Farmers’ Almanac, Old Farmer’s Almanac eye weather

Those who like to get an idea of future weather may run across some confusion in dual, similar named publications with “Almanac” in the title, finds Grumpy Editor.

Farmers’ Almanac on Tuesday came out with its 2009 edition that predicts at least two thirds of the U.S. can expect colder than average temperatures in the coming winter.

Then there’s The Old Farmer’s Almanac that also engages in long-range weather forecasting in print and on the Web.

Here’s how to tell them apart.

Farmers’ Almanac, based in Lewiston, Maine, goes back to 1818.  It claims its published edition “not only provides amazingly accurate long-range weather predictions (for both the U.S. and Canada), but also articles, calendars, and information on everything, from the best days to garden, fish and take vacations, to recipes for healthy homemade dishes, and ways to use natural remedies to cure a cold and stop the sniffles.”

Its long range weather forecasts --- which it claims are 80 to 85 percent accurate --- are really into the future.

Predictions are made two years in advance, using “a top-secret mathematical and astronomical formula, taking sunspot activity, tidal action, the position of the planet and many other factors into consideration.”

Also in New England is The Old Farmer’s Almanac, based in Dublin, N.H., marking its 217th anniversary with the 2009 edition, out next month.  It contains long-range weather forecasts from November, 2008 to October, 2009.  (Its Web site provides free detailed predictions for the current and next month.)   Weather forecasts are “proven 80 percent accurate,” it maintains.

The New Hampshire-based Almanac says, “Our weather forecasts are determined by the use of a secret formula (devised in 1792 by the founder of this Almanac, Robert B. Thomas), enhanced by the most modern scientific calculations based on solar activity, particularly sunspot cycles. We also analyze weather records for particular locales.” 

Along with the weather outlook, gardening advice, folklore and home remedies, The Old Farmer’s Almanac also includes such topics as:  Is global warming on the wane?, creatures that glow in the dark and how to live to be 100 or more.