michsnowfreak

Chicago's 1961-90 normals, which was the coldest 30 year period on record in chicago, are 2ﾟcolder than 1991-2020, at least using the raw data, not 4°. Regardless, after a snowy Thanksgivimg weekend here December was trash. Here's hoping the long range models are right for a wintry January.

I disagree 100%. January is our coldest month of the year, with Feb close behind. Seeing a sea of blue over us is not necessary (even though that IS what all models/ensembles show as we get into early-mid January and beyond). Being north but in the battleground with unusually cold air in the already cold north and unusually warm air in the already warm south is just asking for lots of snowstorm potential.

The mid 80s were actually pretty good winters here however no memorable storms.

January is looking awesome. Extreme cold to the North and warmth to the south and we are right in the battleground full of precip. I mean...yes models suck...but certainly can't ask for a better look as we head into the depths of winter.

January 1999 was epic and March 1999 had a good run too. The Winters of 1992-93 & 1993-94 were pretty good. Otherwise, a bunch of forgetful winters.

Actually they only beat Detroit by 3.9" last year. And we both had excellent February's, there's was just epic. Since Detroit averages about 7" or so more than Chicago, Detroit will usually beat them. In the past 20 years, Chicago has won the snow race just 6 times (2003-04, 2006-07, 2009-10, 2014-15, 2018-19, 2020-21).

For the most part, they sucked for sure lol

We actually have had a handful of perfectly timed snowstorms over the past few decades. Dec 24/25, 2002: 6.8" Dec 24/25. 2003: 3.3" Dec 22/23, 2004: 8.5" Dec 24/25, 2017: 5.5" Dec 24/25, 2020: 3.6"

Which is why I said a tall order, not impossible lol. Although even under your scenario, your big dog would have to drop 18" of snow at Chicago, 0 at Detroit, and the remainder of the season would still have to have the 2 see the same amount of additional snowfall.

Yeah, no doubt Chicago will rebound but it will be a tall order for them to get 18+ inches more snow than Detroit from now through the rest of the season.

Just a random tidbit to the Chicago snowless. The record for latest 1st measurable snowfall at Detroit is actually December 29, 1998. (I had 2 small 0.1" dustings in mid December, but DTW only had a trace). It broke the previous 1948 record by 10 days. Four days later...

No, but he recorded White Christmas on a sweltering summer day in 1942.

Light dusting of snow last night. Cold wintry day today with slate gray skies and temps hovering in the upper 20s. Nov 6.6", Dec 0.6" (mby) Nov 7.1", Dec 0.7" (DTW)

Decided to look up a few Chicago stats as well concerning snow cover. The following are the latest dates of the first obs time 1"+ snow depth. Feb 3 2013 Jan 16 2002 Jan 15 1937 Jan 8 1944 Jan 7 1940 Jan 7 1913 Jan 4 2015 Jan 2 1987

Got the kitchen sink here but only a trace of snow sleet accumulation. Wasn't really expecting much but had hoped for at least some white. Season sits at 7.1", of which 6.6" fell in Nov. DTW is at 7.7", of which 7.1" fell in Nov. Still plenty of December left, especially with a post Christmas pattern change looming, but if we end up with more snow in November than December, that will be the 5th time in the past 8 years that has happened.

Detroit officially has had 8 days this season with measurable snow (6 in Nov, 2 in Dec).

Wow those pics are insane. So sad

As beavis noted it was started in September, and at this point, it is mainly the "Winter short/medium range discussion" thread that is used for pattern discussions.

Many La Nina winters are notorious for extreme roller coasters.

Lol I wouldn't say it's going to be hot and dusty.

Lol nah id give everyone snow...just me the most. Again just to clarify I was merely pointing out that the fact that Chicago has not seen ANY measurable snow is more flukey than anything. Locally, it's been an odd potion lately of snowy November's, blahh December's, and snowbelt February's

Oh I agree. I was using it as an example. It's a bit fluky that Chicago has not seen 0.1" of snow yet when place is much further south have, but I don't feel it's cause for worry.

Detroit, similar climate to Chicago, is more than double average snowfall to date. And how many unusually early and late season snowfalls has this region seen in recent years? There is nothing pointing towards a late first measurable snow being the new norm for Chicago anymore than their recent Halloween snowstorm being a new norm.

I forgot to mention so I'll mention now. Both the November 27th snowstorm and the December 5th rainstorm far exceeded forecast qpf locally. I am not just referring to a placement of a convective band or something, the systems turned out much more precipitation than was forecast. I bring it up because I figure this may be something to watch this Winter for some snowy surprises. The 4" Nov 27 snowfall saw 0.42" of liquid when all model QPF ranged from 0.1 to 0.25". As I recall modeled QPF for the rain on the 5th was between 0.25 and 0.5 but we ended up a 0.71".

Had some blinding cellular snow squalls dot the area yesterday. Near white outs, then sun. I picked up 0.4" on the day, 7.1" on the season. DTW had 0.2", with 7.6" on the season. Missed a very hvy squall about 3 miles to my south in the evening, but it's nice to see the lakes churning again.