National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

Active spring pattern across the center of our nation with several episodes of severe weather and heavy rainfall expected into next week. The potential for very large hail, long track tornadoes, severe wind gusts, frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and flash flooding are in the outlook. Furthermore, dangerous early season heat wave continues for the Gulf Coast states into early next week. Read More >

 

Across Illinois, there is normally a wide range in White Christmas chances. A White Christmas is defined as having at least 1 inch of snow on the ground Christmas morning. As one might expect, chances increase the further north you go across the state. Across the northern third of the state, odds are generally in the 40-60% range, with 20-30% in central Illinois, and less than 20% in the southern parts of the state. An interactive map is available at the following link:

https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/interactive-map-are-you-dreaming-white-christmas

 

Climatological odds of a White Christmas

Specific Christmas Day climate statistics are available for Peoria and Springfield

Christmas Day climate statistics for Peoria and Springfield