Did we get it right?

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts the weather for the next four seasons, and we didn’t count a single acorn to do it. Having trouble viewing this email? [View this email on the web.]( [We’ve Predicted the Weather Ever Since George Washington Was President]( According to weather folklore, you can predict winter weather with a persimmon seed—the whole winter at a glance. But if you want daily winter weather predictions—temperature, rain, and snow forecasts pertinent to your area—you probably still need The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Dear Weather Watcher, Every year, folks ask us . . . what’s our secret to predicting the long-range weather? The Old Farmer’s Almanac—America’s oldest and most popular almanac—uses a unique, age-old formula that’s traditionally 80% accurate. Some think it’s derived from folklore. Perhaps a long, hard winter can be predicted by lots of acorns, tough apple skins, and thick corn husks, while a mild one can be predicted by lower bees nests and thin onion skins. Have you ever looked inside a persimmon seed? It may give you clues, too! We can neither confirm nor deny the reliability of this folklore but we know that, centuries ago, folks observed such phenomena and noticed corresponding, repeating weather patterns . . . so at The Old Farmer’s Almanac we allow that there just might be some truth to it! However, folklore does not figure in the creation of weather forecasts in The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Indeed, our weather forecast methodology stems from a secret formula that was devised by our founder, Robert B. Thomas, in 1792, when George Washington was president. And it has nothing to do with acorns, apples, or persimmons. Thomas believed that weather on Earth was influenced by sunspots, which are magnetic storms on the surface of the Sun. Notes about his formula are locked in a black box in our offices in Dublin, New Hampshire. Over the years, we have refined and enhanced this formula with state-of-the-art technology and modern scientific calculations. We employ three scientific disciplines to make our long-range predictions: - solar science, the study of sunspots and other solar activity; - climatology, the study of prevailing weather patterns; and - meteorology, the study of the atmosphere, as well as ocean temperatures, land temperatures, jet streams, and more. We predict weather trends and events by comparing solar patterns and historical weather conditions with current solar activity. Although neither we nor any other forecasters have as yet gained sufficient insight into the mysteries of the universe to predict the weather with total accuracy, our results are almost always very close to our traditional claim of 80 percent. Special Charter Membership Offer for you—Introducing The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club! Save 62% with your Weather Club Charter Membership! Celebrate the wonders of the weather with the perfect tools from The Old Farmer's Almanac! [Yes! Sign me up now!]( [How Accurate Was our Weather Forecast Last Year?]( Our overall accuracy rate in forecasting the direction of temperature change from normal for 2018–2019 winter was 88.9%. Our forecast for the change in precipitation from last winter was 72.2% accurate, giving us an overall accuracy rate of 80.5%—slightly above our traditional 80% rate. Our forecasts were even more accurate for the heart of the winter season: In the period from December through February, our accuracy rate for both temperature and precipitation deviations from normal was 94.4% in many areas. [Get Weather Predictions for 2020]( What’s shaping the weather in 2020? Solar Cycle 24, the smallest since the early 1800s’ Dalton Minimum, is close to its end. Nascent Cycle 25 is also expected to bring low solar activity. Although such minimal activity has historically meant cooler temperatures across Earth, we believe the recent warming trends will dominate in the eastern and northern parts of the nation this winter, with only the Southwest being colder than normal. How warm? How cold? We’d love to tell you more, but if you want more specifics on snowfall, spring and summer temperatures, and where hurricanes are most likely to strike, you’ll need to join [The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Watcher’s Club](! [Now, Back to Those Persimmon Seeds…]( If you’re still itching to predict the weather with persimmon-seed science, here’s what to look for after cutting a seed open: - If the kernel is spoon-shaped, expect plenty of heavy, wet snow to shovel. - If it is fork-shaped, plan on a mild winter with powdery, light snow. - If the kernel is knife-shaped, expect icy, frigid winds that will “cut” like a blade. When you’re done, turn that persimmon’s sweet flesh into Persimmon Bread! It’s one of hundreds of the tasty and easy-to-make recipes on Almanac.com! Weather waits for no one! If you want a full year of weather predictions and lots more useful information, wit, and wisdom, you can get it and a bundle of FREE GIFTS, with an[Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Watcher’s Club Membership](! Special Charter Membership Offer for you—Introducing The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club! Save 62% with your Weather Club Charter Membership! Celebrate the wonders of the weather with the perfect tools from The Old Farmer's Almanac! [Yes! Sign me up now!]( With an [Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Watcher’s Club Membership](, you’ll get the collectible hardcover 2020 edition of the Almanac, our monthly digital magazine, EXTRA!, plus a bundle of FREE bonuses! Plus, you’ll learn more about how we predict the weather and how accurate these predictions have been historically. With an [Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Watcher’s Club](Membership, you’ll also be on top of . . . - Frost dates, including the average date of the first or last freeze that occurs in spring and fall. - How to rotate crops, to avoid pests and soil-borne diseases. - The best fishing days and times, as well as when fish will be most active. - The best days of each month for certain activities, according to the Moon’s sign, such as cutting hair, pickling or making sauerkraut, mowing, pruning, and even breeding animals. Special Charter Membership Offer for you—Introducing The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club! Save 62% with your Weather Club Charter Membership! Celebrate the wonders of the weather with the perfect tools from The Old Farmer's Almanac! [Yes! Sign me up now!]