December 31: ORD

Today is December 31st. It's the 366th day of the year. No days remain. It's week 53 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service,Chicago,at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 16. The 30-year averages are 35 and 21.

On the warm side, in 2006 the high was 56 with the record warmest low of 43. In 2004 the high was 56 with a low of 29. These two highs of 56 were the warmest at O'Hare since 1965 when the high was 58. In 2002 the high was 41 with a low of 28. In 2005 the high was 37 with a low of 32, a five degree spread. Other warm highs were 44 in 1979, 42 in 2003 and 41 in 1999. Other warm lows were 32 (1980, 1995), 31 (1984, 1991) and 30 in 1986. The record high of 68 was set way back in 1875. 18 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, six highs were: 40s (4) and 50s (2). On the colder side, six highs were: 20s (4) and 10s (2).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 33 with a low of 30, a three degree spread. In 1976 the high was 6 with a low of -8, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 36 with a low of 34, a two degree spread. In 1967 the high was 25 with a low of -11, a 36 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 58 with a low of 31, a warmer day than most. In 1963 the high was 17 with a low of -14, a 31 degree spread and cold. In 1958 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of two degrees in 1980 (34/32), three degrees in 1991 (34/31), four degrees in 1995 (36/32), five degrees in 1984 (36/31), five degrees in 1989 (33/28) and six degrees in 1986 (36/30). We've had one large spread. It turned out to be a normal day. In 1987 the spread was 32 degrees as the high was 39 with a low of 7.

Before today, seven of the last 11 years were above normal including the last six years straight. We've had the best warmth mother nature could provide the prior six years. Last year (although the coldest of the six) was 33/28. Two years ago was the warmest ever of the past 30 years, peaking at 56. Three years ago made the top four warmest because the spread was very small. Four years ago we had another remarkable high of 56, occurring at 47 minutes past midnight. Five years ago the high was 42. Six years ago the high was 41. Looking further back, seven and eight years ago were exceptions, having lows of seven degrees and very much below normal. Nine years ago, in 1999, the high was 41. The one other high in the 40s occurred in 1979 when it hit 44 degrees. This year, since the high is predicted to be 21 at O'Hare today (18 in Crystal Lake) and the low was at least 12 at O'Hare this morning (at least 9 in Crystal Lake), it will finish below normal. That makes only seven of the last 12 years above normal (down to 58%).

On the cold side, in 1990 the high was 16 with a low of 1. Another cold low was 6 in 1983 and another cold high was 17 in 1998. The record low of -10 was set in 1967 at Midway (it was -11 at O'Hare). The record coldest high of 5 was set in 1976 at Midway (it was 6 at O'Hare). 13 of the last 30 lows were 20s. On the colder side, seven lows were 0s and three lows were 10s. On the warmer side, six lows were 30s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. Sunset is at 16:31 and twilight ends at 17:03. There's a total of 9 hours, 9 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 13 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 12% at midnight, will be 16% at noon and 19% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 9:44 and moonset is at 20:45. Moonrise is at 10:06 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 1 minute today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Back in 1978, 10.1 inches fell. This was day four of a four day, 16.8 inch storm. The total snowfall of December 1978 was 35.1 inches at O'Hare.

New Year's Eve is today (as is my best friend's birthday (Christopher)) and New Year's Day is tomorrow. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in two weeks, five days and my brother will be celebrating a birthday in three weeks, three days. -Bernie-

