'Brace yourself': Wet, snowy weather in forecast for central Illinois this winter
Warm sweaters and wool socks are in the forecast as a frosty, wet autumn and a cold, wet and white winter are expected for Illinois and environs.
The Farmers' Almanac has released its latest weather predictions, and they're heavy on alliteration.
The almanac's national outlooks include a "frosty fall forecast" followed by a "wet, winter, whirlwind."
What's the Illinois 2024 autumn forecast?
"Fall will be frosty and wet in the Great Lakes, Midwest region while the temperatures in the North Central region may be downright frigid, with lots of fall flakes and rain," writes the almanac.
Illinois is part of the almanac's Great Lakes, Ohio Valley & Midwest zone and borders on the North Central region.
One notable event predicted in the Farmers’ Almanac Extended Fall Forecast 2024:
Nov. 8-11: An early-season heavy snowfall is expected across the North Central states. Presumably, this could cross into Illinois.
Fall officially begins on Sunday, Sept. 22.
Related: Here's what the Old Farmer's Almanac predicts for fall weather in Illinois this year
What is the 2024 winter forecast for Illinois?
"Brace yourself for a Wet Winter Whirlwind!" the almanac rather breathlessly writes in its Winter 2025 Extended Weather Forecast.
The almanac expects an overall "season of rapid-fire storms that will bring both rain and snow, with little downtime in between." The Farmers' Almanac anticipates "the winter of 2024-25 will be wet and cold for most locations" in the United States.
For Illinois and the rest of the almanac's Great Lakes, Ohio Valley & Midwest zone, the forecast calls for the aforementioned cold, wet and white winter. The neighboring North Central region is expected to see a "cold, average snowfall" winter.
Indeed, the almanac writes, "The season’s coldest temperatures will be found from the Northern Plains to the Great Lakes region." It adds, "The coldest outbreak of the season will come during the final week of January into the beginning of February, when frigid Arctic air brings a sharp plunge in temperatures almost nationwide, but especially across the Northern Plains." And, potentially, the bordering Illinois region.
Above-average precipitation is predicted for the eastern third of the country, especially the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Midwest.
Winter officially begins on Saturday, Dec. 21.
When is the first snowfall in Peoria?
According to the National Weather Service, Peoria recorded the earliest measurable snowfall — defined as one-tenth of an inch or more — on Oct. 18, 1972. The average date of the first measurable snowfall is Nov. 22.
About the Farmers' Almanac
The Farmers' Almanac, which dates to 1818, says its long-range forecast is based on a "mathematical and astronomical" formula that incorporates "sunspot activity, tidal action of the Moon, positions of the planets" and more. It denies the use of computer satellite tracking equipment, weather lore or, rather defensively, groundhogs.
It adds, "Fans of the Almanac say our weather forecasts are accurate 80-85% of the time."
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Winter 2024 forecast expected to be wet and snowy for Illinois
