Each and every year, our pals at Farmers' Almanac release their thoughts on what the seasons ahead will hold. The year 2024 is no different, with brand-new predictions for Indiana's winter on deck. So, what will this year hold? Let's see - and remember, no long-range weather forecast is ever 100 percent accurate or truly reliable; these are based on an ages-old formula and some other things, but ultimately, it's all for fun. This may or may not be perfectly accurate, but it'll definitely be fun to see how close they got this year!

After an interesting winter in the Midwest in 2023, this year is slated to be different—colder and dryer in the northern reaches of the state and colder and wetter in the southern reaches.

Indiana and its surrounding states are expected to be cold as usual —that's obvious every year thanks to our climate—but this year, we can hopefully expect to see less stormy, blizzardy weather as well, which is nice. This year, per the Farmer's Almanac, we should see a general return to "normal"— cold, snowy conditions in part of the state with (very) occasional episodes of deep freezes and blizzards with drier (but still cold) conditions in the other.

Personally, I hope they're right. I know winter can be tough, but ultimately, it's still so beautiful.

Plus, who says winter in Indiana isn't the best time of year? I sure don't! For example, there are some awesome winter hikes in Indiana—so awesome that I'd even go as far as to say they're better when it's chilly out! There are also many campgrounds that are still open, as well as our state and National parks. Year-round camping is a point of pride at many of our parks, and I highly recommend giving it a shot at least once. You never know; you might just meet your new favorite cold-weather hobby in the process!

Personally, I'd argue that Indiana is 100% worth it to visit in the winter, no matter what the forecast says will happen. There are so many amazing things to do in Indiana, and when many of those things are covered in a layer of fresh, untouched snow, they become so much more beautiful than any of us probably ever expected them to. Sure, it's cold, but without the chill in the air, we wouldn't have wintertime delights like ice skating, snow and ice sculptures, holiday extravaganzas, and more. It's cold, but it's who we are, and I can appreciate that.

Of course, Indiana has had its share of devastating historic winter storms, but thankfully, those are the exception - not the rule. Some Hoosiers might even say winter's their favorite season - not something you'd probably hear a lot of in, say, Minnesota (brr)! Hopefully, this year, there will be fewer winter storms in Indiana to speak of - fewer gnarly ones, anyway. If you're interested in learning more about a particularly gnarly winter storm in Indiana, read up about the nightmarish 1991 ice storm in Indiana you may or may not have been around for.

No matter what happens this winter, be sure to stay warm and stay weather-aware! Any given year, our winter temperatures typically don't reach higher than 46 degrees Fahrenheit from November until February, wet or dry, snow or no snow - so plan accordingly and remember to bundle up! Every year, you'd be amazed at how many folks fail to dress for Indiana winters. You never know when Mother Nature will surprise you, so it helps to be ready always—just in case. Drive safe, and be sure to bundle up.

For more information, including the full winter 2024-2025 predictions and more regionally specific ones, be sure to check out the official Farmers' Almanac website. What do YOU think this winter will bring? How much stock do you put into the ol' Almanac? Let me know in the comments!