December 30: ORD

Today is December 30th. It's the 365th day of the year. One day remains. It's week 53 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service,Chicago,at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 16. The 30-year averages are 35 and 20.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was the near-record high of 60 with a low of 37. The record high of 61 was set way back in 1884. A decade earlier, in 1992, the high was 51 with a low of 39. Two years ago the high was 50 with a low of 40. Two years before that, in 2004, the high was 57 with a low of 31. In 1986 the high was 42 with a low of 30. Three years ago the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1979 the high was 47 with a low of 23. Other warm highs were 42 in 2003 and 40 in 1999. Other warm lows were 32 in 1989, 30 in 1980 and 30 in 1991. The record warmest low of 51 was set way back in 1884. 14 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, eight highs were: 40s (4), 50s (3) and 60s (1). On the colder side, eight highs were: 20s (6) and 10s (2).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1973 the high was 14 with a low of 7, a seven degree spread. In 1967 the high was 31 with a low of 25, a six degree spread. In 1965 the high was 57 with a low of 39, one of the warmer days. In 1963 the high was 7 with a low of -12, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 15 with a low of 8, a seven degree spread. In 1959 the high was 27 with a low of 21, a six degree spread. In 1958 the high was 30 with a low of 23, a seven degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of one degree in 1989 (33/32), two degrees in 1980 (32/30) and seven degrees in 1991 (37/30). We've had a couple of large spreads. They are both on the colder side of things. In 1981 the spread was 31 degrees (29/-2) and in 1985 it was 34 degrees (37/3).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the near-record coldest high of 10 with the near-record low of -6. The record coldest high of 9 was set back in 1938 and the record low of -7 was set back in 1909. In 1998 the high was 13 with a low of 1. Other cold lows were -2 in 1981, 3 in 1985, 3 in 1993, 5 in 1990 and 5 in 2001. 27 of the last 30 lows were: 0s (5), 10s (5), 20s (9) and 30s (8). On the colder side, two lows were negative 0s. On the warmer side, one low was in the 40s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. Sunset is at 16:30 and twilight ends at 17:02. There's a total of 9 hours, 8 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 12 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 7% at midnight, will be 9% at noon and 12% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 9:21 and moonset is at 19:41. Moonrise is at 9:44 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 20 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Back in 1978, 1.6 inches fell. This was day three of a four day, 16.8 inch storm. The total snowfall of December 1978 was 35.1 inches at O'Hare.

New Year's Eve is tomorrow (as is my best friend's (Christopher) birthday)) and New Year's Day is in two days. Martin Luther King, Jr. day is in two weeks, six days and my brother will be celebrating a birthday in three weeks, four days. -Bernie-

December 29: ORD

Today is December 29th. It's the 364th day of the year. Two days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service,Chicago,at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 16. The 30-year averages are 34 and 21.

On the warm side, in 1984 the high was the record high of 63 with a low of 28, a 35 degree spread. Two years ago the high was 50 with a low of 40. In 1992 the high was 44 with a low of 39, a five degree spread. In 2003 the high was 47 with a low of 30. In 1979 the high was 52 with a low of 22, a thirty degree spread. A couple of decades later, in 1999, the high was 45 with a low of 26. Other warm lows were 32 in 1989, 32 in 2005, 31 in 1994 and 30 in 1991. The record warmest low of 42 was set way back in 1884. 13 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, six highs were 40s, two highs were 50s and one high was in the 60s. On the colder side, four highs were 20s, three highs were 10s and one high was in the single digits.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1976 the high was 7 with a low of -7, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 38 with a low of 34, a four degree spread. In 1969 the high was 30 with a low of 27, a three degree spread. In 1963 the high was 8 with a low of -8, another cold day. In 1962 the high was 34 with a low of 2, a 32 degree spread.

More recently, we had a small spread of four degrees in 1986 (33/29), five degrees in 1991 (35/30), five degrees in 2005 (37/32), six degrees in 1989 (38/32), seven degrees in 1980 (36/29), seven degrees in 1982 (24/17) and seven degrees in 1994 (38/31).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the record coldest high of 2 with a low of -8. A couple of years earlier, in 1981, the high was 18 with a low of -1. Four years later, in 1985, the high was 18 with a low of 7. In 2001 the high was 19 with a low of 8. In 1988 the high was 20 with a low of 7. Other cold lows were 7 in 1998 and 8 in 1993. The record low of -15 was set way back in 1880. 18 of the last 30 lows were 20s (12) and 30s (6). On the colder side, four lows were 10s, five lows were single digits and two lows were in the negative single digits. On the warmer side, one low was in the 40s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. Sunset is at 16:30 and twilight ends at 17:01. There's a total of 9 hours, 8 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 3% at midnight, will be 4% at noon and 7% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 8:54 and moonset is at 18:38. Moonrise is at 9:21 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 44 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Back in 1978, 2.3 inches fell. This was day two of a four day, 16.8 inch storm.

