A Warmer Spring Is Likely This Year, According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Right now, much of the U.S. is buried under snow and ice. But there's some good news: warmer days are on the way.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac just released its long-range forecasts for April and May, offering a broad look at the anticipated weather conditions in 18 regions.

Overall, the spring outlook is showing warmer-than-normal temperatures across much of the U.S., with a few exceptions, and drier-than-normal conditions in the Northeast, Florida, and along the Pacific.

Parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and areas of Montana and Colorado are expected to see temperatures closer to or below seasonal averages, while wetter conditions are expected in Upper Alaska, Texas, Oklahoma, the Northern Appalachians, the High Plains, the Upper Midwest, and the Intermountain region.

Temperatures in the Northeast will be warmer than average, especially in May, with precipitation expected to be below average in both April and May. The Atlantic Corridor is forecasted to experience similar temperature conditions, with May bringing an average amount of rain.

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Along the Carolinas and Georgia, temperatures will be warmer than normal this spring, with April seeing less rain than usual and May being slightly wetter. Temperatures will be warmer than normal across Michigan and the surrounding Great Lakes states, as well as in the Ohio Valley.

In Iowa, Missouri, and eastern Kansas and Nebraska, expect a warm spring, with rainfall below normal in the northern parts and above normal in the south. The Plains will experience warmer-than-normal temperatures, especially in April. Also, be prepared for periods of extreme heat through the summer.

If you're in Texas and Oklahoma, watch out for a tropical storm in late May.

As part of the outlook, The Old Farmer’s Almanac also offers advice for gardeners in various parts of the country. For those who live in regions that are forecasted to be cooler than normal, you should expect delayed germination as the soil warms more slowly, along with later planting windows for heat-loving crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash.

In regions that are predicted to be warmer than average, spring may arrive earlier, which means gardeners should watch for faster drying soil, early growth spurts that may need extra care, and young plants that may be stressed during warm spells.