Farmer Almanac

2018 Farmers Almanac

Under the guiding hand of its first editor, Robert B. Thomas, the premiere issue of The Old Farmer's Almanac was published in 1792 during George Washington's first term as president. Although many other almanacs were being published at that time, Thomas's upstart almanac became an immediate success.

Farmers use a "top secret mathematical and astronomical formula, that relies on sunspot activity, tidal action, planetary position and many other factors" to predict weather sixteen months in advance for seven different U.S. climate zones.

Winter will be warmer and rainier than normal, with below-normal snowfall. The coldest periods will be in early January and early February. The best chances for snow will be in early January and early February. April and May will be drier than normal. Temperatures will be near normal in the south and below in the north. Summer will be slightly hotter than normal, on average, with above-normal rainfall. The hottest periods will be in early to mid-June, early August, and mid- to late August. Overall, September and October will be warmer and drier than normal. Watch for a tropical storm threat in early to mid-September.