As we head into Labor Day weekend, the last thing we want to think about is bundling up for winter and skidding on ice when we’re trying to drive home; however, winter will be here before we know it. For much of the country, it may be even colder and snowier than previous years.

If you thought winter was cold last year, get ready to bundle up. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, this winter is going to be even colder. Yes, that’s right, colder than the one that left Texas residents with icicles hanging inside their homes. The difference is where it’s going to be cold.

If you live anywhere except Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, southern Arizona and northern New Mexico, expect cold, and often wet or snowy weather. Unfortunately, the areas that need precipitation probably aren’t going to get it, like in California where wild fires rage on.

Interestingly, while most of New Mexico is expected to have mild, dry weather this winter, part of the southern part of the state is predicted to have cold, snowy weather. The gulf coast states and New England states should expect cold, wet or snowy weather as well.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac claims to be 80% accurate when it comes to weather predictions, but that doesn’t mean they’re always right. As we often know, weather predictions don’t always come true. We’ve been caught in more than one rain storm when rain wasn’t in the forecast, and we’ve realized we didn’t need a jacket on days that were supposed to be chilly.

Take these weather predictions for what they are, predictions, but if winter weather is likely where you live, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Make sure you have the equipment you need to shovel your driveway and de-ice your windows. Make sure your kids have winter coats and boots that fit and that you do as well. There’s likely to be snow, ice and cold weather in the not too distant future.

Do you like winter weather? Does it usually snow a lot in the winter where you live? Do you believe the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s weather predictions for this coming winter? How do you prepare for winter weather?