The Old Farmer’s Almanac has just unveiled its long-range weather forecast for the summer of 2025, and it promises a dramatic season across much of the United States. This trusted annual publication, which has been around since 1792, is relied upon for its insights into weather, farming, gardening, and even recipes. As vacationers, gardeners, and event planners look toward summer travel, beach days, and key holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day, the latest forecast offers plenty to think about.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac bases its predictions on three key scientific principles: solar science, climatology, and meteorology. Thanks to this unique combination, it has guided generations of farmers, gardeners, outdoors enthusiasts, and travelers for over two centuries. The publication boasts an impressive 80% accuracy rate for its weather forecasts, making it a widely trusted source.
The outlook for the summer months of June, July, and August in 2025 can be summed up in one word: hot. According to the Almanac, Americans should prepare for “a scorcher of a summer.” Much of the country is expected to experience hot and dry conditions, with a few regional exceptions. The forecast warns that the extreme heat experienced during the summer of 2024 could return and possibly be matched—or even surpassed—in 2025.
The highest temperatures are expected to occur gradually as the summer progresses, with the most intense heat likely to arrive in July and August. As for precipitation, most of the western half of the U.S. is expected to see slightly below-average rainfall, although the country overall should experience typical precipitation levels.
Given the vastness of the United States, the Almanac divides the country into 18 separate regions for a more precise weather outlook. For areas not specifically mentioned, a hot and dry summer is the general expectation. However, several regions will face unique weather challenges that differ from the national trend.
In the Northeast, which includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, western Massachusetts, and eastern New York, the summer is expected to be especially humid due to higher-than-average precipitation levels. This combination of heat and moisture is likely to result in a muggy season for the region.
Southern Florida is one of the rare areas expecting cooler and wetter conditions. Region 5, which covers this part of the state, is forecasted to experience a “cool, rainy summer with hurricane potential from mid-July to late August.” The possibility of hurricanes adds an extra layer of concern for residents and travelers alike.
The Lower Lakes region, comprising Michigan, eastern Illinois, northern Indiana, and northern Ohio, is anticipated to receive more rain than usual this summer. This increase in precipitation is expected to keep the area somewhat cooler and wetter than other parts of the country.
Similarly, the Ohio Valley—including southern Illinois, southern Indiana, southern Ohio, Kentucky, and the western half of West Virginia—is forecasted to see above-average rainfall. This pattern suggests a wetter summer for Region 7, despite the rising temperatures across the rest of the country.
The Deep South, encompassing Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, is expected to face some of the most intense heat of the season. According to the forecast, this area will see “extreme, record-breaking heat” throughout the summer, which could put strain on energy systems and health resources.
The Heartland, made up of Iowa, Missouri, eastern Kansas, and eastern Nebraska, is also predicted to have a sweltering summer. The Almanac reports that this area will experience temperatures “averaging four degrees higher than usual and rainfall totals lower than normal.” This could result in drought-like conditions if the heat persists over an extended period.
Even more intense conditions are expected in Region 11, which includes Texas and Oklahoma. The Almanac states this will be “the hottest region in the country this summer,” with temperatures forecasted to reach four degrees above normal and limited rainfall. The most concerning period will be early August, which is identified as the peak risk time for hurricanes in the area.
While many areas will be suffering under extreme heat, the northern Intermountain region—covering eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, Idaho, western Montana, and western Colorado—is forecasted to experience cooler-than-average temperatures along with average rainfall. This might come as a welcome relief for residents accustomed to hotter, drier summers.
Meanwhile, the Desert Southwest, which stretches from southern California to western Texas, is bracing for much hotter than usual conditions. The Almanac notes that this region is “anticipated to experience significantly warmer temperatures than usual, ushering in opportunities for record-breaking heat.” Given the arid nature of the region, this prediction could have serious implications for water conservation and wildfire risks.
In contrast to much of the country, the Pacific Northwest—which includes western Washington and Oregon—is expected to be cooler than average. However, like the rest of the nation, this region is also forecasted to receive less rainfall than usual, potentially increasing wildfire risk despite the milder temperatures.
Alaska’s weather will vary significantly by region. The northern half is forecasted to be drier than usual, while the southern half is likely to see more rainfall. Still, overall, the state is expected to be cooler than average this summer, which may help counterbalance some of the climate extremes seen elsewhere.
Finally, Hawaii is predicted to have a wet, rainy summer. The smaller islands are expected to experience cooler-than-normal conditions, whereas the Big Island is forecasted to be hotter. This contrast within the same state highlights how varied the summer of 2025 may be, even in tropical regions.
In summary, while some parts of the country may escape the worst of the summer heat, the general consensus from the Old Farmer’s Almanac is that Americans should brace themselves for another intense season. With phrases like “a scorcher of a summer,” “record-breaking heat,” and “hurricane potential,” the 2025 forecast is a reminder of the increasing variability and extremity of seasonal weather patterns. Whether you’re planning a summer vacation, working outdoors, or just trying to stay cool at home, these predictions provide a valuable tool for preparation.