Remember that miserable winter that we had last year, the year before that, and essentially every one since the beginning of time?! I don’t know about you, but I just kind of assumed that every winter until the end of time would be like that for us South Dakotans, but that may not be the case this year:
The Farmers’ Almanac just released their Winter Weather Map for 2018-2019 and it appears to be good news all around: Above normal temperatures (almost) everywhere!
Farmers’ Almanac
Aside from the southwest (who is predicted to be colder-than-normal), the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting milder-than-normal temperatures, thanks to a weak and foreseen El Niño, plus a decrease in solar activity.
Flickr/katie wheeler
While it is predicted that we will see less snowfall than usual, the Almanac does predict that we should see a decent amount of rain, which is both a nice and much-needed change!
Flickr/Robin Zebrowski
On average, the winter high in South Dakota is 26.4°F with lows dropping to a frigid 6.9°F (making for an average temperature of just 16.7°F).
Flickr/katie wheeler
In terms of snowfall, South Dakota averages a whopping 41 inches of snow each year, which is nearly 15 inches more than the national average (26 inches)!
Flickr/Edo-Jan Meijer
Now the million dollar question: Just how accurate are the Farmers’ predictions? As per the Farmers’ Almanac website, “Since 1792, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been known for its traditionally 80 percent accurate forecasts.”
Fermers’ Almanac
Will they be correct about winter 2018-2019? Only time will tell!
Flickr/dconvertini
For a little humor before you go, click on 9 Things No One Tells You About Surviving A South Dakota Winter.
Farmers’ Almanac
Flickr/katie wheeler
Flickr/Robin Zebrowski
Flickr/Edo-Jan Meijer
Fermers’ Almanac
Flickr/dconvertini
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