If you like cold weather, you will love the Farmers' Almanac's prediction of a "classic winter wonderland" for Illinois.
If you don't like cold winters, perhaps the rival Old Farmer's Almanac's winter prediction will be more to your taste.
Here's how their forecasts compare. The first day of winter is Thursday, Dec. 21, 2025.
The Farmers' Almanac winter prediction for Illinois
Illinois can expect a "very cold, snowy" season, according to the Farmers' Almanac's 2025-2026 Winter Weather Forecast, which projects that Illinois will be at the heart of "widespread wintry weather."
"Grab your warmest coat and boots!" advise the farmers, who foresee a "wild ride" of dramatic swings this winter. "Chill, snow, repeat" is the overall outlook.
After a first snowfall in October, the almanac says, more is in store for the Great Lakes region, where Illinois will also feel some of the season's coldest temperatures.
The Old Farmer's Almanac winter weather prediction for Illinois
The Old Farmer's Almanac's 2025-2026 U.S. Winter Weather Forecast paints a different picture for the Prairie State.
Although the prediction calls for a chilly winter "with snowier spells mostly to the east," in southern Illinois, the rest of the state should expect a "milder" or "warmer than normal" winter with light or below average precipitation.
When is the first snowfall in Peoria?
According to National Weather Service data, Peoria recorded its earliest measurable snowfall -- defined as one-tenth of an inch or more -- on Sept. 25, 1942. The average date of the first measurable snowfall is Nov. 25 for the period from 1991-2020.
About the rival almanacs
The Farmers' Almanac, which dates to 1818, says its long-range forecast is based on a "mathematical and astronomical" formula that incorporates "sunspot activity, tidal action of the Moon, positions of the planets" and more. It denies the use of computer satellite tracking equipment, weather lore or, rather defensively, groundhogs. It adds, "Fans of the Almanac say our weather forecasts are accurate 80-85% of the time."
The Old Farmer's Almanac claims 80% accuracy in its long-range predictions. It says it employs solar science, climatology and meteorology in its seasonal forecasts. The almanac dates to 1792.