Does Chicago Get A Lot Of Snow?
How Much Snow Does Chicago Get Each Winter?
The Science Behind On Why Chicago Get A Lot Of Snow During Winter
Chicago is famous for many things like deep-dish pizza, towering skyscrapers, and, of course, its unpredictable weather. But if there’s one thing people always ask, it's this: does Chicago get a lot of snow? The answer is a big yes!
This city sees a whole lot of snow during the winter months. In fact, Chicago averages about 37 inches of snow each year That’s taller than most second graders! Some winters bring even more snow, making it one of the snowiest big cities in the United States.
So, if you ever plan on visiting Chicago in winter, bundle up, grab your snow boots, and be ready for a winter wonderland!
Why Is Snowfall So High in Chicago?
Chicago’s winters are not snowy by accident. Chicago is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and that has a major influence on the climate of the city—it is rather cold and snowy.
This is because of what is known as lake effect snow. The cold air that blows over the warmer lake surface is able to pull moisture. That moisture then falls as snow when it reaches the land. Because Chicago is located near the lake, it often gets a lot of snow even in early winter.
Also, Chicago is in the Midwest, and it receives a lot of snowstorms in winter as well. Some of these storms can produce several inches in a few hours!
Snowiest Winters In Chicago History
While some winters are mild, others are wild! Here are some of the snowiest winters Chicago has ever seen:
1978-1979: This winter witnessed a record 89.7 inches of snow. That is over seven feet of snow, more than the height of a grown adult!
2013-2014: This winter was cruel, driving 82 inches of snow along with freezing cold temperatures. It is one of the harshest winters that this city has faced in years.
2010-2011: A blizzard paralyzed the city of New York in February 2011, where 21 inches of snow had fallen in only two days. Cars stuck on the road and schools shut down for days!
Every few years, Chicago gets hit with huge snowstorms, reminding everyone just how wild and snowy winters can be in the Windy City.
What Is It Like During Winter In Chicago?
In Chicago, snow has more to do with the length of winter than it does with the number of inches.
Typically beginning in November, Chicago's winter season can last into March or even April! There will be cold weather for five months. Even before Thanksgiving or after Easter, snow can occur at any time over these months!
January and February are the coldest months. These months offer frigid temperatures in addition to snowfall. Temperatures frequently fall below freezing, making it one of the coldest major cities in the United States.
The cold is nothing new to Chicagoans. In preparation for the next significant snowfall, they stockpile shovels, wear thick boots, and bundle up in large coats.
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What Does The City Of Chicago Do With All That Snow?
With so much snow falling each winter, you might wonder: What does Chicago do about it?
The city has an entire fleet of snowplows and salt trucks waiting to get out on the road as soon as the first flake falls. These trucks can remove ice from the roads and sweep the salt on the roads so that ice will not make the roads slippy.
But still, all these efforts can still be rendered futile due to heavy snowfall. Some people have to remove the snow from their driveways every morning, and walkways may remain snowy till they are swept.
Companies, institutions, and even individuals need services like Deep Cleaning Chicago that can assist in sweeping snow and ensuring that the environments of companies, schools, and even homes look as clean as possible after such storms. Snowstorms make everything chaotic, and this means that as much snow as possible should be cleared as soon as possible!
Fun Things To Do In The Snow
Despite the fact that snow can become a problem and create traffic jams, everyone in Chicago loves winter! This is because as soon as the snow starts falling, the city is full of fun winter activities.
Some of the most popular snowy activities in Chicago include:
Ice Skating At Millennium Park: This is one of the most popular places to skate in the city with some great views to boot.
Sledding At Soldier Field: An area where children and the young at heart can slide down snow-covered slopes. Building Snowmen and Snowball Fights: A good old-fashioned snowball fight is always fun with friends!
Visiting The Christkindlmarket: A mystical winter wonderland where people enjoy hot beverages and there are well-lit stalls.
Despite the cold temperature in Chicago, the city knows how not to let the winter go to waste!
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Should You Visit Chicago In The Winter?
If you enjoy snow, Chicago in winter is a fairy tale. Snow blankets the buildings, lights twinkle on the streets, and the city takes on a semblance of a winter fairy tale.
However, if you hate the cold, Chicago winters might be a bit too much. The freezing wind and icy sidewalks can make getting around tough, especially for visitors who aren’t used to it.
If you do visit in the winter, here are a few must-have items to stay warm:
A heavy winter coat
Warm gloves and a hat
Waterproof boots
Lots of layers
With the right gear, you can enjoy all the winter fun Chicago has to offer!
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Heavy Snow In Chicago
The city witnesses tremendous snowfall in the winters, with its position being close to Lake Michigan and robust winter storms. However, even if the snow makes life a bit tougher due to slippery roads and freezing temperatures as well as excessive shoveling, there's tons of fun along with it: from ice skating and sledding to holiday markets, Chicago knows how to make the best of the season. If you love snowy adventures, Chicago is the perfect place to be during the winter months. Just bundle up, stay safe, and get ready for a winter wonderland!
