2026 Pig Spleen Forecast: “Volatile” Winter and Long Spring Ahead for Southwest Saskatchewan
- Gull Lake Events
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Get ready for a wild ride, Southwest Saskatchewan. The much-anticipated 2026 Pig Spleen Forecast predicts a winter marked by “unpredictability,” “extreme swings,” and a spring that refuses to arrive on schedule. Whether you’re heading out for chores or sending the kids to school, you’ll want both your parka and your raincoat nearby.
Shared on the Pig Spleen Weather Prognostication Facebook page by Jeff Woodward, this year’s outlook continues a long-standing Tompkins tradition. By examining the fat deposits and textures in pig spleens from local farms—including Earview Colony and the Wagman, Cobler, Christenson, and Sletten families—forecasters try to predict what the first six months of the year have in store.
A Winter of Sharp Swings
For those living within about 200 kilometres of Tompkins, the 2026 reading suggests a true “rollercoaster” winter. Rather than a steady freeze, expect dramatic weather changes every 10 to 14 days.
Key Takeaways:
Temperature Swings: January through March could be warmer than average, but be prepared for sudden and severe cold snaps. Temperatures may shift rapidly—from as mild as 5°C to as cold as –30°C.
Rain vs. Snow: With warmer trends, mid-winter could bring more rain than usual, possibly replacing the typical snow or freezing rain events.
Wind: Expect plenty of wind as these quick changes roll through.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
January:
The month begins on a mild note, with a possible rain-snow mix expected around January 19–20. A sharp cold snap is predicted near the end of the month, but should last only about a week before temperatures rebound.
February:
More active weather is on the way, including the potential for heavy snowfall or even blizzard conditions early in the month. More precipitation—anything from snow to rain—is likely around February 24–27.
March:
Instability continues, with precipitation forecast around March 2, March 10, and again near March 25. After that, conditions may dry out, but those “unseasonably warm to sharply cold” temperature swings are likely to persist.
April:
Expect colder-than-normal temperatures and a slow seasonal transition. Precipitation is possible between April 1–3, with stubbornly low temperatures lingering.
May:
Spring remains delayed. Cooler-than-average conditions are expected to continue, with no clear shift toward typical warmth.
June:
Still colder than normal. An unusual “imperfection” at the end of the spleen points to a late-season event—possibly frost or another weather surprise that could catch residents and gardeners off guard.
What It Means for Farmers and Gardeners
While the forecast doesn’t extend beyond June, early moisture may make early planting worthwhile—especially if conditions dry up later in the growing season. Although the spleen doesn’t offer insights on summer directly, the signals suggest it could be slow to arrive.
About the Tradition
Pig spleen forecasting is deeply rooted in Prairie culture, passed down through generations. While the report admits that “pig spleens can become confused” by the region’s ever-changing climate, the tradition remains a fun—and uniquely local—way to peek at the months ahead.
Though pig spleen forecasting takes a different approach than today’s meteorological science, it continues to unite Prairie communities, offering both fun and insight as residents look ahead to the seasons.
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