear heavy snow from roofs, monitor for damaging ice dams, and maintain proper foundation drainage during sudden thaws.
The Intermountain region and the Pacific Northwest are also expected to experience above-normal snowfall along with wet winter precipitation. Intermountain communities could see their snowiest periods in late November, late December, and early February. Pacific Northwest residents should prepare for heavy snow events in late December, mid-January, and mid-February.
Mountain properties in the Pacific Southwest may receive substantial snowfall after the start of the new year. In Alaska, above-average snowfall is forecast throughout an extended season, with peak accumulation expected in mid-November, early and late January, mid-February, and late March.
Where will it be coldest this winter?
Although milder winter conditions are expected across much of the country during the 2026–2027 season, the Almanac also forecasts severe below-normal cold snaps in some regions.
The most intense and prolonged cold is expected to extend from central New England south through the Appalachians and into the Ohio Valley. In the southern Northeast and Appalachian region, the coldest periods are forecast for mid-January through mid- to late February. Homeowners in the Ohio Valley could experience the sharpest chill during back-to-back freezes in mid- and late January.
In these eastern cold zones, homeowners should insulate unheated basements, wrap exposed plumbing, and schedule furnace inspections before January. These steps can help prevent burst pipes and unexpectedly high heating costs.
Hawaii is also expected to experience below-normal temperatures during the winter, with the coolest periods forecast for early to mid-November, early December, late January into early February, and early March.
Meanwhile, areas expected to have generally milder or above-normal average temperatures—including the Upper Midwest, Lower Lakes, Deep South, and Desert Southwest—could still face sudden freezes. Upper Midwest homeowners should prepare for severe cold in mid- to late January, while Lower Lakes residents could see extreme chills in early January and early February.
