While Delaware is still enjoying late-summer temperatures in the 80s, it won't be long until Jack Frost is nipping at our noses.

The question is how bad the winter will be and when we should expect to see the first frost and first snowfall.

The Farmers' Almanac looked at historical records to project when the First State could experience its first snowfall of the season.

The Farmers' Almanac predicts that Delaware could see its first snow in late November or December.

The almanac, however, pointed out that this wasn't a forecast for a storm. It was a climatological guide that takes into account long-term averages, patterns and statistical norms for conditions such as temperature, rainfall and wind conditions.

In other words, conditions favorable for snow have historically begun to take place in late November.

A Farmers’ Almanac map shows that Ohio typically experiences its first fall frost between early and late October. Local timing can vary based on elevation and other conditions.
A Farmers’ Almanac map shows that Ohio typically experiences its first fall frost between early and late October. Local timing can vary based on elevation and other conditions.

The Farmers' Almanac projects the first frost will occur between late October and mid-November.

According to Kevin Brinson, Delaware's state climatologist, Delaware doesn't have data on the first frost, but the mean date for the first freeze – temperatures at or below 32 – is Nov. 2 in New Castle County and Kent County. The mean date for the first freeze in Sussex County is Nov. 3.

The mean date in Wilmington for the first measurable snowfall, at least 0.1 inch of snow, is Dec. 15.

2027 winter weather forecast for the U.S.
2027 winter weather forecast for the U.S.

The Farmers' Almanac is predicting a complicated weather pattern for Delaware.

Coastal communities could receive more rain or mixed precipitation, while inland areas may be hit by several rounds of heavy, wet snow, particularly during January and February, Farmer's Almanac, said.

Small shifts in storm tracks and temperatures could make the difference between rain, sleet, freezing rain and accumulating snow. Residents should be prepared for forecasts to change quickly as storms approach.

The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a mild winter for most of the U.S., including the Gulf Coast. Mississippi can expect a relatively wet season, according to the long-range weather forecast. Snow chances are stronger to the north.
The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a mild winter for most of the U.S., including the Gulf Coast. Mississippi can expect a relatively wet season, according to the long-range weather forecast. Snow chances are stronger to the north.

The Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting a milder winter with above-average temperatures, slightly below-normal snowfall and below-normal precipitation.

The coldest periods are expected in early to mid-December, early to mid-January, and early and late February.

The snowiest periods are expected in late November, early and mid-January, early and late February, and late March.

Greg Giesen is a trending writer for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a story idea, reach out to him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Farmers' Almanac first snowfall map. When will frost, snow hit