The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its long-range weather forecast predicting various weather patterns across the United States for January 2026.
In the Northeast, a very cold beginning is expected, with snow in northern areas from January 1 to 11, and milder conditions emerging from January 12 to 20. However, flurries and rain will reappear from January 21 to 26, before the month concludes with sunny yet cold weather from January 27 to 31. Overall, temperatures are forecast to be slightly colder and drier than average.
The Atlantic Corridor, covering states such as Rhode Island and New Jersey, will also begin January with bitterly cold conditions. This area is expected to see flurries in northern regions and sunnier weather toward the south during the first week, followed by a snowy and cold stretch from January 8 to 10. The corridor will shift to mostly sunny skies from January 11 to 24, with rain and milder temperatures arriving toward the end of the month, concluding with a chilly finish.
In the Appalachian region, the almanac predicts cold weather to start the month, later transitioning to milder conditions around January 11-17. Snow is anticipated to return between January 25 and 31, leading to an overall colder and drier forecast for the month.
For the Southeast, the forecast suggests a cold January, characterized by sunny conditions at the beginning, shifting to showers and milder temperatures mid-month, and the possibility of snow in the northern areas near January’s close.
Delving into the warmer climates, Florida is predicted to experience a cooler-than-normal January, with mostly sunny early days followed by scattered showers and a rainy conclusion.
The Lower Lakes region is set for a wintry beginning with snow from January 1 to 9, leading to a gradual moderation in temperatures and returning colder weather toward the end of the month.
The Ohio Valley will experience similar cold and snowy conditions, with a mix of sunniness and mild weather along with rain and snow toward the latter part of January.
The Deep South is forecast to be cooler than usual, with an initial cold spell giving way to showers mid-month, as the region wraps up January under milder, wetter conditions.
The Upper Midwest and Heartland will both see a cold start, though the Heartland is expected to become slightly warmer and drier as the month progresses.
In Texas and Oklahoma, a cooler-than-average January with sunny northern areas and rain in the southern parts is predicted. Conditions in the High Plains are expected to remain warmer than average with drier conditions persisting.
In the Desert Southwest, warm, rainy days are anticipated early in the month, especially in areas including parts of New Mexico and Arizona, though a cooling trend is expected later.
The Pacific Northwest anticipates sunny and chilly weather at the start, transitioning to a warmer rainy stretch in January, while the Pacific Southwest is expected to be slightly warmer than normal with varying conditions across the north and south.
In sum, The Old Farmer’s Almanac outlines a predominantly colder and drier January 2026 for much of the U.S., with challenging weather patterns that might affect various regions differently. As always, varying weather conditions can bring both challenges and the opportunity for beautiful winter scenes, emphasizing the importance of preparation in these varying climates.