How our 2022-23 seasonal snowfall compares with previous winters – Chicago Tribune

Sledding, snowman-building and other outdoor activities were paused in the Chicago area this winter because a key ingredient was missing — snow.

With a La Nina climate system in effect, though, Chicago has been warmer than average — which means snow has been scarce.

[ Tom Skilling Q&A: WGN-TV’s chief meteorologist on ‘barbaric’ cold and snowy weather from the city’s past ]

So, could we make up for the snow deficit we are currently experiencing? Stay tuned — we will be tracking it.

In Chicago, snow seasons are tracked from July through the following June. The area normally can expect 38.4 inches, according to the National Weather Service. The most snow Chicago has ever received in one season is 89.7 inches during 1978-79. The least — 9.8 inches — occurred in 1920-21.

Here’s a look back at how our current snowfall compares with previous seasons.

Data is updated as of March 19, 2023.

[ Chicago weather: When to expect the last freeze and snow of spring ]