Will Illinois See A Harsh Winter? Here’s 3 Warning Signs To Watch For

If the one thing you dread most about living in Illinois is a cold, snowy winter, there are a few natural signs you can look for now to prepare yourself for what's ahead.

Best Things About Fall in Illinois

Many Illinoisans dread it, some Illinoisans welcome it, but the simple fact is; the end of summer is almost here and the promise of crisp autumn air and pumpkin spice overload is on the way.

Personally, I live for magical fall days, but that doesn't mean I enjoy a brutal winter. I'm talking the kind of winter that is so bitterly cold your face feels like it is freezing off and it hurts to breathe when you're out shoveling your driveway for the third time in one day.

I've also learned that keeping a close eye on nature's little hints that a hard winter is coming can make its arrival a little easier to endure, because you have mentally prepared yourself for it. That being said, here are 3 of the biggest natural winter predictions to look for while you are outdoors this fall...

Natural Signs A Harsh Winter is Coming to Illinois

The Size of the Orange Band on a Wooly Worm Caterpillar 

Basically, a narrow orange band means the winter will be snowy, a wide orange band means a mild winter, and super fuzzy wooly worms mean the winter will be very cold.

Squirrels Frantically Gathering Nuts

Sure, squirrels are always busy gathering nuts, but if you notice them going into overdrive, stockpiling nuts like crazy and leaving small branches and leaves all over your yard, it could be a sign that a long, cold winter is on the way.

Birds Migrating Early

If you spot birds, especially geese and ducks, flying in migrating formation earlier than normal, this is a definite red flag for a rough winter and a sign you should start winterizing your home early.

Those three winter weather signs might be well known for some, but here are a few more from Farmers Almanac I found pretty interesting and hadn't heard of before...

• Thicker than normal corn and onion husks.
• Thick hair on the nape of a cow's neck.
• Racoons with thick tails and bright bands on them.
• Lots of heavy fogs during the month of August.
• Ants marching in a line.
• Frequent rings around the sun and moon.

Have you seen any of these natural winter weather warnings around Illinois yet? Send us an app message and tell us about it!

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