( Fair weather or foul, you can count on the excellent resources at The Old Farmer’s Almanac for a wealth of weather tips and tools—with a Charter Membership in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club! Announcing The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club! This new and exciting club is designed especially for you—with just the inspiration and information you need as a casual or dedicated weather watcher. We’ve put together essential Old Farmer’s Almanac resources to celebrate your love of weather watching and give you tons of tips for making your weather watching activities fun and productive. And it all starts, of course, with The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Whether you’re a serious weather watcher or just like to enjoy the changing weather from season to season, a Charter Membership in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club will keep you entertained, informed, and inspired all year long! Since 1792, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been a traditional resource for folks who like to get a long view on upcoming weather trends, dedicated farmers, avid and casual gardeners, and people who love to collect little snippets of country wit and wisdom that they can share with family and friends. We’re not just the oldest published almanac, but also the oldest continuously published periodical in North America—and we’ve been around longer than any newspaper or magazine, too. Get your [Charter Membership in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club]( today—with resources to make your weather watching more enjoyable. From sunrise to moonrise, blizzard to summer breeze, you’ll enjoy each day a little more with these fabulous weather resources! With your Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club Charter Membership, you get everything you need to be ready for any weather: - Weather Notebook: Whether you like to get right into the heart of the storm or you’d rather watch the weather from the comfort of your favorite chair, this notebook is the perfect place to log the daily weather. There’s space for you to record the weather essentials, including temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and more. With room for 4 years of daily observations, over time you’ll be able to track—and even predict—local weather conditions. - 2020 Weather Watcher’s Wall Calendar: Mother Nature puts on spectacular shows around the world, and we’ve captured some of the most amazing weather moments for you in our 10-7/8" x 16-3/4" Weather Watcher’s Calendar. From the formation of a waterspout to the interplay of a rainbow and lightning, each month of the Weather Watcher’s Calendar will bring you a stunning new photo. Each month also features a key event in history, from devastating storms to peculiar weather occurrences. The “Ask the Old Farmer” section gives you detailed answers about unusual weather phenomena. Plus, there is a little poem that summarizes the essence of each month. - The Old Farmer’s Almanac: This special softcover edition of the 2020 Almanac has a hole drilled in the corner for easy hanging (in the old days, people would hang it in the outhouse). Just like its hardcover partner, the Almanac is packed with the tips, trivia, and insights that make it a family favorite. - The Old Farmer’s Almanac EXTRA! Our monthly digital magazine includes articles on weather, gardening, and other content not found in the print edition. It’s a great way to keep up-to-date on Almanacky topics throughout the year. - Bonus: Not only will you get a new Old Farmer’s Almanac EXTRA! each month—you’ll get free access to every issue of EXTRA! in our digital library. That’s more than 40 issues of great gardening tips, delicious recipes, and more! Special Charter Membership Offer for you—Introducing The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club! Save 62% with your Weather Club Charter Membership! Celebrate the wonders of the weather with the perfect tools from The Old Farmer's Almanac! [Yes! Sign me up now!]( [An Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club Charter Membership will deliver exciting rewards for you—and at a special introductory rate, right now, for all new Charter Members.]( When you claim your [Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club Charter Membership]( today, you’ll enjoy these benefits and more: - Know your snow. There’s more to snowflakes than meets the eye, and you’ll become an expert at identifying snow crystals—and you can use that knowledge to predict your local weather. - Explore extreme weather. Read the stories behind wild weather occurrences, including tornados, lightning, dust storms, and more. - Share weather wisdom. Some weather proverbs have endured for a reason. Save your favorite weather sayings for a rainy day—or any time you want to share them. - Predict and plan. Use the handy Moon, tide, and weather guides throughout the year to help you map out your activities. How can you not consider becoming an [Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club Charter Member](? What You’ll Get With an Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club Charter Membership There’s so much weather knowledge to gain as a [Charter Member of The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club](: Each day brings its own weather gifts, and you can keep track of them as you log your observations