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

No matter the weather outside now - you know it's not going to stay like this. Especially in Michigan.

You know how we barely get past the 4th of July, and already you see the Spirit Halloween store signs popping up? That's how some weather forecasters are. Stepping all over each other in the summer to be the first to forecast the inevitable winter ahead.

The Old Farmer's Almanac is typically among the quickest with a forecast for the upcoming season, and this year is no exception. Whether they're right or not is always a subject for debate - some people swear by the almanac, others think it's hogwash.

Get our free mobile app

At least they offer up some science to back up their opinions.

How Cold Will This Winter Be in Michigan?

The Old Farmer's Almanac breaks things down like this for the winter of 2024-25:

El Niño is the warm phase, while La Niña tends to be cooler. We’re expecting a neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation or possibly even a La Niña this winter, following a strong El Niño last year. At the same time, we’re anticipating a warm Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and a cool Pacific Decadal Oscillation. We’re also watching equatorial stratospheric winds known as the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation. Combinations of these factors can also cause the polar vortex to drop added flashes of cold into North America.

Now, unless you're a meteorologist, that probably sounds like Charlie Brown's teacher. But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that last part about the "polar vortex" - that's the weather phenomenon that's been responsible for a few subzero cold spells in Michigan over the past several winters.

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

Will more long-range forecasts yet to be released corroborate this theory, or will there be a difference of opinion this time around? We'll have to wait and see.