As we edge closer to fall, we all become curious about what the coming winter will be like.

This happens every year.

But those predictions are rarely accurate.

First, we have to look at The Old Farmer's Almanac. That's a publication that has been around for a long time and, for the most part, can be surprisingly accurate.

The Almanac for this coming winter predicts,

Temperatures: Near normal to slightly milder across with occasional hard cold snaps.

Greater amounts of snow are expected in the southern Rockies and eastern Desert Southwest.

But Farmer's Almanac (which is different from "The Old Farmer's Almanac) predicts very cold and snowy weather for the West.

So who is correct?

I'm not trying to say that we can't predict some of what might happen.

There are signs, like La Niña and El Niño. (Watch the video below.)

Be careful of long-term forecasts.

Meteorologists have a tough time predicting the weather just 5 days out. So there is no way they can nail a forecast for months from now.

Watch out for anyone who uses terms like "above normal" or "below normal."

The only thing that is normal about weather and Earth's climate is that nothing stays the same; everything is always changing.

Multiple competing factors.

There is simply too much going on to say for sure what will happen.

But we can look at past trends for ideas for a better guess.

We still have to call that A GUESS!

At least it's an educated guess.

The best advice is to be ready for anything and be pleasantly surprised when it turns out the way we wanted it.

Wyoming Shelter Dogs Having Fun In The Snow

If you enjoy these pictures, please consider following the links above to give back to these organizations that help feed and shelter Wyoming animals, especially on snowy days like this: 

Wyoming Snow Day

Wednesday's Storm across the state left a beautiful mess

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