Snow may not be the biggest winter worry for Peoria. What the official forecast predicts
PEORIA — Forecasters are predicting a mild, wet winter in central Illinois.
Higher-than-usual temperatures could translate into less snow accumulation, but they could also lead to more ice.
“We actually have a moderate La Nina expected this winter, which could bring some more precipitation than normal. With the warmer temperatures that come with that, it could be more rain than snow,” said Ryan Knutsvig, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Lincoln. "Unfortunately, it could be freezing rain as well."
La Nina is a colder climate pattern caused by winds over the Pacific Ocean that bring cooler water to the surface, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Milder La Nina years bring less cold weather to the Midwest than strong ones.
"The freezing rain potential will exist, and with above normal precipitation, that could be enhanced as well. It really depends on how cold the cold snaps are when the snow comes,” Knutsvig added.
Farmers' Almanac to Peoria: Brace yourself for a chilly winter and 3 blizzards
Dueling forecasts for winter weather
According to information from the winter-weather projection on the National Weather Service website, there is a 30% to 40% chance that temperatures will be above normal, and a 40% to 50% chance that precipitation levels will also be above normal through March.
The prediction differs slightly from the annual Farmers' Almanac prediction, issued months beforehand and relying on a 203-year-old proprietary methodology.
It called for an average year, snow-wise, for the region and "well below normal" temperatures in the area, particularly in February.
What's normal for a Peoria winter?
Peoria normally sees a temperature range of 23.2 to 38.5 degrees and 6.2 inches of snow in December. In January, temperatures dip to an average low of 17.6 to 33.6, with 7.7 inches of snow. In February, temperatures start to warm, with averages ranging from 21.4 to 38.7 and 6.9 inches of snow. And the warming trend continues into March, with average temperatures ranging from 31 to 51 degrees, and 3.3 inches of snow.
Planning for snow: COVID is still affecting Peoria's winter snowplow plan. What to expect once the snow falls
Last year, Peoria saw 25.3 inches of snow, and 35.9 the year before. Records were broken in 2010-2011 with 52.5 inches of snow, and the 1965-1966/1994-1995 winter seasons are tied for the least amount of snow in Peoria, 7.8 inches.
Leslie Renken can be reached at (309) 370-5087 or lrenken@pjstar.com. Follow her on Facebook.com/leslie.renken.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria weather: National Weather Service gives winter forecast warning
