Old Farmer's Almanac gives Oklahoma its fall, winter forecast, but here's what NOAA says

The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts that Oklahomans could keep wearing shorts and flip-flops for some time when fall begins , followed by "warmer than usual" weather through the 2024-2025 winter season.

Like Oklahoma, much of the country might see a warmer winter than normal because of La Niña . The climate pattern emerges in the September-November period, according to the Climate Prediction Center in a recent forecast .

While the Almanac predicted Oklahoma will see above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall going into autumn, the National Weather Service's prediction differs slightly.

Here's where they agree and disagree on Oklahoma's winter weather forecast:

What does the Almanac predict for winter weather?

The Old Famer’s Almanac, not the Farmer’s Almanac, reported a “ mild, dry ” winter ahead for most of Oklahoma and the Plain states.

Specifically, meteorologists predict it to be “warmer than average with the coldest periods in late January and early and late February.” With the warmer-than-average temperatures, they predict that precipitation will adversely be below normal amounts.

“So expect it to be drier than average this winter in Texas and Oklahoma. The best chances for snow are expected in early and late February,” the book’s newest edition reads.

What does NOAA say?

According to maps from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, average temperatures from November through January 2025 will be higher – with a 40-50% chance for much of the state.

When you add February to the mix , it continues to see a drop in temperatures.

How accurate is the Almanac’s prediction?

Though the Old Farmer’s Almanac has been published since 1792, the organization doesn’t guarantee total accuracy. They boast 80% accuracy throughout the year. However, they admit their direction of temperature forecast for 2023 was 44.4% accurate .

This makes sense as the Almanac predicted Oklahoma’s 2024 summer would be hotter and rainier, however, July and August came in cooler than last year, and July was over twice as dry as 2023.

“Keep in mind that the way we measure long-range seasonal predictions is different than your daily weather meteorologist,” the Almanac reports.

What does the rest of the year look like?

The typical fall season in Oklahoma City will feel like this, according to the National Weather Service:

• September: 72.7 degrees
• October: 61.1 degrees
• November: 49.2 degrees
• December: 40 degrees

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Old Farmer's Almanac gives Oklahoma its fall, winter forecast, but here's what NOAA says