Long-range forecasts from weather agencies and almanacs offer differing predictions for the months ahead.
For New England, the Farmers' Almanac is calling for a "complicated" winter of "snow, sleet, and surprises," while the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center is forecasting warmer-than-average temperatures across Massachusetts.
Here's what to know about the winter weather predictions for the Bay State:
According to the Farmers' Almanac's 2026-27 winter forecast, the Northeast could see a "tricky mix of rain, sleet, ice and heavy wet snow," calling it "one of the season's most complicated winter patterns."
"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," the almanac wrote. "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."
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The Climate Prediction Center's latest seasonal outlook indicates that Massachusetts is expected to have above-average temperatures from December 2026 through February 2027.
The outlook shows an increased chance of above-average temperatures across Massachusetts; however, the exact probability varies based on the region. For Cape Cod, the South Shore, the South Coast, and some of MetroWest and the Boston area, the probability is 40% to 50%.
For Central Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts, the probability for above-normal temperatures this winter is 50% to 60%.
The Old Farmer's Almanac forecast said that the Atlantic Corridor (which contains the Greater Boston area, the South Shore, the South Coast, Cape Cod, some of northern Massachusetts, and some of Central Massachusetts) is set to experience a more mild winter and a little less snowfall than normal.
They predict the Atlantic Corridor will be the coldest around early to mid-December and early to mid-January as well as early to mid-February.
The Old Farmer's Almanac said that the snowiest periods will be in late November, early and in the middle of January, early and late February, and late in March.
The Northeast (which, by the almanac's definition, encompasses Western Massachusetts and some of Central Massachusetts) will experience differing winter conditions, depending on whether they are on the northern or southern part of their definition of the Northeast.
The northern part is predicted to have above average temperatures and see less snow than normal, while the southern part is forecast to have more snow than normal and below average temperatures.
The Northeast is expected to see experience the most amount of snow in mid- to late December, the middle of January, and early and late part of March.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: How much snow will Massachusetts get this winter? See predictions
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