White Christmas On Way For Illinois, Almanacs Predict

ILLINOIS — A white Christmas might not be a pipe dream this year. Early forecasts from the two most famous long-range weather predictors are in agreement — the holiday season is going to be snowy.

The Farmers' Almanac and the Old Farmer's Almanac — yes, they're two separate organizations — both see snow hitting Illinois from Dec. 24 through the end of the month. That means even more of the white stuff after Illinois' November blizzard, which brought the fifth-largest November snowfall totals in state history.

Illinois Blizzard: Snowfall Totals

"Have yourself a messy little Christmas," said the Farmers' Almanac, predicting a "wintry mix as mild air from the South overruns cold air from the North." Meanwhile, the Old Farmer's Almanac agreed, calling for "snow showers, cold" from Dec. 24 through New Year's Eve.

The Old Farmer's Almanac has been forecasting the weather since 1792 and was founded by Robert B. Thomas, who lived in Maine. The Farmers' Almanac was founded In New Hampshire by David Young in 1818.

Both use secret formulas to predict the weather that they keep closely guarded.

For more traditionally scientific forecasters — such as the government's National Weather Service — accurate predictions can't be made nearly a month in advance.

By Adam Nichols, Patch Staff

(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)