How to prepare for predicted ‘polar coaster’ winter

The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting a “polar coaster” for the 2019-2020 winter season, and if you’ve never heard of that term before, you’re not alone.

What is a polar coaster winter?

The term “polar coaster” refers to the predicted ups and downs we’ll likely see on the thermometer this season. As this summer’s high temperatures give way to deep lows this winter, we’re expected to experience “chills and thrills” in two-thirds of the country.

According to the Farmers’ Almanac report for 2019-2020, the worst of the bitterly cold winter conditions will affect areas east of the Rockies all the way to the Appalachians. The biggest drop in temperature is forecasted to move from the northern Plains to the Great Lakes. The Northeast, from Washington to Boston, is expected to experience colder-than-normal temperatures, while the western third of the country will see near-normal winter temperatures.

As for snowfall, the Almanac calls for above-normal winter precipitation over the eastern third of the country, as well as the Great Plains, Midwest, and the Great Lakes. Predictions for the Northeast, especially along the coast, include not only a good amount of snow, but also a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and ice.

How accurate was our weather forecast in 2018-2019?

Last season the Almanac forecasted a “teeth-chattering cold” and unusually snowy/wet conditions for much of the United States. And if you remember, a late January arctic blast resulted in Chicago having subzero temperatures for 52 straight hours, the all-time coldest record for Illinois was reported in Mt. Carroll, and high temperatures were as much as 30 degrees colder than normal from the Great Lakes to New England. Additionally, for the first time on record, Los Angeles went an entire February without hitting 70 degrees and Omaha saw its all-time snowiest winter with 46.1 inches. In other words, the Farmers’ Almanac pretty much nailed it.

Prepare for the polar coaster with these 3 steps

For the 2019-2020 winter season, it’s predicted that the coldest part will arrive during the final week of January and last through the beginning of February. Because it’s looking like it will be a long winter, we want to make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge and propane you need to keep you and your family safe and warm all season long.

To help with that, we’ve put together three steps for safeguarding your home for winter. From how to prepare for the season to important mid-season reminders, we hope this is a helpful resource for your home, farm, business, or vacation home.

Make sure you have enough propane this winter

If the Farmers’ Almanac predictions are correct, it will be a wild ride weather-wise this winter. Thankfully though, you can rest easy knowing that it will be smooth sailing with Ferrellgas. We’ll be here, when you need us, with the propane you need – all winter long.

To prepare for the winter season, we recommend enrolling in our Auto Fill service. With Auto Fill, Ferrellgas will estimate your propane usage and automatically schedule a delivery when our system indicates you need a fill. That way, you can spend less time trudging through the snow to check your tank gauge and more time focusing on snuggling up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa.  

Find a propane supplier near you

If you’re looking to schedule a propane refill before the cold weather rolls in and you want a propane provider who’s dedicated to customer service, look no further than your local Ferrellgas office.