2020 Weather – Are we getting 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 regional winter weather predictions—temperature, rain, and snow forecasts pertinent to your area—you probably still need The Old Farmer’s Almanac. [The Old Farmer's Almanac Collector's Club]( 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. [Enjoy more than 50% savings with your Charter Membership in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Collector’s Club!]( [The Old Farmer's Almanac Collector's Club]( Save 54% with your Collector's Club Charter Membership! Get the 2021 wonder, wit, and wisdom of The Old Farmer’s Almanac—Become a Charter Member today! You save more than 50% off of the retail value! [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 2019–2020 winter was 80.5%. The only regions in which our temperature forecasts were incorrect were the Atlantic Corridor, Florida, Intermountain, Pacific Southwest, and Hawaii. In precipitation, we were correct in all regions with the exception of the Ohio Valley and Upper Midwest. [Get Weather Predictions for 2020-2021]( What’s shaping the weather in 2020-2021? Solar Cycle 25 is now underway. It is 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 Collector's Club](! [The Old Farmer's Almanac Collector'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 more with an[Old Farmer’s Almanac Collector's Club Membership](! [Enjoy more than 50% savings with your Charter Membership in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Collector’s Club!]( [The Old Farmer's Almanac Collector's Club]( Save 54% with your Collector's Club Charter Membership! Get the 2021 wonder, wit, and wisdom of The Old Farmer’s Almanac—Become a Charter Member today! You save more than 50% off of the retail value! [YES, Sign me up now!]( With an [Old Farmer’s Almanac Collector's Club Membership](, you’ll get a softcover 2021 edition of the Almanac, our monthly digital magazine, EXTRA!, and so much more! 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 Collector'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. [Brand-New Almanac Collector's Club!]( You’re invited today to join The Old Farmer's Almanac Collector’s Club as a Charter Member. Claim your Charter Membership and get on our short list of original members of this brand-new club! [Claim your Charter Membership right now in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Collector’s Club!]( When you join today, you’ll be one of our true collectors, and you’ll enjoy all these benefits: - You’ll have access to the world’s best source of Almanac content—from astronomy, tides, and weather to anniversaries and milestone dates; from important (and little known) holidays and religious events to traditional days in calendar folklore. - You’ll know in advance about every important astronomical event of the year—when they’re happening, where in the sky, and the details and delights of each one. - You’ll be a weather expert in your family and circle of friends; no one else you know will have the detailed knowledge about forecasting and weather that you’ll have … and for every season and every region of the country! - You’ll have the most enviable garden ever! Almanac gardening advice, planting dates, timesaving tips, and detailed guidance from experts will get you growing like never before. - You’ll have a convenient and easy way to keep track of your appointments and your schedule—never miss a date or important event! - You’ll save time and money when you follow all the practical advice and tips that we deliver to you about everything from gardening to food preparation and cooking. Sign up now and start enjoying your Charter Membership today! Get it now and get it first—more than 50% off the retail price, with a [Charter Membership in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Collector’s Club!]( When you join as a Charter Member of The Old Farmer’s Almanac Collector’s Club, you get collectible Almanac items —for more than 50% off the retail price—and you’ll get it all before anyone else. Here is everything included in your Charter Membership: - 2021 softcover edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac—the respected and venerable annual Almanac - 2021 Old Farmer’s Almanac Weather Wall Calendar - 2021 Old Farmer’s Almanac Engagement Calendar - Almanac EXTRA! monthly digital magazine subscription, a treasure trove of digital updates and Almanac content not found in the printed edition, including access to audio and video multimedia content. EXTRA! is far more interactive and fun than plain printed pages! - BONUS: Complete access to the Almanac EXTRA! Digital library with 40+ issues of content, bursting with gardening ideas, recipes, and more! Besides the annual Almanac edition—and the digital Almanac EXTRA!—you get these two practical calendars, to help you enjoy the wonders of Mother Nature’s weather and to help you keep track of your appointments: Weather 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 Weather Wall Calendar. From the formation of a waterspout to the interplay of a rainbow and lightning, each month of our Weather Wall 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. The information sidebar provides you with a little poem that summarizes the essence of each month. Annual Engagement Calendar—Take the wisdom and humor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac with you wherever you go, and never miss an appointment! This beautiful planner-style engagement calendar is the perfect size—7" x 10"—with a week at a glance so that you can keep your days organized. The Engagement Calendar is liberally sprinkled with humor and useful advice, with plenty of room to record your appointments—practical and handy! [Why not join right now? Charter Membership spots are limited, and you’re invited right now!]( Why not be among the first to join us today and benefit from all the Almanac and calendar content you can’t get anywhere else—a true Collector’s dream!? Become an [Old Farmer’s Almanac Collector’s Club Charter Member]( today—while this special Charter Offer, with a more than HALF-OFF discount, lasts! Sincerely, Janice Stillman Editor The Old Farmer’s Almanac P.S. More than HALF OFF for you today! You’ll look forward to receiving your bundle of items in the mail when you join [The Old Farmer’s Almanac Collector’s Club]( today. Then, you’ll get the annual updates when new Almanacs and calendars are published every year! Plus, you’ll always stay up-to-date with Almanac EXTRA!, our monthly digital magazine that’s packed with additional content. Enjoy more than 50% savings with your Charter Membership in The Old Farmer’s Almanac Collector’s Club! [The Old Farmer's Almanac Collector's Club]( Get the 2021 wonder, wit, and wisdom of The Old Farmer’s Almanac—Become a Charter Member today! You save more than 50% off of the retail value! [Yes! Sign me up now!]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Pinterest]( [Instagram]( New to this newsletter? It’s free! [Sign up here](. You are receiving this e-mail message because you subscribed to The Almanac. 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