The latest edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac Canadian Edition is here, bringing its long-standing tradition of weather predictions, wisdom, and folklore to 2025! This year’s forecast promises a winter with a “heart of cold,” predicting frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall, especially for Ontario and eastern Manitoba. While other regions may get a reprieve from harsh conditions, southern Alberta and Saskatchewan will still experience chilly, wet weather. With over 80 per cent accuracy, The Old Farmer’s Almanac continues to be a trusted source for Canadians bracing for winter’s challenges. We chatted with managing editor Sarah Perreault and editor-in-chief Carol Connare to learn more. —Vita Daily
Can you give us an overview of the 2024/2025 winter forecast for Canada? Which regions should brace for the most significant weather events?
The majority of the country will see a temperate winter, but Ontario looks to be the area that will encounter the most flakes flying. Areas that should brace for below average temperatures include southern parts of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
The Almanac predicts a “heart of cold” winter for Ontario and eastern Manitoba. What specific weather patterns can residents expect, and how should they prepare for the upcoming season?
Ontario and eastern Manitoba will experience freezes and heavy snowfall as early as November. Below average temperatures prevail in early December, early and late January, and yet again in late February. Fans of winter sports requiring snow should gear up for excellent conditions in January and February.
British Columbia and Alberta are forecasted to experience below-average temperatures but with less snow than usual. How might this impact day-to-day life and activities in these regions?
While there will still be powdery snow to enjoy in this area of the country, the high costs associated with the season shouldn’t hit so hard. It could be a welcome reprieve from extreme years.
The 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac mentions a “gardener’s summer” for 2025, with balmy temperatures and ample moisture. How might this prediction affect agricultural planning and gardening enthusiasts across Canada?
In a year when there is plenty of rain and it’s not as necessary to supplement with irrigation for crops and gardens, growers simply have more time and energy to spend on trying new things, on improving soil and systems, sharing their knowledge and bounty, and planning for the future. A growing season with enough natural moisture and rainfall amounts to the gift of time!
Aside from weather predictions, the Almanac covers fascinating topics such as the rise of “white dragons” or avalanches. What insights does the 2025 edition offer on this phenomenon, and why should Canadians be aware of it?
In a warming world, the ingredients for avalanches have become more prevalent across North America: Heavy snowfalls coupled with warmer temperatures followed by freezing and/or more snow creates faceted snow and multiple layers of snow and ice, which are some of the elements of a weak a snowpack. Given the weather, climate, and geography of Canada, it’s wise to be aware of conditions when you are in avalanche territory. We outline ways to stay safe and be informed.
The Almanac also delves into unique Canadian histories, such as the surprising connection between Canada and America’s favorite pastime. Can you share a bit about this story and its significance?
While baseball is an American institution, it turns out the game has Canadian roots: the first recorded baseball game occurred in Beachville, Ontario, in 1838. Our story offers other Canadian baseball points of pride including the Canadian site of Babe Ruth’s first home run and the Toronto native believed to have originated the outfielder’s glove.
With predictions that have been traditionally 80 percent accurate, how does the Old Farmer’s Almanac maintain its reliability in forecasting, and what methods or data are used to make these long-term predictions?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac is the oldest continuously published periodical in North America for a reason! We rely on our tried-and-true formula for making our forecasts. It was devised by our founder, Robert B. Thomas, who put out his first Almanac in 1792. It was an instant success! By the second year, circulation had tripled from 3,000 to 9,000 copies due in no small part to his spot-on forecasts. He used a formula based on three scientific disciplines—solar science, meteorology, and climatology. We still use this formula today, though we are able to enhance it using modern technology.
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