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Winter Storms in the South vs. Chicago: A Surprising Comparison

A winter storm has wreaked havoc in the southern United States, setting snowfall records in unlikely places like New Orleans, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama. The snow levels reached unprecedented heights, leaving locals in awe at the winter wonderland that enveloped their usual sunny states. But how does this snowfall compare to a city known for its harsh winters and snow-covered streets – Chicago?

Record-Breaking Snowfall in the South

On Tuesday, New Orleans witnessed an astonishing 10 inches of snowfall, shattering its previous record set in 1963. Florida wasn’t far behind, with Pensacola receiving 5 inches of snow, surpassing its state record since 1954. Mobile, Alabama, also saw a significant snowfall of 5.4 inches, nearing its all-time record from the late 1800s. These numbers are unprecedented for regions not accustomed to heavy snowfall.

Chicago’s Winter Snowfall Levels

Contrastingly, Chicago, a city known for its brutal winters, has seen a surprisingly mild snow season this year. The city typically averages 11.3 inches of snow in January, but this year, O’Hare International Airport has only reported 3.9 inches of snow. This is a stark difference from the 16.1 inches recorded in January 2024, highlighting the unusually low snowfall levels this season.

Chicago’s Snowfall History

To put things into perspective, the snowiest January in Chicago was back in 1918 when the city witnessed a whopping 42.2 inches of snow. However, if the current snowfall trend continues, January 2022 might see the lowest snowfall levels since 2017 when only 0.6 inches of snow fell. Despite scattered snow showers reported in Chicago recently, the city is far from reaching the snow levels seen in the southern states.

The stark difference in snowfall levels between the southern U.S. and Chicago this winter highlights the unpredictable nature of weather patterns. While some are enjoying an unexpected winter wonderland in the south, others in the Windy City are left wondering when the real winter will arrive. Will the snowfall in Chicago pick up, or will the south continue to steal the spotlight this season? Only time will tell.