Kentucky S Upcoming Winter Is Predicted To Be Mild And Wet

We may not have traded out the swimsuits for sweaters just yet, but that didn’t stop the Old Farmer’s Almanac from sharing its thoughts on the upcoming winter season. With almost every season in Kentucky (or week, for that matter), we tend to get a little bit of everything, especially in the winter. For the 2018-2019 winter season, the Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a milder and wetter forecast than normal, so we’ll have to see if that’s truly the case.

Last winter, Kentucky saw a little of everything, but it’s hard to forget those frigid temperatures that were cold enough to freeze over Cumberland Falls. Of course, this snow and ice also led to record flooding in many areas of our state.

Photo Courtesy of @dustynsamsvisions

There were also times of beautiful snowfalls that blanketed both the mountains and the rolling hills of horse country. Scenes like this one from Breaks Interstate Park were common and made for memorable winter hikes.

Facebook/Breaks Interstate Park

But this winter may be a bit different. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has predicted that Kentucky, as well as much of our region, will experience a milder and wetter than normal season. This is due to a weather pattern influenced by El Niño, which means warmer temperatures for much of the country this winter.

Old Farmer’s AlmanacWinter Weather Forecast / Outlook For 2018 -2019

So what does milder and wetter mean? We obviously don’t know for sure, but it probably means fewer significant snowfalls and more rain and ice due to warmer temperatures.

Facebook/Natural Bridge State Resort Park

That also translates to more mud. If winter is mild and wet, then it’s inevitable that mud will cover just about every surface, from car tires to dog paws to winter boots.

Flickr/Peter Houghton

If you love blankets of snow, don’t worry - we almost always see some sort of measurable snowfall, no matter the Almanac’s predictions.

Flickr/David Kidd

But if you love to get outdoors and not have to put on 16 layers of clothing before doing so, this winter may just be your favorite. Kentucky is a beautiful state all year long, whether we get several feet of snow or just a dusting. Which, of course, always seems to be perfectly timed with morning or afternoon rush hour.

Flickr/Sarah Altendorf

The Old Farmer’s Almanac claims an 80% success rate with these forecasts, so we’ll see whether they’re right or if we fall in the 20% and end up with frigid, snowy winter days. Do you follow the Almanac’s forecast for the year? Would you prefer this prediction or more cold and snow? Let us know in the comments!