So You Want to Know About Snowmageddon in Illinois? Not Quite.
Ah, Illinois. The Land of Lincoln, deep-dish pizza, and...surprise, surprise...snow! But how much of the white fluffy stuff can you expect on average? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the fascinating (or perhaps frustrating, depending on your stance on shoveling) world of Illinois snowfall.
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| What is The Average Snowfall In Illinois |
The Great Snow Divide: North vs. South
Illinois is a state with a bit of a split personality when it comes to snowflakes. Up north, by Lake Michigan, winter wonderlands are practically guaranteed. Chicago, for example, boasts an average of over 38 inches of snowfall a year. That's enough to build a respectable snowman (or a terrifying snow army, if you're feeling particularly ambitious).
Head down south, however, and things get a little less frosty. The southern tip of the state averages a measly 14 inches of snowfall annually. That's more like a dusting of powdered sugar than a full-blown blizzard.
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Basically, the closer you are to Lake Michigan, the more likely you are to be BFFs with a snowblower.
Don't Be Fooled by Averages: The Tale of Two Winters
But here's the thing about averages: they don't tell the whole story. Some winters in Illinois can be downright brutal, dumping feet of snow and leaving you wondering if spring will ever come. Others leave you scratching your head, wondering where all the snow went.
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For instance, the winter of 1978-1979 in Chicago was a real snowpocalypse, blanketing the city with over 89 inches of the white stuff. On the other hand, 2017 and 2023 were wimpy winters, barely reaching double digits in snowfall.
So, the amount of snow you get in Illinois can be a bit of a crapshoot. But hey, that just adds to the excitement (or dread, depending on your perspective) of winter, right?
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How to Prepare for Winter in Illinois (Regardless of How Much Snow Actually Falls)
- Invest in a good pair of boots. Because let's face it, even a minor snowfall can turn sidewalks into ice rinks.
- Buddy up with a neighbor who owns a snowblower. Especially if you live in the north. Friendship is all about give and take, right?
- Stock up on hot cocoa and fuzzy socks. Because even if the snow doesn't come, you can still pretend it did.
Frequently Asked Snowfall Questions in Illinois:
How to build a snowman? Simple! Roll a bunch of snow into three big balls, stack them biggest to smallest, and add some fun accessories like a hat, carrot nose, and maybe a sassy scarf.
How to shovel snow? Lift with your legs, not your back! And maybe take breaks to admire your winter wonderland (or curse the fact that you have to shovel it all).
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
How to make a snow angel? Lie down in the snow, spread your arms and legs out wide, then make sweeping motions with your arms and legs to create a beautiful snow angel. Bonus points for artistic flair!
How to survive a snow day? Hot chocolate, movies, board games, and absolutely zero pants-wearing are all highly recommended.
How to convince yourself that winter isn't so bad? Focus on the beauty of a fresh snowfall, the joy of cozy nights by the fireplace, and the excuse to eat copious amounts of comfort food. You got this!
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