With summer now winding down, it's time to look ahead at what's in store for Missourians the upcoming winter season.
The Farmers' Almanac has released its 2026-2027 winter weather predictions with the tagline "Snow, Sleet, and Surprises," adding that it will be "a season of sharp contrasts across the country."
Winter may be months away, but now might be a good time to make sure you have your winter gear in check for the upcoming season.
Here's what to know about when winter begins and what we can expect in Missouri this year, per the Farmers' Almanac.
Winter officially begins in December, though the exact date depends on whether you follow the meteorological or astrological seasons.
Meteorological seasons are divided into four three-month groupings, with Dec. 1 marking the start of winter every single year.
But, astronomically speaking, the first day of winter begins on the winter solstice — the day when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky. Therefore, it does not fall on the same date every year, as it currently shifts between Dec. 21 and 22.
This year's winter solstice will be on Monday, Dec. 21, which also marks the shortest day and longest night of the calendar year for the Northern Hemisphere.
Missourians can expect a cold, breezy winter with some snow, and temperatures should average near normal overall. However, that does not necessarily mean it will be a mild winter.
The Farmer's Almanac predicts sudden cold snaps and brief periods of snow, although milder breaks may frequently interrupt the wintry weather. The Midwest could also experience sudden intense bursts of snow, gusting winds and some bitter cold.
The almanac also predicts that middle America will see "frequent swings between thawing and freezing, creating rapidly changing road and field conditions."
Missouri, on average, gets 8-24 inches of snow annually, with the heaviest amounts typically in the northern half of the state, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.
The Farmers' Almanac expects an active storm pattern across the southern United States, with above-normal precipitation possible from California and the Southwest eastward through Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Southeast.
Another storm path could bring additional precipitation opportunities along the East Coast, including rain, sleet and snow from the mid-Atlantic into New England.
Because temperatures may frequently hover near freezing, the type of precipitation could change quickly. A small shift in temperatures or storm tracks could mean the difference between rain, ice or accumulating snow.
The Farmers' Almanac claims "many longtime Almanac followers maintain [its] forecasts are 80% to 85% accurate."
The publication creates its forecasts "using a proprietary formula that adapts to the mysteries of nature and the ever-changing world in which we live," this edition notes. "The basis of our prediction method was developed by our founding editor according to correlations between celestial events and various meteorological conditions."
The Farmers' Almanac announced it would end publication after its 2026 edition due to financial pressures, but the historic publication was later acquired by new ownership in January 2026, preventing its permanent closure, according to its website.
The Farmers' Almanac will continue online, with plans underway to revive and expand its annual print edition in future years.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Farmers' Almanac posts winter predictions. What to expect in Missouri.