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Here's what two popular almanacs predict for summer 2025 weather in Illinois
As summer approaches, the rival farmer almanacs have released their forecasts. Both foresee hot − possibly historic − temperatures for much of the country. Here's what the various farmers foresee for Illinois.
"The heat is on," says the Farmers' Almanac. When summer officially begins on June 20, the Farmers predict, it will bring "unsettled to stormy conditions for most of the country." The heat will be in full effect by July, "with much of the nation sweltering." The almanac adds, "More long-time high temperature records may be broken this year."
For Illinois, the Farmers foresee a "sultry, thunder-filled" season. Severe storms may threaten the Fourth of July holiday, the almanac says, while fair weather is predicted for Labor Day, Sept. 1.
Much of the country will see near-average summer precipitation, the Farmers say.
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The Farmers' Almanac, which dates to 1818, says its long-range forecast is based on a "mathematical and astronomical" formula that incorporates "sunspot activity, tidal action of the Moon, positions of the planets" and more. It denies the use of computer satellite tracking equipment, weather lore or, rather defensively, groundhogs.
It adds, "Fans of the Almanac say our weather forecasts are accurate 80-85% of the time."
Summer 2025 is "shaping up to be a doozy!" says the rival Old Farmer's Almanac. Its forecast for June, July and August calls for "a scorcher of a summer." Last year, the nation saw one of the hottest summers on record. This year may be just as intense, the Old Farmer says. The almanac expects 'hot, dry' conditions across most of the United States.
An exception will be most of Illinois, which will see "hot, rainy" weather. Above-normal precipitation is predicted for states south of the Great Lakes − including Illinois.
The Old Farmer's Almanac claims 80% accuracy in its long-range predictions. It says it employs solar science, climatology and meteorology in its seasonal forecasts. The almanac dates to 1792.
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Neither of the almanacs is considered especially accurate, but both remain popular.
Scientific American casts doubt on both publications' predictions.
And a University of Illinois study conducted in 2010, cited by Popular Mechanics in 2022, found the Old Farmer's Almanac only about 52% accurate — "essentially random chance."
Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released a weather outlook for June, July and August. The NOAA's Climate Prediction Center foresees temperatures "leaning above" normal in Illinois, with equal chances of above- or below-normal precipitation.
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Farmers almanacs forecast summer 2025 weather in Illinois
