**Comparing January Snowfall in Chicago: A Look at This Year’s Forecast**
The city of Chicago is gearing up for some snowfall on Wednesday, sparking questions about how this year’s snow accumulation measures up to typical January standards in the Windy City.
**Snowfall Forecast for Wednesday**
The NBC 5 Storm Team has predicted that flurries will start Wednesday morning, gradually intensifying throughout the afternoon and evening hours. Despite bone-chilling temperatures on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday is expected to see a slight climb, reaching highs in the low-to-mid 20s, as per forecast models. The snow is projected to subside early Thursday morning after leaving behind some accumulation in the area. Anticipated snowfall ranges from half an inch to two inches, with the possibility of light, fluffy snow affecting visibility during Wednesday’s afternoon commute.
**Comparing This Year’s Snowfall to Historical Averages**
The National Weather Service reports that on average, Chicago receives 11.3 inches of snow in January, making it the snowiest month of the year in the city. However, this year’s snowfall is significantly below that benchmark, with only 3.9 inches reported at O’Hare International Airport. This figure pales in comparison to the 16.1 inches logged in January 2024, according to historical NWS data. If current snowfall rates persist, January 2022 could mark the lowest snowfall total since a mere 0.6 inches in January 2017.
**Noteworthy Historical Snowfall Records**
For snow enthusiasts reminiscing about snowy winters past, the snowiest January in Chicago dates back to 1918, when a whopping 42.2 inches blanketed the city. In more recent times, the winter of 2014 left a mark with 33.7 inches of snowfall. While January may be falling short of snowfall expectations this year, hope remains for snow lovers as February typically sees an average of 10.7 inches of snow in Chicago since records began in 1871.
**Humanizing Touch: A Snowy Tale**
As a Chicago native, I vividly recall the excitement that snowfall brings to the city, transforming its familiar landscape into a winter wonderland. The muffled sounds of laughter and joy echoing through the snowy streets evoke a sense of community and warmth, even in the midst of freezing temperatures. Despite the anticipation for more snow this January, the memories of past snowy winters in Chicago serve as a reminder of the beauty and magic that each snowflake carries, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that bind us together in the chill of winter.
