Almanac Predicts Colder Winter, Hotter Summer

Winter’s going to be colder than usual and next summer hotter. So says the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the familiar, 223-year-old chronicler of climate, folksy advice and fun facts.

Published Wednesday, the almanac predicts a “super-cold” winter in two-thirds of the country, or what Editor Janice Stillman calls “a refriger-nation.” Before unpacking the parka, remember “colder than average” is about 2 to 5 degrees difference.

The almanac says summer will be warmer than usual in most places while a drop in rainfall in the country’s midsection could hurt crop yields.

The almanac says California’s drought will likely continue despite some winter downpours in the west.

It says next year’s hurricane season isn’t expected to be especially active though a major storm could hit the Gulf Coast in late August.