The Farmers' Almanac winter forecast for 2025-2026 calls for a long season of cold and snow across much of the U.S.

The first day of winter is Dec. 21 in 2025, and for Central Jersey residents, this means cold weather, less sunlight and some snow.

The first day of winter begins on the day of the winter solstice, when the sun is at its lowest in the sky, as the Older Farmer's Almanac states, bringing in the shortest day and longest night of the year.

Have you been wondering what this winter will bring to the area? Here's what the Old Farmer's Almanac predicts.

Old Farmer's Almanac 2025 winter predictions

The Old Farmer's Almanac winter weather forecast 2025-2026 calls for "mostly mild - with pockets of wild." But for Central Jersey, that forecast says "Milder and drier, with most snow falling around the holidays and late winter."

Temperatures are predicted to be above normal with the coldest spells coming in mid- to late December, early and late January.

Precipitation is forecast to be below normal, translating to below normal snowfall. The most snow is expected to arrive in late December, early January, and late February, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

How much snow will New Jersey get in 2025-26?

Precipitation and snowfall is expected to be below normal for the upcoming 2025-26 winter season in New Jersey, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Average snowfall totals in New Jersey can vary from as little as 10.2 inches in Beach Haven or 13.4" in Lambertville to as much as 31.5" in Newark or 29" in New Brunswick, according to Current Results.

Last year's 2024-2025 snow totals in New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service, showed Trenton with the highest total of 14.2", Atlantic City with 13.9" and Newark at 13.6".

How does the Old Farmer's Almanac make predictions?

The predictions are based off "three scientific disciplines," the almanac states, which are as follows:

* Solar science: the study of sunspots (magnetic storms on the Sun's surface) and other solar activity

* Climatology: the study of prevailing weather patterns

* Meteorology: the study of the atmosphere (what short-range weather forecasters do)

For the 2025-26 winter season, the almanac is using historical averages and patterns from 1991-2020.

How accurate are the Old Farmer's Almanac predictions?

The Old Farmer's Almanac says its predictions are 80% accurate.