Farmers' Almanac winter forecast for 2024-25 in Michigan: Wet, snowy, frigid cold

Get ready for a wet and cold winter in Michigan, according to a new prediction from the Farmers' Almanac.

The 208th edition of the Farmers' Almanac, out now, foresees a "Wet Winter Whirlwind" for the upcoming 2024-2025 winter season. "It definitely looks more wet than white in many areas," Farmers' Almanac editor Sandi Duncan told USA TODAY. 

Here's what the forecast expects for Michiganders.

Frigid temperatures

While much of the country is expected to see average or above normal temperatures this winter, the Great Lakes region and North Central States are expected to see bone-chilling temperatures.

Michigan is among many states that can expect periods of wet snow and rain to begin in early November with "frigidly cold" temperatures through Nov. 11.

Rain and wet snow continues to Thanksgiving, with a drier forecast toward the end of the year. Christmas "looks wet rather than white for most areas," Duncan said.

Dates to remember

The coldest outbreak of the season will come during the final week of January into the beginning of February, according to the almanac, when frigid Arctic air will bring a sharp plunge in temperatures almost nationwide.

For those in the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Midwest region, you may want to kick off your year with a winter getaway.

"January looks like when the Big Freeze may be on for that area," Duncan said. With "very, very cold" conditions expected, "If you can plan your trip to the Caribbean, I would go then."

What about fall in Michigan?Old Farmer's Almanac predicts cooler than average season

The almanac specifically highlighted January 20-27 as a time frame that could bring a very active storm with "copious amounts of snow, rain, sleet and ice".

In mid-March, a "rapidly moving storm" is expected to bring 2-5 inches of wet snow to Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and the lower peninsula of Michigan and a wintry mix to Kentucky. The first of April is also predicted to bring cold rain, sleet and wet snow to Kentucky, southern Indiana and southern Ohio.

What's the average winter temperature in Detroit?

Here's what a typical winter season looks like in the region, according to the National Weather Service:

• December: 37.2 degrees
• January: 32.3 degrees
• February: 35.2 degrees
• March: 45.9 degrees

Is the Farmer's Almanac accurate?

The Farmer's Almanac boasts an average accuracy of about 80% for its weather reports. But many weather experts disagree with the predictions, saying the almanac's weather reports may be no better than chance.

The USA TODAY Network contributed to this report.