The NWS Climate Prediction Center released their latest seasonal forecasts today. Here are the results for Illinois. The biggest news is that Illinois has an increased chance of above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation for the winter months of December, January, and February. This forecast is based largely on the developing El Niño in the Pacific Ocean.
While the forecast of a milder winter may sound appealing, I would not leave the winter coat in the closet and throw away the snow shovel just yet. Two things to consider are: 1) this is not a 100% guarantee, other factors come into play in determining our winter weather, and 2) even a mild winter can contain short periods of intense cold and abundant snowfall.
More on the seasonal forecast
- Increased chance of below-average temperatures in September.
- Equal chances of above, below, and near-average temperatures and precipitation for the fall months of September, October, and November. In other words, there is not much to say for fall in Illinois.
- Equal chances of above, below, and near-average temperatures and precipitation for the spring months of March, April, and May.
Click on each figure to enlarge.
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