Winter 2024-25 Forecast For IL: How Cold And Snowy Will It Be?

ILLINOIS — Warmer than normal temperatures and colder than normal temperatures have an equal chance of happening this winter in Illinois, according to a new winter 2024-25 outlook for December, January and February.

The probabilities for above normal precipitation are leaning above to likely above across the state, according to the updated winter outlook released Thursday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center.

Specifically, the outlook puts the chance of above normal temperatures at about 50 percent and the chance of above normal precipitation leaning likely in Illinois.

In an earlier statement, NOAA said data supports the development of a weak La Niña that lacks some of the blustery punch traditionally seen in such climate patterns. However, a La Niña “could still influence forecast guidance,” NOAA said.

Right now, here’s how winter is expected to shape up across the country:

Here’s a regional synopsis of the outlook:

Pacific Northwest/Northern Rockies: The precipitation outlook is favorable to ski resorts in the region. Temperatures are expected to be below normal in Washington and northern Oregon, while the chances for a colder than usual winter are about equal elsewhere in the region.

Southwest (California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado): Chances are about equal for a warmer or cooler than average winter in the northern part of the region, but the Southwest could be hotter than normal. The same pattern is expected for precipitation.

Northern Plains/Upper Midwest: Temperatures are expected to be below normal in the Northern Plains, with chances of cold or mild temperatures about equal in the rest of the region. Most of the area is expected to see above-normal precipitation.

Northeast/New England: Temperatures are expected to be above normal up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Precipitation is expected to be above normal in much of the region.

Southeast: Temperatures are expected to be above normal and precipitation below normal throughout the region.