Arizona, are you ready for winter weather and cool temperatures yet? Well, you’re in luck.
After this summer was recorded as the hottest ever in Phoenix history, which was accompanied by a scorching streak of 100-degree days, fall is nearly upon us. And with it, a hopeful reprieve from the searing weather in what has become known as America’s hottest big city.
Even though winter is a few months away, the Old Farmer’s Almanac has projected what kind of weather, including snow, rain and temperatures to expect across the Grand Canyon State during the winter of 2024.
Here’s what the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts the weather will be like this winter in Arizona.
When is the first day of winter 2024?
This year, the first day of winter is Saturday, Dec. 21.
What weather should residents expect this fall?
Even though the seasons are changing, longtime Phoenix residents know to expect 100-degree weather until at least early October.
This year, the earliest temperatures might dip below triple digits is mid-September, but most experts say they aren’t certain that will even happen.
For now, residents can keep expecting 100-degree weather well into the fall season.
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What will winter weather be like in Arizona?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has predicted statewide temperatures will be colder than normal throughout the winter.
It predicts that the coldest periods will be in mid-November, mid- to late-December and early February.
Will it snow in Arizona this winter?
While most of southern Arizona doesn’t typically receive snowfall, the Old Farmer’s Almanac has predicted above-average rainfall for the desert southwest region, which includes the cities of Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma.
For the parts of Arizona that do normally receive snow, such as the mountains of Flagstaff, Show Low, Pinetop and Bisbee, the Almanac predicts snowfall will be above normal.
It predicts snowiest periods will be mid-December and early February.
How much snow will Northern Arizona see this winter?
While the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts drier-than-average winter conditions for the rest of the country, it predicts Northern Arizona will have a snowy winter.
The area known as the “Intermountain” region, which includes Flagstaff, Pinetop and Grand Canyon Village is predicted to receive average and above-average precipitation and snowfall.
How cold will winter be in northern Arizona?
Though the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts above-average snowfall for northern Arizona, temperatures weren’t expected to be too cold. In fact, the Almanac predicts temperatures will be above normal.
When will it snow the most in Arizona?
Though the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts the snowiest periods for Northern Arizona will be in mid-November, early and late January and mid-March.
How does the Old Farmer’s Almanac make predictions?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac bases its predictions on a comparison of solar activity and weather patterns, according to its website.
The almanac explains that its forecasts draw on various academic fields, including solar science, climatology and meteorology.
It also notes that its current weather forecasting method is a modern adaptation of a formula developed by the almanac’s founder, Robert B. Thomas, in 1792.
How accurate are the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s predictions?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac, distinct from the Farmers’ Almanac, claims an 80% accuracy rate for its weather predictions.
However, in a report evaluating last winter’s forecasts, the almanac reported an overall accuracy rate of 64% for the season. The publication attributed the lower accuracy to “abnormal recent weather patterns.”
Have a question you need answered? Reach the reporter at zbradshaw@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @zachbradshaw14.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Old Farmer’s Almanac’s 2024 predictions of winter weather in AZ
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