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Illinois Snowfall: November 2025 Set 2 Records Before Winter
Chicago, IL – November 2026 is just days away, and Chicago has an unusual snowfall history to look back on. Last November, two separate dates were marked by daily snowfall records at O'Hare Internatio
By Wesley Grant · 2026-10-24T09:21:18.883Z
Chicago, IL – November 2026 is just days away, and Chicago has an unusual snowfall history to look back on. Last November, two separate dates were marked by daily snowfall records at O'Hare International Airport, including one late month snowfall that accounted for most of the month's accumulation. Could this November bring another round of record setting snow?
According to the National Weather Service's November 2025 climate records for Chicago O'Hare, daily snowfall records were marked on November 10 and November 29. The city finished the month with 10.4 inches of snow, illustrating how quickly winter conditions can develop before December arrives.
Two November Dates Stand Out The first record came November 10, 2025, when O'Hare recorded 1.2 inches of snowfall.
That amount may not sound particularly dramatic for Chicago, but daily snowfall records are measured against historical observations for a specific calendar date, rather than the entire month.
The more significant event came November 29.
O'Hare recorded 8.4 inches of snowfall that day, according to the NWS daily snowfall chart.
That single day accounted for approximately 81% of Chicago's total November 2025 snowfall.
Combined, the two record setting dates produced 9.6 inches, representing more than 92% of the month's reported snowfall.
The figures show how a relatively small number of winter weather events can dramatically influence an entire month's snowfall statistics.
What Made November 2025 Interesting? Chicago's average temperature for November 2025 was 42.4 degrees, despite the substantial snowfall recorded during the month.
That contrast highlights an important feature of late autumn weather in northern Illinois.
Temperatures can remain relatively mild for extended periods before a colder weather system creates conditions favorable for accumulating snow.
The November 2025 records also demonstrate why monthly temperature averages alone cannot determine whether a particular month will produce significant snowfall.
A few colder days with sufficient moisture can produce substantial accumulation, even when much of the month is comparatively mild.
How Many Snowfall Records Could November 2026 Bring? With November 2026 approaching, the question is whether Chicago will experience another month featuring daily snowfall records.
There is no reliable way to determine that number in advance.
Daily snowfall records depend on the amount of snow measured on individual dates compared with historical records for those same dates.
November 2025's two record setting dates do not mean November 2026 is more likely to produce two additional records.
Instead, the previous year's weather provides an example of how unpredictable the transition into winter can be.
Residents should watch upcoming National Weather Service forecasts for changes in temperatures, precipitation and potential early season snowfall.
Last November demonstrated that even one significant snowfall event can transform a month's weather statistics.
As Chicago prepares for November 2026, will the city experience another record setting snowfall, or will this November be considerably quieter?