You Might Be Surprised To Hear The Predictions About Illinois' Cold And Stormy Upcoming Winter
By Linze Rice|Published September 15, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
I always feel a little guilty once winter in Illinois rolls around — I know that I’ll later eat my words, but when it first begins, I’m over the searing summer temps and ready for a cozy, snow globe-like experience. Plus, as someone with a Christmas birthday, a snowy holiday always feels extra special to me. So what are the 2023-2024 winter predictions for Illinois? The Farmers’ Almanac extended winter forecast is out and has a major message: Bundle up.
Frolicking deer, frosty breath, and barren trees — in Illinois, it can only mean one thing: winter! Our coldest season officially kicks off on December 21, though the entire month is expected to be cold and snowy.
After an unusually mild winter in Illinois, the almanac predicts that the Prairie State will see a return to "brrr" spurred on by an El Niño storm that will begin toward the end of 2023 and continue into 2024.
Pro tip: Make sure you have a shovel, blanket, flashlight, and kitty litter in your car in case of bad weather. Kitty litter can be used as traction for your tires if you get stuck in the snow!
Back with a vengeance, winter is also expected to fight tooth and nail to stay. March is predicted to see big swings in temperatures and weather, with possible storms across the country as the cold weather reluctantly yields to spring.
According to the almanac, Illinois is split between a predicted cold and stormy winter on its eastern side, and a cold season with about average snowfall. Either way, we're in for an extra-chilly 3-4 months that's likely to be wetter than usual.
Oh well, winter in Chicago is beautiful on a snowy day!
What about a white Christmas? Historically, Illinois has ranged from mild, snowless holidays in its southern tip, to blizzard conditions in the north. The vast majority of the state typically has a 10-50% chance of seeing over an inch of snow at Christmas. Given the cold and stormy conditions expected this year, there's likely a decent chance Illinois could see a beautiful blanket of snow.
Even though we may be in for an extra brutal winter, we Illinoisans are fearless pros. We're a tough bunch that isn't afraid to layer up, help shovel out a neighbor, or make snow angels even on the coldest days. We also love enjoying the stunning winter scenery, and making the most of a cozy day inside.
What do you think of the 2023-2024 winter predictions for Illinois? Where’s your favorite place to spend time in the Prairie State during the colder months? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your cold-weather activities by checking out these fun winter attractions and this list of exhilarating winter hikes. Whatever your plans, make sure you’re prepared for the upcoming winter wonderland with our ultimate list of cold-weather packing essentials!
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