in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Notebook. This handy notebook is chock-full of weather facts and has space for you to chronicle the weather day by day for 4 years! This weather notebook makes taking observations a pleasure: - Space to record daily temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and special weather conditions - Packed with reference charts and beautiful weather photos - A new weather proverb for each day - Weatherproof softcover binding - Attached red ribbon marker so you never lose your place As you watch the days pass from season to season, enjoy the vibrant photography in our Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Watcher’s Calendar. This compact calendar is the perfect size to fit on the wall in your kitchen or den or right by your office window. Each month features fabulous photographs of Mother Nature at her best—intense, peaceful, spectacular. Get additional weather insight each month with the “Ask the Old Farmer” section, where you’ll find detailed answers to questions about weather topics ranging from scorching summers to biting winters. You’ll love the photography, proverbs, and weather lore in our 2020 Weather Watcher’s Wall Calendar! In the convenient, hangable, softcover edition of the 2020 Almanac, you’ll find a section dedicated to the weather: predictions, history, tips, and trivia. The weather outlook for the entire country is there at your fingertips—just check out your region for a month-by-month breakdown of what you can expect. You’ll be prepared for anything! Here’s a taste of some of the weather information that you’ll find in the 2020 Almanac: - Check our accuracy (we do!) with a comparison of last year’s predictions against the actual data. - Focus on your home base with detailed weather predictions month by month—including a handy temperature/precipitation chart to give you an overview of the year. - See how we use the Sun and Moon in our weather predictions. - Safety first: Learn how thick the ice must be before you venture out onto the pond or lake. - Be ready for severe heat and cold with our handy heat index. - Don’t have a weather station of your own? Follow our tips for measuring weather features like hail size and wind speed. - Just in case, we have guidelines for measuring the strength of earthquakes and tornados. - Be ready for hurricane season with the list of hurricane names for 2020 for both the Atlantic and Pacific and review the list of hurricane names retired from the rotation because of their strength and destructiveness. Because we know that things change, each month you’ll get new articles and original content with our digital magazine, The Old Farmer’s Almanac EXTRA! It’s a treasure trove of Almanac information that you won’t find in the printed edition, including access to audio and video content. EXTRA! can lead you to some interactive fun when you’re ready for a change of pace. And as a bonus, you’ll have total access to our complete digital library of EXTRA! issues—more than 40 in all! And all of this is available to you—right now—when you claim your [Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club Charter Membership](. Special Charter Membership Offer for you—Introducing The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club! Save 62% with your Weather Club Charter Membership! Celebrate the wonders of the weather with the perfect tools from The Old Farmer's Almanac! [Yes! Sign me up now!]( [What are you waiting for? Become a Charter Member of The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club today!]( No other Almanac has so many fun and fascinating facts, timely and accurate events and predictions, and topical and useful articles all in one place for your easy access and use—and covering more regions of North America than any other Almanac or resource! Add The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Notebook, The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Watcher’s Calendar, The Old Farmer’s Almanac EXTRA!, and you’ll be ready for any weather, fair or foul! Why Not Join Right Now? Weather watchers everywhere have been using The Old Farmer’s Almanac for years to help keep an eye on the weather, and now The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club Charter Membership offers you an impressive set of weather watching resources all in one place! 62%-OFF Charter Offer for You—Join Today! When you respond today, you’ll be among a select group of Almanac friends to take advantage of this special Weather Club Charter Membership offer. With your Charter Membership, you’ll receive The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Notebook, the 2020 Weather Watcher’s Calendar, the 2020 Old Farmer’s Almanac, and a subscription to our monthly digital magazine, The Old Farmer’s Almanac EXTRA! Rain or snow, heat or cold, be ready for any weather—with this incredible deal! [This is a limited-time offer, so take advantage of it right now!]( When we first created the Weather Club, we wanted to make it easy to use, easy to order, and packed with valuable weather-related content that you could put to use right away. Be the best weather watcher you can be with your Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club Charter Membership. Sincerely, Janice Stillman Editor The Old Farmer’s Almanac P.S. Why not be among the first to join us today and benefit from the valuable Almanac weather information that you can’t get anywhere else? Become an [Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club Charter Member](today—while this special Charter Membership offer lasts! Special Charter Membership Offer for you—Introducing The Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Club! Save 62% with your Weather Club Charter Membership! Celebrate the wonders of the weather with the perfect tools from The Old Farmer's Almanac! [Yes! Sign me up now!]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Pinterest]( [Instagram]( New to this newsletter? 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