Like clockwork, snowfall is a familiar part of life across the Midwest in the winter, and the Chicago area is no exception.
While the timing of the first snowfall varies, the Farmers’ Almanac has some insight as to when the first snowflakes may begin falling.
The publication, which has issued forecasts since the early 1800s, said it uses a time-tested approach that considers recurring natural cycles, solar activity, lunar influences, and historical weather patterns alongside modern forecasting tools to provide a broad, long-range regional outlook.
Long before snow reaches the Chicago area, snow gets an early start in the mountains, where the first snowflakes typically fall between August and September.
Measurable snowfall becomes increasingly common across parts of Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, among other states with higher elevations in October. It’s usually not until November when the first snowflakes begin flying in the Chicago area and more broadly the Great Lakes region.
The chances of snowfall increase across the northern half of the United States as daylight rapidly decreases and increasingly cold Canadian air masses move south, according to the almanac. The Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, northern and central Plains, interior Northeast, central Rockies and higher Appalachians all typically experience their first snowfall in November.
The Great Lakes can be especially quick to see snow.
The Farmers’ Almanac explained lake-effect snow develops when cold air moves over warmer lake water in autumn, picking up heat and moisture. As that air moves inland, it can produce narrow but intense bands of snow.
Still, the almanac cautioned its average first snowfall dates serve as a general guideline – and not a guarantee.
Some years bring an early snow surprise.
In 2023, Chicago saw its first measurable snowfall on Oct. 31. The wait was much longer in 2021, when Chicago didn’t record its first snowfall until Dec. 28.
As for this winter, predictions call for average temperatures across the Chicago area, but that doesn’t mean we’ll see especially mild conditions.
The outlook points to cold, snowy periods with the potential for sudden snow squalls, blustery winds and bursts of bitter cold. Moderate snowfall is expected overall, according to predictions.
Like clockwork, snowfall is a familiar part of life across the Midwest in the winter, and the Chicago area is no exception.
While the timing of the first snowfall varies, the Farmers' Almanac has some insight as to when the first snowflakes may begin falling.
The publication, which has issued forecasts since the early 1800s, said it uses a time-tested approach that considers recurring natural cycles, solar activity, lunar influences, and historical weather patterns alongside modern forecasting tools to provide a broad, long-range regional outlook.
Long before snow reaches the Chicago area, snow gets an early start in the mountains, where the first snowflakes typically fall between August and September.
Measurable snowfall becomes increasingly common across parts of Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, among other states with higher elevations in October. It's usually not until November when the first snowflakes begin flying in the Chicago area and more broadly the Great Lakes region.
The chances of snowfall increase across the northern half of the United States as daylight rapidly decreases and increasingly cold Canadian air masses move south, according to the almanac. The Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, northern and central Plains, interior Northeast, central Rockies and higher Appalachians all typically experience their first snowfall in November.
The Great Lakes can be especially quick to see snow.
The Farmers' Almanac explained lake-effect snow develops when cold air moves over warmer lake water in autumn, picking up heat and moisture. As that air moves inland, it can produce narrow but intense bands of snow.
Still, the almanac cautioned its average first snowfall dates serve as a general guideline - and not a guarantee.
Some years bring an early snow surprise.
In 2023, Chicago saw its first measurable snowfall on Oct. 31. The wait was much longer in 2021, when Chicago didn't record its first snowfall until Dec. 28.
As for this winter, predictions call for average temperatures across the Chicago area, but that doesn't mean we'll see especially mild conditions.
The outlook points to cold, snowy periods with the potential for sudden snow squalls, blustery winds and bursts of bitter cold. Moderate snowfall is expected overall, according to predictions.
| # | Наименование новости | Тональность | Информативность | Дата публикации |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | How snowy will this winter be in Chicago? Here's what the Farmers' Almanac says | 0 | 8.24 | 14-09-2026 |
| 2 | Latest NOAA map shows predictions for coldest, warmest states this winter | 0 | 7.7 | 14-09-2026 |
| 3 | Farmer's Almanac, Super El Niño, NWS: Winter predictions for 2026-27 season | 0 | 8.4 | 20-08-2026 |
| 4 | Torrential downpours, widespread rain possible in Chicago area | 0 | 4.8 | 16-09-2026 |
| 5 | Chicago weather: Rain and storms nearly every day as ‘unsettled' pattern continues | 0 | 7.88 | 16-09-2026 |
| 6 | Water alert issued for Chicago-area; residents asked to delay showers amid heavy rain, flooding | 0 | 9.18 | 30-09-2026 |
| 7 | Ground stop issued at O'Hare as waves of heavy rain continue | 0 | 8.82 | 01-10-2026 |
| 8 | Farmers' Almanac predicts when first snow will fall in every state | 0 | 4.24 | 11-09-2026 |
| 9 | Farmers' Almanac predicts when first snow will fall in every state | 0 | 4.24 | 11-09-2026 |
| 10 | Farmers' Almanac predicts when first snow will fall in every state | 0 | 4.24 | 11-09-2026 |