Winter 2024-2025 in Southern Ontario: What to Expect from the Farmer’s Almanac
As winter 2024-2025 rolls in, Ontarians are eager for seasonal predictions. While Environment Canada and The Weather Network keep forecasts to short-term projections, the Farmers’ Almanac has been bravely offering full-winter outlooks since 1818, with a self-claimed 75-80% accuracy rate. So, what does the Almanac say this year?
According to their predictions, this winter in Southern Ontario will be one for the books, with colder-than-normal temperatures and higher-than-average snowfall. They’re calling for particularly frosty days in early December, early and late January, and late February. Snowy spells are expected throughout the season, with peak snowfall likely in early November, December, January, February, and even into early March.
In addition, the Farmer’s Almanac warns of a “wet winter whirlwind,” where snow, ice, and rain could all make appearances during an active storm period toward the end of January, which means icy roads and challenging conditions.
However, last winter, the Farmers’ Almanac predicted a cold, snowy season for Southern Ontario, but the reality turned out quite differently. Instead of bitter cold and frequent snow, the 2023-2024 winter was one of the warmest on record, with temperatures averaging 5.2°C above normal nationwide and 5.4°C above average around the Great Lakes. Thanks to a strong El Niño, which often brings milder, drier conditions, snowfall was also below average. So, while the Almanac forecasted a classic Ontario winter, we experienced an extended fall-like season that barely resembled it.
For those who rely on the Almanac’s century-old methods—based on celestial and meteorological patterns—there’s a sense of anticipation and curiosity. Whether or not the Farmer’s Almanac’s predictions will prove accurate this year, we’ll have to wait and see. Let the winter begin!