Meteorological Winter Is Here: New Winter Weather Predictions For IL

ILLINOIS — Even though the Chicago area can expect to see highs of 60 degrees on Friday; meteorological winter officially arrived on Dec. 1.

With the arrival of winter, when can Illinoisans expect to see colder temperatures, or some major snowfall? Here is a look at the latest snow forecasts and winter weather predictions.

Historically, temperatures for Chicago in December average around 35 degrees at the beginning of the month, and averages of 27 degrees by the end of the month, according to National Weather Service data.

With highs of 60 degrees expected on Friday, the Chicago area will be nearly 30 degrees above the average temperature for this time of year.

As for snow, Chicago sees an average of 7.6 inches of snowfall across the month of December.

No major snowfall has occurred yet this month, although weather enthusiasts online are discussing the potential for a storm system this weekend in the Chicago area, but snowfall models remain uncertain. According to the Illinois Storm Chasers Facebook page, says current models for a potential "big weekend (winter storm) system" are "all over the place."

Right now, the weather service forecast is calling for a chance of rain and snow on Sunday, but that could change as the weekend approaches.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 8-14 day temperature outlook, Illinois can expect above average temperatures from Dec. 12 to 18. Precipitation is also expected to be below normal for Illinois.

El Niño conditions are already predicted across the United States, which would likely bring warmer temperatures and less snow.

"December should be mild overall across the Midwest and Great Lakes with just a couple of brief, chilly periods," AccuWeather long-range expert Paul Pastelok said. "This pattern will carry over into the start of 2024, but the season could take a blustery turn during the second half of winter."

AccuWeather forecasters also cautioned that a shift in the polar vortex could "open up the gates of the Arctic" across the Midwest late in the winter, bringing frigid temperatures.

Right now, AccuWeather's long-range forecast for Chicago shows temperatures mostly in the upper 30s throughout December.