Here’s The Date Northern Illinois Should Get Its First Snowfall

I know, I know. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that we were talking about heat indexes and temperatures in the middle 90s.

Now we're talking about snow.

That's Northern Illinois for you.

The Farmers' Almanac has put together its annual look at when the first measurable snowfall typically arrives around the country, and if you're wondering when we should expect those first flakes here in Northern Illinois, the answer is...sooner than you may think.

snow covers cars parked on road side

The Farmers' Almanac Isn't Exactly Circling An Exact Date On The Calendar

The Almanac's first-snowfall map puts much of the Great Lakes region in the November category. That doesn't mean you should put an X on a specific day on the calendar just yet. It's a broad look at when the first measurable snow typically arrives, not a prediction for one particular snowstorm.

And there's an important distinction here.

We're talking about measurable snow, which generally means at least 0.1 inch. You could see a few flakes floating around Northern Illinois in October that melt as soon as they hit the ground and still technically be waiting for our first measurable snowfall.

Of course, November in Northern Illinois can mean just about anything. We can have 60-degree afternoons, cold rain, a few snowflakes, or a legitimate snowstorm, sometimes within the same week. We've even had blizzards on Halloween around here.

brown wooden fence filled with snow during winter

Here's What They Say About Winter In Northern Illinois In 2026-2027 Overall

The Farmers' Almanac's broader winter outlook calls for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes to see quick-moving snow systems, sudden cold snaps and brief snowy periods, interrupted by milder stretches. In other words, pretty much the kind of winter weather we're used to having around here.

And here's a little Farmers' Almanac trivia:

There was actually a point when it looked like the publication might be disappearing after more than 200 years. The company announced that its 2026 edition would be its final one, citing financial pressures and changes in the media business.

But then came a change of ownership, and the Farmers' Almanac survived. The publication is now celebrating its 210th edition with the 2027 Farmers' Almanac.

So, no, the Almanac isn't going away after all.

But the snow?

Yeah, that's coming.

And according to the Almanac, Northern Illinois should start watching the calendar once November rolls around.