Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts mild, dry winter for Bay Area, entire West Coast

(KRON) — The entire West Coast, including the San Francisco Bay Area, is in for a mild and dry winter, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

The Almanac’s 2025–2026 U.S. Winter Weather Forecast predicts near-normal to slightly milder temperatures across most of the U.S. this coming winter. The region is also forecast for a drier-than-average winter. That doesn’t mean there won’t be periods of normal winter weather.

“Don’t lose track of your snow shovels and umbrellas,” Old Farmer’s Almanac Editor Carol Connare said. “Most areas will experience near-normal to slightly milder temperatures.”

Areas forecast for a “wild,” colder-than-average winter, meanwhile, include the Appalachians, the Southeast, Florida and the Ohio Valley, the almanac predicts. Florida, the Intermountain region and the eastern deserts of the Southwest are forecast to see above-average precipitation.

“Remember: ‘Mild’ is relative,” the 2025–2026 Old Farmer’s Almanac U.S. Winter Weather Forecast states. “It’s still winter — so plan (and dress!) accordingly.”