New Year's Eve is in two days and New Year's Day is in three days. Martin Luther King, Jr. day is in three weeks and my brother will be celebrating a birthday in three weeks, five days. -Bernie-

December 28: ORD

Today is December 28th. It's the 363rd day of the year. Three days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service,Chicago,at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 17. The 30-year averages are 36 and 22.

On the warm side, in 1984 the high was the record high of 69 with the record warmest low of 49. Five years ago, in 2003, the high was 49 with a low of 41. In 1982 the high was 65 with a low of 21, a 44 degree spread. Two years ago the high was 48 with a low of 36. In 1992 the high was 44 with a low of 34. A couple of years later, in 1994, the high was 42 with a low of 34. A couple of years after that, in 1996, the high was 39 with a low of 34, a spread of five degrees. Three years ago the temperatures were the same, a high of 39 with a low of 34 and a spread of just five degrees. Another warmer high was 43 in 1986. Other warm lows were 32 in 1991, 30 in 1987 and 30 last year. 14 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, seven highs were 40s, no highs were 50s and two highs were 60s. On the colder side, four highs were 20s and three highs were 10s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1974 the high was 35 with a low of 33, a mere two degree spread. In 1969 the high was 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1962 the high was 34 with a low of 1, a 33 degree spread.

More recently, we had a small spread of four degrees last year (high of 34, low of 30). The spreads were five degrees in 1987 (35/30) and in 1991 (37/32). There was a spread of seven degrees in 1979 (31/24).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 19 with a low of -1. A couple of years later, in 1985, the high was 19 with a low of 0. Fifteen years later, in 2000, the high was 20 with a low of 6. Seven years earlier, in 1993, the high was 25 with a low of 3. Five years before that, in 1988, the high was 19 with a low of 9. The record low of -13 was set back in 1924 and the record coldest high of -1 was set way back in 1880. 27 of the last 30 lows were 0s (4), 10s (7), 20s (8) and 30s (8). On the colder side, one low was in the negative 0s. On the warmer side, two lows were 40s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. Sunset is at 16:29 and twilight ends at 17:01. There's a total of 9 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. The new moon was yesterday at 6:22. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 1% at midnight, will be 1% at noon and 3% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 8:22 and moonset is at 17:34. Moonrise is at 8:54 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 12 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Back in 1978 , 2.8 inches fell. This was part of 16.8 inches that fell over four days.

New Year's Eve is in three days and New Year's Day is in four days. -Bernie-

December 27: ORD

Today is December 27th. It's the 362nd day of the year. Four days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service,Chicago,at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 17. The 30-year averages are 34 and 19.

On the warm side, in 1982 the high was the record high of 61 with a low of 40. A dozen years later, in 1994, the high was 51 with a low of 29. A decade before that, in 1984, the high was 49 with a low of 30. Three years ago the high was 47 with a low of 32. Two years before that, in 2003, the high was 49 with a low of 28. A dozen years earlier, in 1991, the high was 37 with a low of 34, a three degree spread. Seven years later, in 1998, the high was 45 with a low of 26. Other warm lows were 30 last year, 28 two years ago and 27 in 1986. The record warmest low of 51 was set in 1959. 20 of the last 30 highs were 20s (9) and 30s (11). On the warmer side, five highs were 40s, one high was in the 50s and one high was in the 60s. On the colder side, three highs were 10s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 9 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1975 the high was 26 with a low of 22, a four degree spread. In 1974 the high was 34 with a low of 29, a five degree spread. In 1973 the high was 35 with a low of 30, a five degree spread. In 1959 the high was 57 with a low of 50, a seven degree spread and a warm day.

