Brrr! SA Winter 2025/26: Will It Be a Freeze or a Breeze, Bru?
Ag man, South Africa, are you ready for winter 2025/26? The Old Farmer's Almanac, that oke who's been giving weather predictions since forever (well, 1792!), reckons it's going to be a bit of a mixed bag. They're saying 'mostly mild – with pockets of wild'. What does that even mean, hey?
What the Almanac is Saying
Basically, most of the USA will have temperatures close to normal or a bit warmer. But, hold onto your beanies, because parts of the Southeast, Appalachians, and Ohio Valley could be colder than usual. Eish!
Nationwide, they're expecting drier weather than usual, with 'widespread dry spells coast to coast'. But, just to keep things interesting, some areas like Florida, the southern High Plains, and the Desert Southwest might get more rain than usual. So, basically, everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
Snowfall? Don't Get Too Excited (Maybe)
Snowfall predictions are all over the place. Most areas will have near or below-normal snowfall, but heavier snow is expected in places like the Carolinas, southern Appalachians, and the southern Rockies. So, if you're dreaming of a white Christmas... well, maybe dream a little harder.
The Old Farmer's Almanac uses a combination of solar science, climatology, and meteorology to make their predictions. They look at sunspots, long-term weather patterns, and current atmospheric conditions. Pretty hectic, hey?
What About Pennsylvania?
Looking at Pennsylvania as an example, the Almanac predicts cooler-than-average temperatures and dry conditions with lower-than-average precipitation for most of the state, the Appalachians and Lower Lakes. In the Northeast, average temperatures will be 59 degrees in September and 46 degrees in October, according to the Almanac. Expected precipitation levels will be 3.5 inches in September and 2.5 inches in October. 'Look for scattered showers, brief warm spells, and overall chilly weather,' was the forecast description on the Almanac's website.
So, even though it's mostly mild, don't chuck out your winter woolies just yet. Keep that snow shovel handy, just in case! Remember, 'mild' is relative. It's still winter, after all. Plan accordingly, dress warmly, and be prepared for anything. That's the South African way, after all!