The Old Farmer’s Almanac Predictions For Rockford’s Winter

Not to be confused with the Farmer's Almanac, which is the new kid on the block compared to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the Old Farmer's Almanac has, according to their website, been at this weather prediction game since 1792 (229 years). The Farmer's Almanac is the relative newcomer, publishing their first almanac in 1818, the year Illinois became a state.

How Different Can Rockford Be From One Winter To The Next?

If you've lived around here your whole life like I have, you may be wondering what differences we experience here in the Rockford area from one winter season to the next winter season. All things considered, there are difference like snowfall totals, number of snowy days, polar vortexes (or, vortices), etc.

It is Rockford, after all. Not much chance of the Old Farmers or anyone else predicting temperatures in the 80s with balmy winds.

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So, My Choices Are Snowy and Cold, Snowy, Or Just Plain Cold?

Don't be so cynical. You could also throw in adjectives like dry, wet, slushy, windy, sleety, bone-chilling, soul sucking...you get the idea. We've all had the same winter time facial expression that this guy does:

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What The Old Farmer's Almanac Says About Rockford (and Illinois') Upcoming Winter

To describe what Illinoisans will experience this winter, the Old Farmer's Almanac uses words like "bone-chilling, below-average" temperatures. They go on to point out that in Illinois, which is mostly part of the "Lower Lakes" region, the coldest temperatures are expected in mid to late November through most of December and January and into early to mid-February. Snowfall will be near normal for most of the area.

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What's "normal snowfall?" Rockford averages 35 inches of snow per year. The U.S. average is 28 inches of snow per year.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Illinois

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Illinois using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.