The Almanack Winter Outlook for 2025
The Almanack Forecasting Seasonable Winter Ahead
Following four years with below-average snowfall, the Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack says to expect a more typical winter in the valley for the 2025-26 season.
The biggest factors governing more snowfall include a weak La Nina, weather than average polar vortex and negative phase of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation. In the 2026 Almanack, the hard frost ending the growing season for the valley will occur on October 30. The first snow showers will occur between November 21-25 and the first snow accumulation between December 11-15.
Hagerstown averages 28.9” of snow during the year and the Almanack is forecasting 21-25” in the valley. Hagerstown has tallied 2.0-15.9” of snow each winter during the last four years. The last time Hagerstown came close to the Almanack’s forecast for this winter was the 2020-21 winter with 30.3”.
The Almanack says we will have more of a front-loaded winter, with the coldest spells and most snow accumulation occurring in the first half of winter. The second half of the winter will bring very substantial temperature swings, going from well-above average to much colder conditions with limited snowfall. These wild temperature swings will bring occasional gusty winds as well.
The ski and snowboarding season will be favorable across the Cumberland Valley. For instance, most of our local ski resorts rely on cold nights to manufacture most of their snow with the high-tech snowmaking equipment. The upcoming pattern will allow resorts such as Whitetail, Liberty and Roundtop to open on time in the middle of December. The second half of the season will become difficult to sustain a snowpack, but at least they will get a running start.
The Almanack is calling for the coldest stretch of weather between January 16-20. This is when the energy demand will reach its highest point this winter in the Mid-Atlantic.
Precipitation and snow are much needed in the Cumberland Valley. Since 1998, Hagerstown had its second driest August 1 to October 23 on record this year. As of late October 2025, southern Washington County is in a moderate to severe drought, with moderate drought spanning into western Allegany County. Franklin County, Pa., is one step below drought, with an abnormally dry spell underway.
The Almanack says while the snow will aid in allowing moisture to slowly trickle into the soil after the ground thaws later this winter, the drought won’t completely end until late February into March.
A more detailed look at the daily forecasts through the end of 2026 and best days for planting, weeding, harvesting and fishing, pick up a copy of the Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack. For a list of locations that sell the publication, click here.