More recently, we haven't had any spreads of seven degrees or less (except for 1991 (see above)) or anything 30 degrees or more.

On the cold side, in 2000 the high was 17 with a low of 6. 15 years earlier, in 1985, the high was 22 with a low of 3. Seven years before, in 1978, the high was 22 with a low of 3. 15 years later, in 1993, the high was 18 with a low of 8. Ten years before that, in 1983, the high was 19 with a low of 8. Other cold lows were 7 in 1990 and 8 in 2004. The record low of -10 was set in 1950 and the record coldest high of 3 was set in 1925. 18 of the last 30 lows were 10s (10) and 20s (8). On the colder side, seven lows were in the 0s. On the warmer side, four lows were 30s and one low was in the 40s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. Sunset is at 16:28 and twilight ends at 17:00. There's a total of 9 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. The new moon is today at 6:22. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 0% at midnight, will be 0% at noon and 1% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 7:44 and moonset is at 16:33. Moonrise is at 8:22 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 49 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Back in 1894 in Chicago at the Auditorium Tower, which was the official reporting site for Chicago, 10.1 inches of snow fell. Back in 1978 tomorrow a major four-day snow of 16.8 inches began. More on that tomorrow.

As I write this, we are experiencing a thunderstorm (heavy rain and lots of wind).

New Year's Eve is in four days and New Year's Day is in five days. -Bernie-

December 26: ORD

Today is December 26th. It's the 361st day of the year. Five days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service,Chicago,at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 17. The 30-year averages are 29 and 16.

On the warm side, in 1982 the high was 40 with a low of 33, a seven degree spread. A dozen years later, in 1994, the high was 47 with a low of 24. Three years before that, in 1991, the high was 45 with a low of 25. Three years ago the high was 37 with a low of 32, a five degree spread. Last year the high was 45 with a low of 24. Another warm high was 44 in 2003. Other warm lows were 29 in 1986 and 28 two years ago. The record high of 55 was set in 1971 and the record warmest low of 45 was set in 1936. 18 of the last 30 highs were 20s (6) and 30s (12). On the warmer side, five highs were 40s. On the colder side, seven highs were 10s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 13 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1973 the high was 38 with a low of 35, a three degree spread. In 1967 the high was 15 with a low of 0, another cold day. In 1962 the high was 8 with a low of -13, still another cold one. In 1961 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1986 (33/29), six degrees two years ago (34/28), seven degrees in 1979 (33/26) and seven degrees in 1997 (32/25).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 11 with the record low of -11. Seven years after, in 1990, the high was 12 with a low of -6. Three years later, in 1993, the high was 13 with a low of 6. Seven years after that, in 2000, the high was 19 with a low of 3. In 1989 the high was 18 with a low of 5. Other cold lows were 2 in 1985 and 6 in 1992. Other cold highs were 18 in 2001 and 19 in 1996. The record coldest high of 5 was set in 1925. 26 of the last 30 lows were 0s (7), 10s (8) and 20s (11). On the colder side, one low each was a negative zero and negative ten. On the warmer side, two lows were in the 30s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. Sunset is at 16:27 and twilight ends at 16:59. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. The new moon is tomorrow at 6:22. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 2% at midnight, will be 1% at noon and 0% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 6:58 and moonset is at 15:35. Moonrise is at 7:44 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 37 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Actually, not today. The next one is tomorrow and it occurred way back in 1894!

New Year's Eve is in five days and New Year's Day is in six days. -Bernie-

December 25: ORD

Today is December 25th. It's the 360th day of the year. Six days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service,Chicago,at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 32 and the normal low is 17. The 30-year averages are 29 and 13.

