What Farmers' Almanac, Old Farmer's Almanac predict for Wisconsin winter

As the days get shorter, winter in Wisconsin gets closer – but exactly what winter will be like this time around depends on who you ask. Two publications, Farmers' Almanac and Old Farmer's Almanac, have already released winter forecasts with their predictions for upcoming season. Here's what to know about each forecast and how they compare. Farmers' Almanac predicts this winter will be defined by contrasts nationwide, with "quick bursts of snow and cold" in the colder parts of the country and wetter-than-normal conditions across much of the southern United States. El Niño is expected to influence weather throughout the season. In the Midwest, temperatures should be close to average, but sudden shifts in the weather, including cold snaps and snowy periods, are also likely. "Fast-moving clippers, sudden cold snaps, and brief snowy periods are likely, although milder breaks may frequently interrupt the wintry weather," the almanac said. "Farther north, the Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes could experience sudden snow squalls, blustery winds, and bursts of bitter cold." More: Wisconsin winter weather forecasts include snow squalls, bitter cold In general, Old Farmer's Almanac expects temperatures to be relatively mild across much of the country, with wetter-than-normal conditions across the West and in parts of the South and Midwest. In the Upper Midwest, milder months will transition to colder-than-normal temperatures as winter continues. While snowfall will be normal or below normal, there will be "many chances for flakes to fly in the new year," the almanac said. The snowiest periods are forecast for early and late January, late February and early March.