NOAA 2024/2025 Early Winter Weather Forecast for Illinois

It's been a relatively hot and tumultuous summer here in the Midwest. We've endured some ridiculously severe weather and a few uncomfortable stretches of high heat and high humidity. So, we'll welcome some chatter about the upcoming winter. While it's way too early to start thinking about pulling those sweaters and heavy coats out of the closet, it's not too early to wonder what the upcoming winter's going to be like. In fact, NOAA just released its 2024/2025 Early Winter Forecast.

The big story of that forecast is the return of La Niña. Upper regions of the country (particulary on the western side) are expected to be colder and snowier than usual. However, what does La Niña mean for those of us here in the Midwest, particularly the folks in Illinois?

Historically, La Niña typically brings wetter and colder conditions to the northern parts of the country and warmer, drier weather to the southern areas of the U.S. Of course, a good chuck of Illinois sits right smack dab in the middle. So, what does that mean for the Prairie State?

Well, it's complicated. In terms of temperature, nearly the entire state of Illinois is predicted to be in the 'Equal Chances' designation. That means Illinois is more than liekly going to see a pretty healthy mix of above average and below average temperatures.

The entire state is also predicted to experience above average precipitation.

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

So, that's why our winter highs and lows are going to be critical to this winter forecast. If we trend colder and there's more precipitation, that could ultimately mean more snow and ice for the Land of Lincoln. If the temps trend warmer, Illinois could see above average rainfall.

Honestly, at this point, it's too early to tell for sure. That's precisely why NOAA refers to this forecast as a "Long Lead Seasonal Outlook." They'll refine and narrow their 2024/2025 winter forecast over the next few months.

In the meantime, here's an abbreviated analysis of what NOAA is currently predicting for the upcoming winter season.

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