Farmer's Almanac Predicts a Cold, Snowy Winter for Connecticut

By Feroze Dhanoa

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a colder than average winter combined with above average snowfall for Connecticut.

Published last month, the 233-year-old almanac said “winter will be colder and slightly wetter than normal, with above-normal snowfall.” The coldest periods will be in mid and late December and early to mid-February. Snowfall will be heaviest in mid and late December, mid-January and early to mid February.

Southwest Connecticut falls under the Atlantic Corridor, putting the region in the zone for more snow. The almanac also predicts the eastern two-thirds of the country will be “super cold”.

The almanac uses modern technology and a “secret formula” devised by founder Robert Thomas in 1792 to make its predictions. The almanac’s weather staff combines the study of sunspots, prevailing weather patterns and basic meteorology to come up with a long-range forecast that has an 80 percent success rate.

Last year’s prediction for above-average snowfall was accurate. It was the 13th snowiest winter on record with Bridgeport receiving 56.2 inches of snow surpassing its average of 27.6 inches.

Connecticut averages about 44 inches of snow a season with lesser amounts along the shore.