Farmers’ Almanac predicts a snowy winter for Illinois

ILLINOIS — Illinois residents should prepare for a traditional Midwestern winter, according to the 2025–2026 Farmers’ Almanac forecast.

The publication, now in its 209th edition, predicts a season marked by cycles of cold, snow, and brief warm spells, summed up in its forecast slogan: “Chill, Snow, Repeat.”

For the Great Lakes and Midwest region, which includes Illinois, the Almanac expects below-average temperatures with repeated cold snaps in late December, mid-January, and mid-February. Along with the frigid air, northern parts of the state, including the Chicago area, could see frequent snowfalls and storms, creating what the forecast describes as a “classic winter wonderland.”

The Almanac also suggests that winter weather could begin earlier than the official solstice on December 21. In some northern U.S. regions, snow and cold may arrive as early as September, potentially signaling an early start to the season for Illinois as well.

The forecast is based on a long-standing formula that factors in solar activity, planetary positions, and other astronomical data.

While the Almanac’s editors claim an accuracy rate of 80 to 85 percent, independent scientific studies have found its predictions to be closer to 50 percent.

Despite questions about its reliability, the Farmers’ Almanac remains a popular seasonal guide. If its outlook proves true, Illinois residents should prepare for a winter filled with persistent cold, repeated snowfalls, and a few brief warm-ups before conditions swing back to freezing again.