Whether or not you put much stock into the Farmers’ Almanac, it largely nailed both the average temperature and precipitation in its predictions for last winter. But before we get into what a couple months out might bring, let’s take a look at what’s around the corner.
Early December Snow & Rain
The first day of winter is technically Dec. 21, but it may as well be today! The Treasure Valley will enter a Winter Weather Advisory tonight, which will turn into a Winter Storm watch on Friday and last through Sunday.
We’re also likely to catch the season’s first snowfall tonight, followed by up to two inches (but more likely one to one and a half inches) on Friday night. That’ll turn into rain through Sunday, and possibly into the middle of next week.
Overall Winter Forecast
Based on the Farmers’ Almanac, we can expect a wetter-than-average and “seasonably cold” winter.
It predicts a mild December ahead, with a strong possibility for a white Christmas.
If the wall of winter feels a little “Game of Thrones”-esque, here are some companion City Cast Boise podcast episodes to go with your morning coffee.
- What to do this December
- How to stay cozy (and sane) during the winter
- Some winter date night ideas
- What you need to do to winterize your garden
A little garden tidbit while we’re at it: The USDA updated its plant hardiness zone map this month to reflect — you guessed it — the changing climate. It's the first update in 11 years, so check if your garden planning should go the same way it has in the past!
This side-by-side of the 2012 map (L) and 2023 map (R) shows that hardiness zones have gotten more moderate across the state, and that more of the Treasure Valley has dropped into the 7a zone. (Oregon State University / USDA)
