There will be no white Christmas this year, sorry snowbirds!
Despite experiencing a handful of flurries over the last month, Chicago has still not recorded its first measurable snowfall. ‘Measurable snowfall’ is at least one-tenth of an inch in a single day which, as of yet, Chicago is yet to see this season.
According to National Weather Service, the previous latest first measurable snow on record was December 20th set back in 2012. After yesterday’s absence of snow, the 2021-22 season has surpassed that record and it means that this year will have the latest first measurable snowfall since records began in 1909.
(1/2) At 12AM CST tonight, with still no measurable snow for the season, the 2021-22 snow season will officially have the latest first measurable snowfall on record in #Chicago (whenever it finally occurs). Previous latest first measurable snow was 12/20/2012. #ilwx
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) December 21, 2021
The majority of extended forecast models are also reporting that Chicago isn’t expected to receive any snow for at least the next 10 days which means that we may not experience the first snowfall of the season until 2022.
The last measurable snowfall in Chicago this year occurred on March 15 which means it has now been over nine months without recording snowfall of one-tenth of an inch or more.
Generally cool and dry conditions are expected through midweek before another round of anomalously warm temperatures move in by Christmas Eve along with a chance for rain. Those wishing for a White Christmas will unfortunately have to wait at least another year. 🎄⛄️#ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/ehyXaIHk8R
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) December 19, 2021
According to Illinois State climatologist Dr. Trent Ford, there is an evident decreasing trend in December snowfall.
“What we’ve seen is, without a doubt, winter temperatures are increasing across Chicago over the last 100 years or so but what that has done is it has created a shift in the seasonality of snowfall. So what we’ve seen over the last 100 years is a significant decreasing trend in December snowfall because we’re getting many more days in December where that temperature just isn’t cold enough to produce snow.”
More information can be found via the National Weather Service Chicago Twitter page.
[Featured image from Shutterstock]