Farmers Almanac 2025 Winter Forecast for Wisconsin

✅ RELEASED: The Farmers' Almanac 2025-2026 winter forecast was released in August

⏳ COMING SOON: The Old Farmer's Almanac (separate publication) will release their competing forecast later in August 2025

The Farmers' Almanac predicts Wisconsin will experience "dramatic swings and widespread wintry weather" with a season described as "chill, snow, repeat." Wisconsin is categorized as "Above Average" for snowfall, with expectations for a "classic winter wonderland."

Wisconsin's Climate Zones

🌨️ Upper Midwest Region (Green Bay to La Crosse and north)

• Below-average snowfall despite being where "winter lives"

• Snowiest periods: late January, early February, and mid-March

• Classic northern Wisconsin winter conditions

🏔️ Lower Lakes Region (Milwaukee, Madison, Southeast corner)

• Below-normal snowfall but colder-than-normal temperatures

• Great Lakes region expects significant lake-effect snow

• Potential for intense lake-effect events from Lake Michigan

🌾 Heartland Region (Southern Wisconsin)

• Forecasts indicate "not-as-cold-as-usual winter with below-normal snowfall"

• Milder conditions compared to northern regions

Key Timeline & Weather Events

Early Season (September - November 2025)

• ⚡ EARLY SNOW ALERT: First snowfall predicted between September 20-27, 2025 - earlier than typical

• Upper Midwest leading the pack for earliest snow risks

• Late November 2025 expected to be one of the snowiest periods

Peak Winter (December 2025 - February 2026)

• ❄️ Holiday Season: Cold snap may keep December holidays in a winter chill

• Late December 2025: Another snowy period forecast

• 🥶 COLDEST PERIODS: Major cold snaps expected in mid-January and mid-February 2026

Late Season (March 2026)

• Mid-March expected to bring additional snow just when you think winter is done

Temperature Expectations

Regional Breakdown

• Northern Wisconsin: Part of the Northern Plains to New England region expecting the coldest outbreaks

• Southeast Wisconsin: Colder than normal temperatures despite below-normal snow

• Statewide: Conditions described as "very cold" with potential for "old-fashioned winter"

🌨️ Snow & Precipitation Forecast

Snowfall Amounts

• Wisconsin categorized as "Above Average" for snowfall

• Great Lakes and upper Midwest expect "a good amount" of snow

• Great Lakes region will see significant lake-effect snow due to record-high lake surface temperatures

Storm Patterns

• Frequent snowstorms expected across the Great Lakes region

• Clipper systems from Canada and storms moving up from the Gulf

• Enhanced lake-effect potential from warm Lake Michigan waters

📊 Historical Context & Accuracy

Farmers' Almanac Track Record

• Founded: Over 200 years of weather prediction experience since 1818

• Methodology: Based on solar activity cycle, moon motion, tidal action, and stratospheric winds

• Recent Performance: Claims 80% success rate with seasonal forecasting

Comparison to Recent Winters

• 2024-2025: Featured theme "Cold, Dry, Then the Flip"

• 2025-2026: New theme "Chill, Snow, Repeat" suggests more consistent winter conditions

• Shift reflects anticipated changes in weather patterns, possibly influenced by increased solar activity

🎿 Winter Activity Outlook

✅ Favorable Conditions For:

• Skiing & Snowboarding: Great Lakes region offers "best shot at deep powder"

• Winter Sports: Above-average snowfall supports outdoor winter recreation

• Holiday Events: Cold temperatures support traditional winter festivities

⚠️ Challenges To Expect:

• Snow Removal: Increased snowfall means more frequent plowing needs

• Travel: Potential for "messy but snowy conditions" during storms

• Heating Costs: Colder-than-normal temperatures may increase energy usage

🔍 What Meteorologists Say

Local meteorologists note that recent Farmers' Almanac predictions haven't always aligned with actual conditions, with three of five recent winters ending up warmer than predicted and four seasons seeing below-normal snowfall despite "snowy" forecasts.

Expert Advice: Professional meteorologists recommend staying tuned to short-term forecasts as "it's too far out to accurately forecast" specific conditions.

🔗 Additional Resources

• Full Forecast: Visit farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

• Competing Forecast: Watch for The Old Farmer's Almanac release later this month

• Local Updates: Monitor Wisconsin weather services for short-term adjustments

• Detailed Forecasts: Members can access 3-day block forecasts up to a year in advance

🎯 Bottom Line for Wisconsin

The Farmers' Almanac paints a picture of an authentic, old-fashioned Wisconsin winter for 2025-2026. Expect above-average snowfall, genuinely cold temperatures, and the kind of winter conditions that make Wisconsin winters memorable. Whether you love or dread winter weather, this forecast suggests you should prepare for a legitimate winter season with multiple snow events and sustained cold periods.

Key Preparation Points:

• ❄️ Stock up on winter supplies early (September snow possible)

• 🔥 Budget for higher heating costs

• 🚗 Prepare vehicles for extended winter driving conditions

• ⛄ Embrace winter activities - conditions should be ideal!

Last Updated: August 16, 2025 | Source: Farmers' Almanac 2025-2026 Winter Forecast