Since 1792, people have been consulting the Farmer’s Almanac for the weather forecast. The Almanac owes its staying power to its accuracy, which tends to fall around 80%.

We do have some slightly bad news for Western Montanans, but for the majority of the state, this winter should be a nice change of pace.

The words “Montana” and “mild winter” are not often used in the same sentence, to say the least.

Nick Kinkaid / Flickr The coldest temperature ever recorded here was 70 degrees below zero at Rogers Pass north of Helena in January of 1954.

But this year, Montanans who are ready for a milder winter may be in luck.

BABS / Flickr The majority of the state, especially the Billings area, can expect a warmer winter than usual this year. the coldest periods will be from late November to early December, meaning you can get the majority of those frigid sub-zero days out of the way early.

While you can still expect enough snowfall to keep skiers happy, you may find you have less to shovel this winter.

Eric Moreno / Flickr According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the snowiest periods will be mid-late November, mid-late December and early March.

But if you live in Western Montana, you can expect a cold, icy winter this year.

Kate Brady / Flickr Missoula and the rest of the western half of the state are set to catch some colder temperatures from the Pacific Northwest’s harsh winter.

Kalispell, Bozeman, Butte, Helena and Missoula can expect less precipitation in the air, but more snow on the ground.

Jim Handcock / Flickr The snowiest periods will likely be in December (all of it), mid-January, early and mid-February, and early March.

But fear not, though Western Montana temperatures will be cold, this won’t be its worst winter by any means.

bay_dragon / Flickr And for what it’s worth, the Old Farmer’s Almanac claims that next April and May will be warmer than usual.

Does this make you excited for winter in Montana, or do you dread it? Although the cold can be unpleasant, we love the way that snow transforms the Treasure State.

Nick Kinkaid / Flickr

The coldest temperature ever recorded here was 70 degrees below zero at Rogers Pass north of Helena in January of 1954.

BABS / Flickr

The majority of the state, especially the Billings area, can expect a warmer winter than usual this year. the coldest periods will be from late November to early December, meaning you can get the majority of those frigid sub-zero days out of the way early.

Eric Moreno / Flickr

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the snowiest periods will be mid-late November, mid-late December and early March.

Kate Brady / Flickr

Missoula and the rest of the western half of the state are set to catch some colder temperatures from the Pacific Northwest’s harsh winter.

Jim Handcock / Flickr

The snowiest periods will likely be in December (all of it), mid-January, early and mid-February, and early March.

bay_dragon / Flickr

And for what it’s worth, the Old Farmer’s Almanac claims that next April and May will be warmer than usual.

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