Is a ‘Warmer Than Normal’ Spring Ahead for Illinois?

If warm weather adventures occupy every one of your daydreams right now, I might have some good news about Spring 2024 in Illinois to share!

Illinois Winter Blues

It hasn't even been a full month of winter yet in Illinois, but many are already dreaming of spring, and I don't blame them one bit.

In general, I prefer to be cold over hot, but the snow, ice, and frigid temperatures that Illinois has been treated to lately are too much, even for me.

I have often found myself standing at the back window looking at our snow covered deck and pool wishing that I was out there soaking up some warm sunshine, and signs are looking good for that actually happening sooner than we think!

Spring 2024 Predictions for Illinois

When it comes to early spring weather predictions there are a few popular places to look; a rodent that may or may not see its shadow when it emerges from its hibernation hole, the Farmers' Almanac, or the Old Farmer's Almanac. (Yes, they are two different things.)

Since I don't put much value into a rodent seeing a shadow, I lean more to what people who actually work the land think the weather could bring to Illinois.

Farmers' Almanac Predictions for Spring 2024 in Illinois

Let's start with the less favorable Spring 2024 predictions for Illinois, which happens to come from the Farmers' Almanac.

They have named Spring 2024 for the entire United States "Polar Coaster Spring", and yes, it's as bad as it sounds...

We’re heading for a “Polar Coaster Spring.” Farmers’ Almanac long range weather forecast calls for many days of cold temperatures. That’s right, “The BRRR is Back” … and it may stay a while!

Officially, Farmers' Almanac has Illinois and Wisconsin labeled as "Cool and Unsettled", so that can't be good.

Old Farmer's Almanac Predictions for Spring 2024 in Illinois

What the Old Farmer's Almanac says is in store for Illinois this Spring is more appealing, in my humble opinion;

Spring as a whole has the potential to be warmer than normal across much of the U.S.

You're now probably thinking, "Yes! I'll take it!", but wait...there's an exception.

The Old Farmer's Almanac also says;

Expect below-normal temperatures in parts of the Upper Midwest, parts of Texas and Oklahoma, and the Intermountain region.

Is Illinois considered a part of the Upper Midwest in this prediction?!? I guess we'll just have to wait until March 19, 2024,(the first official day of Spring), to find out.

Stay warm, my friends!