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James19991 t1_j6ixhwv wrote

At least according to the NWS averages, Chicago is noticeably colder in the winter, but annual snowfall between the two cities annually is actually slightly higher in Pittsburgh.

The averages also show that Pittsburgh is actually cooler than Chicago from June through October as well. I guess they're more prone to getting the heat and humidity from the Great Plains and Gulf of Mexico then we are at the foothills of the Appalachians.

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CARLEtheCamry t1_j6l546z wrote

> but annual snowfall between the two cities annually is actually slightly higher in Pittsburgh.

Statistically, but I'm willing to bet that Chicago snow sticks around a lot longer too. Like snow on the ground all winter, vs 6" here and it rains 3 days later here.

Also the Great Lakes act as a heat ballast, causing warmer falls and early winter and cooler springs into the summer. I grew up in Erie so not Chicago, but I can say the change of seasons right on Lake Erie is a lot less tumultuous and once the winter coat is out, it's staying out.

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James19991 t1_j6llixj wrote

Yeah though they might get a little less, they are definitely less prone to that 45 to 50 degree day in January than we are that can melt everything quite quickly.

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