Charlestonians were amazed when 2018 brought more than just a few New Year’s resolutions. The record breaking snow of 2018 shocked and excited the Lowcountry, but what is even more exciting is that the snow is supposed to be returning. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Lowcountry is supposed to receive up to ten inches of snow this week, February 1-6. This is even more snow than we got in early January, but maybe we will be more prepared the second time around!

The Farmers Almanac was founded in 1792 by Robert B. Thomas and has been a source of information on weather, astronomy, gardening, calendar, food, and advice for centuries. This was not the first time an almanac had been used; however The Old Farmers Almanac was an immediate success because of its higher rates of accuracy than the others. Farmers were the first to use the weather section of the almanac in order to successfully grow their crops. Since then, more people have used the Farmers Almanac for general history and information. Some had never heard of the Farmers Almanac until this January when its predictions excited the people of the southeast.

Although the Old Farmers Almanac claims to be accurate 80% of the time, meteorologists criticize the predictions. Meteorologists predict day to day weather and are rarely 100% accurate, while The Farmers Almanac’s percentage rate is based on long term weather predictions. These predictions foresaw the snow in January long before it happened, and already have predictions that the months of September and October 2018 will be dryer and warmer than usual.

The first snow in early January was the reason for multiple car crashes, fun snow days, and an extra long extended winter break. When the snow cleared and we finally got back to school, the topic of discussion was instantly a second snow coming in early February. This was unbelievable to many because of the unlikeliness of the first now, let alone a second. However, the supporting argument for the snow was that the Farmers Almanac predicted the first snow and now predicts the second.

It is now January 30th, and there is no sign of snow, not even temperatures below 30 degrees for the next week. This is a disappointment to the many who thought we would get lucky twice in one year, but there is still time! Groundhog day is this Friday and if the groundhog fails to see his shadow, there may be a chance for another iconic 2018 snow, or maybe 2019 will bring even more surprises!