Key Takeaways
- Chicago has experienced the snowiest start to a winter season since 1978, with 17.1 inches of snow accumulation so far.
- The city saw 3-5 inches of snow over the weekend, with some areas receiving up to 7 inches.
- The snowfall total for the season is already near the total for all of last winter, with 17.1 inches compared to 17.6 inches.
- The National Weather Service predicts that temperatures will rise and then drop again, with potential for more snow in the coming week.
- Chicagoans can expect higher snowfall totals than usual if the current trend continues.
Introduction to the Snowstorm
The city of Chicago was hit with a significant amount of snow over the weekend, with some areas receiving up to 5 inches of snow. This snowfall has made this the snowiest start to a winter season since 1978, which saw Chicago’s highest snowfall total in recorded history. According to Zachary Yack, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service, an "Alberta Clipper" system swept down from central Canada into the Great Lakes region around 9 p.m. on Saturday, bringing snow at rates of up to one inch an hour.
Snowfall Totals and Records
The storm brought 3-5 inches of snow across Chicago, with the northern parts of the city receiving higher snow totals. Some areas in the northernmost reaches of the metro area saw up to 7 inches of snow. With this weekend’s storm, Chicago is now up to 17.1 inches of snow accumulation this season, which is nearly exceeding the 17.6 inches that fell all of last winter. This is the most substantial start to the "snowfall season" since 1978-79, when a record 89.7 inches fell on the city. In fact, just over 24 inches fell by December 7, 1978, records show.
Comparison to Previous Years
The 15.4 inches of snow that fell in the past nine days makes this the snowiest nine-day period since 2021. In the month of December, 6.7 inches have already been recorded at O’Hare, Yack explained. The entire month of December averages 7.6 inches of snow. This significant snowfall has broken records for the start of the winter season, with Chicagoans seeing the snowiest November day ever, with 8.4 inches of fresh powder blanketing the city on November 29. Meteorological winter begins December 1, but the weather service tracks "snowfall season" by the first significant snowfall of the season, which can happen as early as October or November.
Future Weather Forecast
Chicago could see more snow on Sunday night and possibly into Monday, but temperatures will rise beyond Monday, which would allow some of the accumulated snow to melt, according to the National Weather Service’s five-day forecast. Temperatures are expected to peak into the low 40s on Tuesday, and scattered rain/snow flurries are expected on Wednesday, when the high will near 40 degrees. More cold air will move into the region next week, with temperatures expected to plummet into the teens, Yack said. Some storm systems could bring snow then, but predictions are fuzzy nearly a week out, he said.
Conclusion and Outlook
The significant snowfall in Chicago has set a record for the snowiest start to a winter season since 1978. While it is too early to predict the rest of the winter season, the current trend suggests that Chicagoans can expect higher snowfall totals than usual. As the weather continues to fluctuate, it is essential to stay informed about the latest forecast and be prepared for any potential snowstorms. With the city’s snowfall total already nearing last winter’s total, it will be interesting to see how the rest of the winter season unfolds.
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