So far, Winter 2024/2025 has been pretty uneventful for most of Illinois, but are the mild temps and low snow count about to disappear? Let's find out.

Is This The Least Snowiest Winter in Illinois History?

The other day I came across an article from NBC Chicago that shocked me a bit. It basically said that the rare and record-breaking snowfall amounts that places like Louisiana and Florida saw back in January, far surpassed Illinois' snowfall totals for this winter.

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If you're a snow hater, I'm sure you are loving this, but for those of us snow appreciators, it's been a real bummer winter. Still, I can't help but wonder...is the other shoe about to drop in Illinois?

Illinois' Least Snowiest Winters On Record

The other day my mother and I were discussing this mild winter and she said something that seemed absurd at the time, but after I stopped and thought about it, could actually be true . She said; "I think going snowmobiling in Illinois will be a thing of the past soon".

What?!?

I'm not a snowmobiler, but I know many people who are. I also know a lot of people that count on the extra income that comes from plowing every time it snows. Will they all need to find a new side hustle to make ends meet soon?

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Historically, Illinois has experienced its fair share of both bountiful and meager snowfalls. According to Illinois State Climatologist, these are the five snowiest winters on record for the state of Illinois:

  • 1979 with 44.5 inches
  • 1978 with 44.4 inches
  • 1912 with 39.5 inches
  • 2014 with 39.4 inches
  • 1960 with 38.6 inches

Illinois State Climatologist's website also says; " the winters of 2017 and 2023 were among the top 10 least snowy on record. "

If this trend continues, we may find ourselves reminiscing about the "good old days" when snow was a guaranteed part of Illinois winters...and my mom will be right...again.

Extended Winter Predictions for Illinois

The first day of spring 2025 is March 20, so we still have over a month of winter left. What are the chances Illinois will see a lot of snow fall over the next few weeks?

If I had a Magic 8 ball right now I think it would say; "outlook not so great".

Here's what the Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting for the rest of February and March:

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I haven't found any weather experts saying that Winter 2024/2025 will the least snowiest in the state of Illinois yet, but I think it's safe to say it will definitely be close.

Winter, I'm done with you. I think I'll go start shopping for new swimsuits now.

Biggest snowfalls recorded in Illinois history

Stacker compiled a list of the biggest 1-day snowfalls in Illinois using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

Best counties to live in Illinois

Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to live in Illinois.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

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