Science & Nature

Snowiest Start to Winter in Chicago in Nearly 50 Years

If it seems like this winter is off to a snowy start in Chicago, that’s because there hasn’t been this much accumulation this early in the season for nearly 50 years.

With 4.8 inches tallied at O’Hare Airport over the weekend, the city’s total for the 2025-26 snowfall season stands already at 17.1. That’s almost as much as Chicago notched in all of 2024-25 — when 17.6 inches fell — and the traditionally snowiest months still lie ahead.  

According to the National Weather Service, it’s been the quickest start to snowfall season in Chicago since 1978, when 24.1 inches had fallen by December 7.

This week’s forecast includes the potential to add to the total, depending on whether a “clipper system” from Canada swings north of the Chicago region.

Keep those shovels and snow blowers handy.

Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]

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