The "Farmers' Almanac" is sounding the alarm for a "Polar Coaster Winter" ahead for 2019-2020. Photo: Farmers' Almanac

By Mark Lungariello of the Rockland/Westchester Journal News - August 30, 2019

It’s news that could ruin your Labor Day.

While you soak up the last rays of summer, try not to think ahead to winter – it’s going to be a nasty one, according to the 2020 Farmers Almanac.

“We expect yet another wild ride this winter, with extreme temperatures and some hefty snowfalls,” editor Pete Geiger said in a news release.

Freezing, frigid and frosty are the words used to describe a season with so many ups and down in temperature the Almanac is calling it a “Polar Coaster.”

Colder-than-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation are predicted for the Northeast part of the country, with the extended forecast calling for “not only a good amount of snow, but also a wintry mix of rain, sleet – especially along the coast.”

But the Northern Plains and Great Lakes are expected to get much worse, with outbreaks in January forecast to push temperatures in the plains down to as low as -40.

Only the western third of the country is predicted to see normal temperatures, according to the Almanac.

After “copious” amounts of precipitation possible in the eastern part of the country starting in January, spring may be late to sweep in, according to the Almanac website.

“Occasional wet snow and unseasonably chilly conditions will hang on for a ride that you may not be able to get off until April!” the website said.

To read the original article and see related reporting, follow this link.  https://www.lohud.com/story/weather/2019/08/30/farmers-almanac-winter-2020-prediction-polar-coaster/...