Cold, Wet Winter In Store For CA, Old Farmer's Almanac Predicts

CALIFORNIA — As an end-of-summer heatwave looms over much of the Golden State, few are dreaming of a white Christmas. However, that's what California can look forward to this year, according to the forecast released by The Old Farmer's Almanac.

It's going to be a wet winter with more snow than normal, according to a new 2024 winter forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

“A strong El Niño means winter will be wetter than normal, with above-normal mountain snow,” the Almanac says. “The stormiest, wettest periods will be in early and late January, early to mid-February, and mid-March. There will be a white Christmas across the Sierra Nevada mountains, but not in the valleys or along the coast.”

Skiers, snowboarders and other winter outdoor enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunities to play with a forecast that includes normal or even above-average snowfall totals with “just the right amount of chill in the air,” according to the forecast.

"Winter will be colder than normal throughout the region," the Almanac forecast. "The coldest temperatures will occur in early and late November, early and late December, and late January."

Temperatures are expected to be mild to cool in the Deep South, Texas and California, which could also receive drought-quenching rain.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac said its winter forecasts have been 80 percent accurate since 1972.