What Date Should We Expect Quad Cities First Snowfall Of The Season

It doesn't feel like December 1st in the Quad Cities.  We are going to hit 56 today, 60 on December 2, and 56 on December 3.  While those are not record high temps (63, 65, 69 respectively) we certainly won't be seeing any measurable snow anytime soon.

The lowest morning temp according to the 14 day forecast on the Weather Channel right now is a 21-degree morning on December 8.  But, there is no chance of precipitation. We might get some rain, and of course the dreaded rain/ice/sleet crap but no real snow coming yet.  So it doesn't look like we'll be getting any snow soon.

When was the earliest measurable snow in the Quad Cities?

1972.  That was the year the Quad Cities saw its earliest measurable snow.  In 1972, we had measurable snow on October 18.  Clearly beating that record has come and gone.

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When was the latest measurable snow in the Quad Cities?

Could we beat a record for the latest we've ever had measurable snow? That one took place on January 4, 1913.  Does anybody remember that one?  No.  Ok, just checking.  Our average first measurable snow is actually November 22.  While we've seen some flakes already this year, we haven't had what would be considered measurable.  So we are past the average.

Will we have a white Christmas in the Quad Cities?

With these kinds of numbers, you might be thinking "will we have a white Christmas in the Quad Cities?".  According to the National Weather Service, we historically have about a 43% chance.  From 1981 to 2010 (29 years) only 13 of them were a white Christmas for the Quad Cities.  Based on the graphic below from the NWS, if you want a guarantee at snow on Christmas morning, keep driving north.

If you want to weather out on a lot more snow stats you can check them out on the National Weather Service website here.