Do you remember last winter with its polar vortexes and continuous snow? Well, it looks like this winter might be more of the same.
The Farmers’ Almanac, which correctly predicted last winter’s frigid conditions, is saying that this year will be just as miserable. “Shivery and shovelry are back. We’re calling for some frigid conditions, bitter conditions,” said managing editor Sandi Duncan.
The 2014-2015 edition predicts that three-quarters of the nation will experience below-normal temperatures. The most frigid temps will be found from the Northern Plains to the Great Lakes. And if you’re planning a tropical vacation, you might want to schedule it for January through the beginning of February, when the frigid, arctic air will drop temperatures to 40 below 0 across the Great Lakes.
“We are red-flagging the first 10 days of January and the first week of February along the Atlantic seaboard for active wintry weather featuring bouts of heavy precipitation and strong winds,” says Caleb Weatherbee, the official forecaster for the Farmers’ Almanac.
If you want a little relief, the Pacific Northwest and Southwest states are expected to receive normal precipitation. Here are a few places where you can escape once the snow starts falling:
Scottsdale, Arizona
Pebble Beach, California
It looks like California will be expecting an average winter, so if you want to work on your golf swing while the snow is falling, venture over to Pebble Beach. This area is known for its amazing golf, and Pebble Beach Resorts is a great place to practice your putting game. They even have fall and winter getaway packages for anxious travelers. With average temps reaching the 60s in February, you can leave your parka at home.
Palm Beach, Florida
Florida can get downright sizzling in the summer, but the winter months are quite temperate. With January highs of 72 degrees, Palm Beach, Fla., is the perfect spot for your winter getaway. The Omphoy Ocean Resort & Spa is not only beautiful, it’s also affordable. With rooms starting at $146 a night, you can escape the deep freeze without depleting your bank account.
Henderson, Nevada
And finally, the dry heat of Nevada will be a welcome change during those frigid winter months. Located in Henderson, Nev., the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa offers stays at just $120 a night and is a literal oasis in the middle of the desert. And you can leave those skis at home; the Moroccan-style resort is next to a lake, where guests can stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or enjoy a paddleboat ride.