North Carolina Winter Trends: What the Farmer’s Almanac Says
Last year was fairly mild for those in North Carolina and across the country. So, will the luck continue for the upcoming winter? The Farmer’s Almanac has come out with its North Carolina winter predictions for the 2023-2024 winter season.
Before we get to our state, let’s look at the winter outlook across the country. The Farmer’s Almanac states that cold, winter weather is coming back this season. That does not make me happy. “After a warm winter anomaly last year, traditional cool temperatures and snowy weather conditions will return to the contiguous United States,” they state. They also say that the snow and cold will come early, marking December being an exceptionally stormy month. “Our extended weather forecast calls for some blizzard conditions blowing snow into areas over northern New England, the North Central States, and northern and central areas of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Arkansas,” they explain.
The Farmer’s Almanac says that the reason for the cold and wet temperatures across America is that an El Niño, which they describe as “an unusually high-water temperature off the Pacific Coast of South America,” will start the second half 2023 and go into the winter season. They say that means cold weather should impact the entire country and bring ice, snow, sleet and all the freezing stuff. I’m not a happy camper. I might move to Mexico for the season.
North Carolina Winter predictions
In general, the forecast states that North Carolina and the rest of the Southeast will have colder, wetter weather than normal, much like the rest of the United States. The Farmer’s Almanac also predicts snow in the end of November, but mainly in the mountains. Snow will continue in the mountains around Christmastime, but they predict that the rest of the state will get rain. Then, at the end of December, the almanac says to expect a storm along the East Coast that will bring precipitation. January is also expected to bring snow to the mountains and rain to the rest of North Carolina. Find the full study here. Let’s forget about the winter and look at these fun things to do at the lake below.
10 Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Swimming in the cool waters
I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it’s too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.
Little kid swimming in the lake. Getty Images.
Camping near the shoreline
Water often attracts special wildlife that you won’t find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you’re camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.
Campsite with orange tent. Getty Images.
Fishing
When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn’t catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.
Father and son fishing on boat. Getty Images.
Paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing
If you’re looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you’ll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.
Couple kayaking together. Getty Images.
Water sports
One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It’s always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I’m not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don’t even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.
Young man riding jet boat on a summer day at the lake. Getty Images.
Have a picnic
It’s always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That’s a must.
Picnic by the lake. Basket with berries, bread. Getty Images.
Take a hike
Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don’t find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.
Woman with a small yellow dog standing on pier by the mountain lake. Getty Images.
Party with friends
Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don’t get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.
Happy friends doing selfie swimming in the sea with sail boat in background. Getty Images.
Sunbathing
Here’s my top choice, even though you’ll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you’re just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.
Women relaxing at the lake. Getty Images.
Lakeside games
Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.
Family on dock splashing feet in lake. Getty Images.