On the warm side, in 1982 the high was the record high of 64 with a low of 36. In 1994 the high was 52 with a low of 24. Other warm lows were 33 three years ago, 30 two years ago, 29 in 1987 and 28 in 1979. The record warmest low of 46 was set in 1936. 23 of the last 30 highs were 30s (12), 20s (6) and 10s (5). On the warmer side, two highs were 40s, one was a 50s high and one was a 60s high. On the colder side, two highs were 0s and one high was in the negative 0s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 14 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1975 the high was 36 with a low of 31, a five degree spread. In 1973 the high was 40 with a low of 37, a three degree spread. In 1972 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1969 the high was 28 with a low of 21, a seven degree spread. In 1964 the high was 27 with a low of 23, a four degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees three years ago (36/33), six degrees in 1986 (32/26), six degrees in 2002 (29/23), seven degrees in 1987 (36/29) and seven degrees two years ago (37/30).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the record coldest high of -5 with the record low of -17. Two years later, in 1985, the high was 2 with a low of -11. Five years earlier, in 1980, the high was 17 with a low of -8. Two decades later, in 2000, the high was 17 with a low of -7. Four years before that, in 1996, the high was 9 with a low of 1. A dozen years before that, in 1984, the high was 19 with a low of -3. In 1993 the high was 18 with a low of 5. In 1990 the high was 28 with a low of -1. Other cold highs were 19 in 2004 and 22 in 2001. 18 of the last 30 lows were 10s (11) and 20s (7). On the colder side, three lows were 0s, four lows were negative 0s and two lows were negative 10s. On the warmer side, three lows were in the 30s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. Sunset is at 16:27 and twilight ends at 16:59. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. The new moon is coming up in two days at 6:22. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 5% at midnight, will be 3% at noon and 2% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 6:05 and moonset is at 14:44. Moonrise is at 6:58 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 39 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Actually, not today. The next one is in a couple of days and it occurred way back in 1894!

Christmas Day is today, New Year's Eve is in six days and New Year's Day is in seven days. -Bernie-

December 24: ORD

Today is December 24th. It's the 359th day of the year. Seven days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 32 and the normal low is 18. The 30-year averages are 30 and 14.

On the warmer side, in 1982 the high was the near-record high of 62 with the record warmest low of 51. The record high of 64 remains, having being set way back in 1889. Three years earlier, in 1979, the high was 51 with a low of 37. In 1987 the high was 48 with a low of 34. Three years ago the high was 39 with a low of 34, a five degree spread. Two years ago the high was 44 with a low of 29. Another warm high was 43 in 1988. Another warm low was 33 in 1997. 27 of the last 30 highs were 10s (5), 20s (10), 30s (7) and 40s (5). On the warmer side, one high was a 50s high and one highs was a 60s high. On the colder side, one high was in the negative 10s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1976 the high was 40 with a low of 7, a 33 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 34 with a low of 28, a six degree spread. In 1973 the high was 38 with a low of 32, a six degree spread. In 1972 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1962 the high was 19 with a low of -4, a very cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of two degrees in 1997 (35/33), six degrees in 1993 (18/12), six degrees in 1995 (28/22), six degrees in 2001 (21/15) and six degrees last year (26/20). A large spread of 30 degrees occurred in 1980 (32/2).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the record coldest high of -11 with the record low of -25. Six years later, in 1989, the high was 14 with a low of -6. In 2000 the high was 11 with a low of -2. Four years later, in 2004, the high was 12 with a low of -2. In 1985 the high was 22 with a low of -8. Five years later, in 1990, the high was 16 with a low of 1. Two years later, in 1992, the high was 22 with a low of -3. Other cold lows were 0 in 1984, 2 in 1980 and 7 in 1996. Other cold highs were 18 in 1993, 20 in 1999 and 21 in 2001. 28 of the last 30 lows were negative zeros (5), zeros (5), 10s (6), 20s (8) and 30s (4). On the colder side, one low was in the negative 20s. On the warmer side, one low was in the 50s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:20. Sunset is at 16:26 and twilight ends at 16:58. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 9% at midnight, will be 7% at noon and 5% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 5:07 and moonset is at 14:00. Moonrise is at 6:05 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 53 minutes today. The Winter Solstice was three days ago at 6:04.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1969, 2.1 inches fell. This was the fourth of four days of measurable snowfall, part of a total of 13.5 inches during the period.

