Hey New Yorkers, don’t get too cozy in your fall vibes just yet. Before you even think about zipping up that Halloween costume, you might want to dig out your warmest puffer. According to the just-released 2025–2026 winter forecast from the Farmers’ Almanac, winter’s not just coming—it could arrive much earlier than usual. We're talking possibly October.

While winter doesn’t officially kick off until December 21, the Almanac is hinting at an early surprise for the Northeast. Snowflakes could be in the air long before the first holiday decorations go up. This year’s prediction comes with a cheeky little theme: “Chill, snow, repeat.” Translation? Get ready for a back-and-forth mix of icy temps, snowy days, and messy rain that might turn your daily commute into an obstacle course.

Photo: unsplash.com/@clayleconey

If you check out the Almanac’s winter weather map, you’ll see the Northeast sitting comfortably in the “icy and snow-filled” territory. For snow lovers, it’s basically a dream. For the rest of us? Let’s say hibernation doesn’t sound like a terrible idea. But the forecast isn’t based on gut feelings or wild guesses. The Farmers’ Almanac says it relies on a time-tested, 200-year-old formula. It factors in things like sunspot activity, the moon’s patterns, weather history, and even quirky natural signs—like geese flying south earlier than usual, freakishly large spider webs, and an overload of acorns.

So, what does this mean for NYC? Snow might be falling before trick-or-treaters hit the streets. The city could face a mixed bag of snow and rain throughout the season, and there's a strong chance of a few big snowstorms barreling in from the Atlantic. There’s a silver lining, though—skiers and snowboarders might get a jump-start on their powder days, and New York’s holiday glow always looks extra magical under a fresh layer of snow. That said, we all know the chaos that can come with an icy, slush-filled Midtown. It’s as much a part of winter as hot cocoa and salt-streaked boots.

And it's not just New Yorkers who should brace for impact. Much of the Northern Plains and New England is in for some of the coldest conditions, while the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley might see a genuine “winter wonderland.” Even the Southeast isn’t off the hook—occasional snow days could sneak in. And the Pacific Northwest? Its mountains might get blanketed in some intense snow.

So what’s the game plan? Start prepping now. Whether that means filling your cabinet with hot cocoa mix, stocking up on sidewalk salt, or low-key browsing flights to somewhere sunny and warm, know this: winter's making an early entrance, and it’s not coming quietly.