First published in 1818 by David Young, the Old Farmers’ Almanac has been guiding generations of Americans for over 200 years. What started as a simple guide for farmers—combining weather forecasts, gardening tips, and astronomical data—has grown into a trusted seasonal companion. Its secret formula, blending solar patterns, planetary positions, and historical weather trends, has proven surprisingly accurate over time. That reliability is why so many people have turned to it for centuries, planning everything from planting their gardens to scheduling winter travel around its predictions.
What did it say the year “Snowmageddon” happened?
The term “Snowmageddon” is often used to describe the severe winter storm that struck North Texas in February 2021. This event was notably severe, with widespread power outages, pipe bursts, hazardous road conditions, and significant disruptions across the region. Milestone’s electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians worked tirelessly to return DFW homes to safety.
Its forecast for the 2020–2021 winter season indicated that the Texas-Oklahoma region would experience a milder and drier winter than usual, with fewer snowstorms expected. So, therefore, it did not “predict” the storm that occurred.
In contrast, The Farmers’ Almanac, using another proprietary forecasting method, did anticipate a surge of colder weather accompanied by unsettled conditions and heavy snow for much of Oklahoma and Texas in mid-to-late February 2021. While the exact timing and intensity of the storm were not precisely predicted, the general pattern of cold and snow aligned with their forecast.
What does it say for this winter?
The Farmers’ Almanac, the one that more accurately predicted the ice storm of 2021, predicts a wetter-than-normal season, with periodic cold snaps. While specific details for North Texas are not provided, the general outlook for Texas and the surrounding states suggests several cold rain events and occasional freezing precipitation. Unsettled conditions mentioned in 2021 are not predicted.
Of course, the truth is, we’ll never really know until winter rolls in. Will North Texas get a white Christmas or perhaps just a few icy mornings? Will the temperatures swing wildly or stay surprisingly mild? That’s the magic (and the mystery) of the Almanacs — they give us a peek into what might happen, but Mother Nature always has the final say. So bundle up, keep your hot cocoa ready, and enjoy watching the predictions play out — and if winter throws any surprises your way, Milestone Electric, A/C & Plumbing is here to help you stay warm, safe, and comfortable.
Here are some resources to help prepare your house for this winter!