Brace yourself: Farmers’ Almanac says early snow is likely in NH

The Farmers’ Almanac predicts chilly weather is headed for the Northeast early this year. Here’s what you need to know.

As a lifelong New Englander, I try not to worry about the weather. There’s a reason why we always say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute,” and this summer has been a testament to that line of thought. One day it’s hot and humid, and the next it’s breezy and beautiful. Personally, I’m waiting for the cooler months to come around, but if the Farmers’ Almanac predictions are to be believed, we may get snow earlier than usual this year.

The latest Farmers’ Almanac forecast says that, “The Northeast and Great Lakes regions begin to flirt with early snow, especially in higher elevations.” This isn’t necessarily anything new for tried-and-true Granite Staters, who are accustomed to the mountains being covered in snow before Halloween. However, the rest of us could be following the north’s lead and experiencing flurries before October ends.

The first snowflakes are expected to fall by mid-to-late Oct.

The Farmers’ Almanac 2025 Autumn Outlook map shows New Hampshire experiencing a “dry, cool start” to the season before transitioning to a “cold, stormy finish.” Scattered snow showers and cold temperatures are predicted for Halloween, so it might be a good idea to let your kids know in advance that they’ll probably have to wear their costumes under their coats.

From there, it’s looking like it might be a wet, snowy Thanksgiving (so plan your holiday travel wisely!) and that those heavier conditions may persist throughout the rest of the fall and winter. As the Almanac puts it, “By November, snow will be a regular visitor across much of the northern tier.”

If you’re into winter sports, this is music to your ears! If you’re anti-winter, I suggest getting yourself a heated blanket and some good books ahead of time.

How does Farmers’ Almanac make its predictions?

The Farmers’ Almanac has been around since 1818 and is traditionally known for being a trusted source of information regarding weather predictions, moon phases, and crop patterns, among many other things. The Almanac tends to base its ideas about what to expect from the weather on old wives’ tales, and on knowledge used in previous generations to determine what was on the horizon before the invention of technology.

Certain stock is placed in the fact that corn skins and onion skins are thicker than normal this year, which has traditionally been a sign that winter will be especially cold and snowy. The Almanac also says to keep an eye on the sky—if you see ducks and geese flying south for the winter before they usually would, that means they know the weather is about to take a sudden turn.

Another sign that the Almanac predictions about winter are going to come true? If you see squirrels collecting acorns more frantically than usual. Story time: Last year, I saw a squirrel bury an acorn in my yard and then actually pat the ground with its little paw over the buried nut before jumping away to presumably find more food. It was honestly adorable.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac is also tracking the 2025-2026 winter weather forecast

The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which is a separate publication from the Farmers’ Almanac (I know, it’s confusing), is similarly keeping track of what people across the US can expect from the upcoming winter season. The Old Farmer’s Almanac relies on a variety of scientific disciplines to make its weather predictions. So, if you’re looking for something that feels a little more legit than waiting to see if the squirrels are busier than usual this fall, click here.