Does It Really Snow All The Time In Chicago?

Unveiling The Truth Behind Chicago’s Snowy Reputation

Most people relate Chicago to such bad, snowy winters, but does it really snow all the time in this city? A lot of people believe that the city has snow all over it constantly, which is quite far from the truth. Although the winter period might bring a lot of snow, the rest of the year is pretty snowless. The weather of Chicago shows that it does not snow throughout the year and its seasons are quite varied. In this blog, we will look into the snowfall in Chicago, how much snow the city really gets, and what you can expect if you are visiting during the winter months.

How Much Snow Does Chicago Usually Get?

On average, Chicago sees about 36 inches of snow annually. However, this amount can fluctuate. Some winters are more extreme, with heavy snowfall, while others are milder. Yes, the city does have snowstorms, but they don't happen every day during the coldest months. In a particularly snowy winter, the snow could top 50 inches, while in a milder one, it might only be 20 inches. It is also influenced by larger external climate patterns, such as El Niño or La Niña, which can produce drier or wetter winters.

When Does It Snow in Chicago?

Snow falls most often in winter. Here's a rough timeline of what to expect. Light snows start in late November but are usually minimal. In December, it snows much more often, with occasional storms. Typically, January is Chicago's snowiest month on average, with heavier accumulation and colder temperatures. It is snowy in February, even as it lessens towards the end of that month. Even into March, snowfall can occur, yet is less frequent due to the temperatures rising. There is very little snow from April until October, with the dominating factor during that time being the warmth.

Does Chicago Get Blizzards?

Blizzards are admittedly rare in Chicago, though they do occur. Some of the more famous ones include the Blizzard of 1967, which brought a record 23 inches of snow within one storm, the Blizzard of 1979 which shut down the town for days on end, and there is the 2011 blizzard that received plenty of local press after covering the city with 21 inches of snow. These events are infrequent, yet they have great impacts, like road closures, flight cancellations, and power losses. Chicago does very well in snow clearance, with a great fleet of snowplows and salt trucks on the road to help keep the roads clear.

What About Lake-Effect Snow?

Lake-effect snow is a result of cold air crossing over the warmer waters of Lake Michigan, picking up moisture and turning it into snow. While lake-effect snow is seen to occur in parts of Chicago, lakefront areas, especially the South Side, tend to see more of this, while areas farther inland often see less. This can sometimes be heavy and may lead to hazardous driving conditions, thus delaying travel.

Chicago Weather Myths You Need to Know

Some common misconceptions about Chicago's weather are that it always snows, but it is actually seasonal. Other misconceptions include that Chicago is the coldest city in the United States, when in fact, cities such as Minneapolis and Fargo are colder. The last one would be that during winter, it is too cold to visit, but Chicago is alive all year round with indoor attractions and winter activities.