ILLINOIS — Illinois could still experience additional measurable snowfall before the arrival of spring, based on winter 2026 weather patterns and long-established climatological data, according to the National Weather Service.
February remains a core winter month across Illinois, and historical records show that measurable snow commonly occurs statewide during late winter. Northern and central Illinois, in particular, frequently record snow events in February and occasionally into early March. Even southern Illinois, which typically sees fewer snowfalls, has documented measurable snow late in the season during years with recurring cold air intrusions.
During the winter of 2026, weather patterns have featured periodic surges of cold air moving south out of Canada into the Midwest, along with an active storm track across the central United States. When storm systems pass through Illinois while surface temperatures remain near or below freezing, precipitation can fall as snow rather than rain. These setups are consistent with late-season snow events observed in past winters.
Illinois’ proximity to the Great Lakes also plays a role, particularly in northern counties. Cold northwest flow behind departing storm systems can support lake-enhanced snowfall, which has historically produced measurable accumulations even as seasonal daylight increases.
While average temperatures gradually trend upward as spring approaches, climatological data confirm that winter weather remains possible in Illinois through late February and into early March. As a result, additional measurable snowfall remains meteorologically possible before sustained spring conditions become established across the state.
