Rockford’s 2025–26 Winter Forecast: Snowier, Stormier Ahead

If you've been wondering if Rockford is in for a tough winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration just dropped its 2025-2026 Winter Weather Outlook, and it looks like northern Illinois might be looking at a wetter season than usual.

How La Niña Could Shape Rockford’s Winter

The three-month forecast is heavily influenced by a La Niña pattern brewing in the Pacific Ocean. It's a setup that could bend the jet stream north before sending storm systems barreling back toward the Midwest. When that happens, it means more snow and more storms for Rockford and the rest of northern Illinois.

READ MORE: 5 Unwritten Rules for Surviving an Illinois Winter

Rockford Lands in the “Above-Average Precipitation” Zone

According to the NOAA, the Rockford area is situated in the 'above-average precipitation' zone. That zone includes all of the Land of Lincoln as well as Wisconsin and Indiana. What that means is we could probably see a few extra inches of snow or typical messy winter storms.

Typical Rockford Snowfall Totals and What to Expect This Year

The site, Current Results (which compiles weather and science data), says Rockford usually gets 7 inches of snow in December, 9.5 inches in January, and 12.5 inches more in February. With this La Niña system in play, those numbers are expected to climb, especially if the temps hang near freezing.

Not All La Niñas Bring Brutal Cold

The thing to remember, though? La Niña doesn't always mean harsh temps; sometimes, it brings mild stretches between snow systems, turning those big storms into just slushy messes instead of brutal deep freezes.

READ MORE: Will La Niña Blanket Illinois In Snow This Winter?

Bottom Line: Snowier, Stormier, But Not Record-Breaking

The bottom line is Rockford is probably going to have a snowier, stormier winter, but not one that'll break records. You'll probably end up shoveling the driveway more often than last year, dealing with some icy mornings, and a handful more of "this weather has got to be kidding" moments before spring finally shows.