Dear Tom,
Easter comes early this year, increasing the odds for wintry weather. How often has it snowed on Easter?
— Wayne M., Lake Zurich
Dear Wayne,
Easter can fall as early as March 22 or as late as April 25, and as all possible dates fall well within the tail end of a typical Chicago snow season, snowfall on the holiday is not all that unusual. Dating to 1871, the city has logged at least a trace of snow on Easter Sunday 22 times, most recently some flurries in 2007. While most Easter snowfalls have been quite light, the holiday has hosted a few memorable snowstorms. The biggest occurred March 29, 1964, when 7.1 inches blasted the city, creating near whiteout conditions.
Other snowy Easters include 6.4 inches on April 4, 1920, and 1.5 inches on March 30, 1902. Chicago’s last measurable Easter snowfall was 0.6 inches on March 31, 1991.
