Fall Weather 'Not Warm to Start, Ending on Soggy Note:' Farmers' Almanac

The wet conditions eventually headed our way won't get here fast enough to help with the seasonal drought, and that means the leaf peeping won't be as stunning either. That's among the predictions from the 200th edition of the Farmers’ Almanac, which was just released.

Among the latest Almanac predictions are that autumn’s weather will be seasonal "if not warm to start, but will end on a soggy note." The Farmers’ Almanac has been predicting the weather every year since 1818. This time, it warns of a scary Halloween, a wet and windy Thanksgiving, and some possible fall snowfall in early December.

Not only do experts say the fall colors will be less than vibrant, the Almanac’s predictions for gusty winds in New England in mid-October might also pull the leaves down sooner than normal.

More from the Farmers' Almanac:

A Scary Halloween?

“We’re expecting Halloween to be soggy in most areas,” reveals Farmers’ Almanac editor and Philom., Peter Geiger. Storms will move in along the Atlantic Seaboard bringing rain, widespread flooding, and even some wet snow in higher elevations of New England and the Great Lakes regions. A risk of showers is predicted in the south, and stormy conditions may hinder trick or treating in Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri. Farther west, expect chilly conditions over the Rockies and Northwest.

“You may want to come up with a costume that incorporates an umbrella — perhaps Mary Poppins, Jiminy Cricket, or the Morton Salt Girl,” recommends Geiger.

Any Hurricanes on the Horizon?
Hurricane season peaks each year on September 10th and according to the Farmers’ Almanac’s predictions, there is a threat of a tropical storm for late September along the Gulf Coast.

Will Thanksgiving Plans Be “Squashed”?
Thanksgiving could coincide with unsettled conditions including gusty winds and rain for nearly all of the Farmers’ Almanac’s weather zones. Luckily, adverse weather may hold off until after the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade for those in the Northeast.

Will Snow Fall In Fall?
Before fall gives way to winter, the Farmers’ Almanac is flagging December 8-11 for significant wintry events across several zones. Heavy snows are predicted for upstate New York and northern New England, as well the Ohio Valley and points north, with up to a foot of accumulation. Kentucky can expect a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and rain. North Central states of Zone 4 can expect the same, with heavy snow and 4 to 12 inches of accumulation possible.

The Farmers’ Almanac provides 16 months of long-range forecasts in four-day intervals for the contiguous U.S. It breaks the country into 7 weather zones, which allows you to see what’s predicted in your region and others. People who follow the Almanac’s long-range weather forecasts say they are 80-85 percent accurate. The predictions, which are based on a carefully-guarded formula, help readers prepare for the seasons ahead, and are often consulted by brides- and grooms-to-be when planning their big days.

Visit FarmersAlmanac.com for tips and recipes for apples and pumpkins to make your fall more delicious, as well as information on garden chores and home preparation ideas to get ready for the winter ahead. See what is predicted for Winter 2016-17.