Farmer’s Almanac Predicts What Summer 2026 Could Look Like for Much of the U.S.

The 2026 weather predictions from The Old Farmer’s Almanac suggest that much of the United States will see higher-than-normal temperatures in the coming months. Perhaps more importantly, the predictions also include much drier air, which is concerning for areas already needing rain—such as Florida.

“Many regions, particularly across the East, High Plains, and interior West, are expected to see below-normal precipitation. In contrast, wetter conditions are forecast in the Heartland, along the Gulf Coast, and in portions of the Pacific Northwest, with several regions showing a mix of wet and dry patterns,” according to The Almanac’s April 19 report.

For summer-lovers, the prediction carries some positive news, as beach days filled with plenty of sunshine will soon be upon us. However, there is also a chance for heat waves and heat advisories, which people will need to be mindful of. This includes areas in California, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, and much of New England. Hot, rainy states include portions of Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, the southern portion of the Bible Belt, and Maine. You can see the full predictions map here.

As for hurricane season, that’s something else entirely. There have already been early reports that El Niño will affect what the U.S. sees this season in terms of major storms. According to research done by Colorado State University, there are fewer major hurricanes predicted to make landfall, which is great, but it’s also not a reason for people to let their guard down.

“It doesn’t matter what the seasonal outlook says, it takes only one storm,” Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center, told USA Today.

“The risk is there every year for hurricane impacts regardless of what any seasonal forecast looks like,” Michael Brennan, hurricane center director, told the outlet.

The official first day of summer is on June 21.