Why This Coming Winter Could Be Michigan’s Coldest in Years

Whatever the weather outside right now – you know it won’t stay this way. Certainly not in Michigan.

You know how we’re barely past the 4th of July and you can already see the Spirit Halloween store signs popping up? That’s what some weathermen are like. They’ll go all out on each other in the summer to be the first to predict the inevitable winter.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac is usually one of the quickest to predict the coming season, and this year is no exception. Whether or not they are right is always a matter of debate – some swear by the almanac, others think it is nonsense.

At least they provide some scientific evidence for their opinion.

How Cold Will It Get in Michigan This Winter?

The Old Farmer’s Almanac gives the following overview for the winter of 2024-2025:

El Niño is the warm phase, while La Niña is typically cooler. We expect a neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation or possibly even a La Niña this winter, after a strong El Niño last year. At the same time, we expect a warm Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and a cool Pacific Decadal Oscillation. We are also monitoring equatorial stratospheric winds known as the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation. Combinations of these factors can also cause the polar vortex to drop extra cold flashes on North America.

Unless you’re a meteorologist, that probably sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher. But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that last part about the “polar vortex” — that’s the weather phenomenon that’s been responsible for some of Michigan’s cold, subzero spells in recent winters.

SEE ALSO: 7 Things to Do for Your Home for Winter in Michigan

Will more long-term predictions yet to be released confirm this theory, or will there be a difference of opinion this time around? We’ll have to wait and see.