Iowa’s in the midst of what may be the year’s final heat wave of 90-plus-degree days, so it could be refreshing for some of us to think about the promise of the cooler weather that’s still a few months away.
Tim Goodwin is senior editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac which just released its 2027 edition this week. Goodwin says the winter ahead will be mild and wet for the Heartland segment, which includes all of Iowa and parts of seven other states.
“We’re looking for above normal temperatures. I’m not saying that it won’t be cold because it’s winter, so we’re still going to have some cold pockets there, early and late January and early March,” Goodwin says. “Precipitation will be above normal, but snowfall will be near to below normal.”
The forecast team uses the past 20 years of weather data to make the long-range forecasts for the year ahead, and he says they have a year-over-year accuracy rate of about 80-percent. Even with the Almanac’s winter forecast calling for above normal temperatures, Goodwin says it’s Iowa — and we can expect plenty of icy, frigid days and nights filled with falling flakes.
“We’re still looking at some snowy periods, early December, kicking off winter pretty early,” Goodwin says. “Late January, there’ll be some snowy periods, that 25 to 31 range in January, not only will it be snowy, but it’s going to be pretty cold, too. Also going to be pretty cold to start the year. That first 11-day, 10-day stretch is going to be pretty bitter cold there.”
While there will likely be snow into March, the Almanac is predicting an early spring for Iowa, and a steamy summer beyond that.
“Spring is going to be warmer than normal with above normal rainfall in your area. The southern part of the region will be below normal, so it would be great to start off spring with a little extra moisture as people are starting to think about their gardens,” Goodwin says. “Summer is going to be hotter than normal and wetter than normal, so hopefully that will help some of those farmers and gardeners out there not having to spend so much time watering.”
The Old Farmer’s Almanac remains the oldest continuously published periodical in North America at 235 years, as Goodwin touts it was first published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president.
Besides long-term weather predictions, it also contains a wealth of information on gardening, cooking, home remedies, folklore, managing your household, living in harmony with nature, and more.
Hear Matt Kelley’s full interview with Tim Goodwin below: