# Milder Chicago Winter Expected

> Strong El Niño may bring warmer temperatures to Chicago this winter.
- Title: Milder Chicago Winter Expected · Chicago Sun-Times | Shortify
- Summary: Strong El Niño may bring warmer temperatures to Chicago this winter. A historically strong El Niño could make Chicago's winter milder with 50-60% chance of…
- Keywords: el nino, chicago, winter, weather, national weather service, temperature, snowfall, news, local, Milder, Expected, Chicago Sun-Times
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026/10/15/a-historically-strong-el-nino-is-expected-to-make-for-a-milder-chicago-winter
- Published: 2026-10-16T00:08:13.534+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: el nino, chicago, winter, weather, national weather service, temperature, snowfall, news, local
## El Niño Winter Outlook
The National Weather Service predicts a milder winter for Chicago this year due to a strong El Niño.
## Historically Strong Event
This El Niño could rival the 1982-83 event that raised winter temperatures by 5 to 7 degrees and reduced snowfall by 25% to 50%.
## El Niño Characteristics
An El Niño occurs when abnormally warm Pacific water temperatures cause global weather changes, including warmer northern North America temperatures.
## Frequency and Duration
El Niños typically occur every two to seven years, with the last one running into 2024 and this one potentially extending into March 2027.
## Temperature Expectations
Chicago has a 50% to 60% chance of above-normal winter temperatures, though cold snaps and snowstorms are still expected.
## Jet Stream Impact
The stronger jet stream will limit polar air, reducing the likelihood of severe cold events from polar vortexes.
## Historical Comparison
This El Niño may be the strongest since 1950, matching the impact of the 1982-83 event on Chicago's winter.
## Meteorologist's View
Kevin Doom, a National Weather Service meteorologist, says this El Niño will likely bring warmer temperatures but not eliminate cold snaps.
## Weather Service Confidence
The National Weather Service states this El Niño is the strongest in recent memory, with high confidence in warmer winter temperatures for Chicago.
## Key takeaway

A historically strong El Niño could make Chicago's winter milder with 50-60% chance of above-normal temperatures.