A couple of weeks ago, Tom Skilling of the WGN-TV weather center, wrote the following in response to a question about Christmas '65: "Your recall is perfect. Christmas Eve, 1965, was mild and rainy with a high of 51 degrees. In fact it was Chicago's wettest Christmas Eve, with precipitation totaling 2.61 inches, accompanied by thunder and flooding. However, colder air moved in during the evening as a cold front passed through the area and temperatures plunged into the 30s. Rain turned to sleet and then snow with half an inch falling before midnight. At 6 a.m. on Christmas, 2 inches of snow covered the ground at the then official site at Midway Airport, and 1965 was officially declared a white Christmas. The snow cover remained through Dec. 29 then vanished as the mercury climbed to 56 degrees on Dec. 30 and to 60 degrees on New Year's Eve."

Christmas Eve is today and Christmas Day is tomorrow. New Year's Eve is in seven days and New Year's Day is in eight days. -Bernie-

December 23: ORD

Today is December 23rd. It's the 358th day of the year. Eight days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 32 and the normal low is 18. The 30-year averages are 34 and 20.

On the warmer side, in 1979 the high was the co-record high of 62 with a low of 46. Three years later, in 1982, the high was the co-record high of 62 with a low of 42. In 1996 the high was 52 with a low of 32. In 1988 the high was 48 with a low of 33. In 2005 the high was 44 with a low of 37, a seven degree spread. In 1994 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. Two years ago the high was 40 with a low of 33, a seven degree spread. In 1987 the high was 42 with a low of 30. Other warm highs were 52 last year and 43 in 1984. Other warmer lows were 32 in 1997 and 31 in 1980. The record warmest low of 49 was set in 1877. 18 of the last 30 highs were 30s (11) and 40s (7). On the warmer side, two highs were 50s and two highs were 60s. On the colder side, three highs were 20s, three highs were 10s, one high was in the 0s and one high was in the negative 0s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1975 the high was 34 with a low of 27, a seven degree spread. In 1972 the high was 32 with a low of 30, a two degree spread. In 1969 the high was 28 with a low of 24, a four degree spread. In 1963 the high was 22 with a low of -8, a 30 degree spread and cold! In 1961 the high was 31 with a low of 24, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 11 with a low of -17, a very cold day. In 1959 the high was 29 with a low of 25, a four degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of five degrees in 1986 (34/29), five degrees in 1997 (37/32), seven degrees in 1980 (38/31) and seven degrees in 1995 (30/23). A large spread of 38 degrees occurred last year (52/14).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the record coldest high of -6 with a low of -21. Six years later, in 1989, the high was 8 with a low of -11. A year later, in 1990, the high was 11 with a low of 0. A decade later, in 2000, the high was 20 with a low of -4. A year earlier, in 1999, the high was 16 with a low of 3. Five years later, in 2004, the high was 18 with a low of 5. 16 of the last 30 lows were 20s (8) and 30s (8). On the warmer side, two lows were 40s. On the colder side, 12 of the 30 lows were 10s (4), 0s (5), negative zeros (1), negative 10s (1) and negative 20s (1).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:20. Chicago's sunrise and twilight times are each four minutes earlier. Sunset is at 16:26 and twilight ends at 16:58. Chicago's sunset and end of twilight times are two minutes and a minute earlier respectively. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:20. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 16% at midnight, will be 12% at noon and 9% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 4:04 and moonset is at 13:24. Moonrise is at 5:07 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 20 minutes today. The Winter Solstice was two days ago at 6:04.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1969, 9.9 inches fell. This was the third of four days of measurable snowfall, part of a total of 13.5 inches during the period. In 1961 at Midway, 10.2 inches fell while O'Hare had 7.4 inches, part of a three-day, 8.2 inch event. (half an inch fell on the 21st and 0.3 fell on the 22nd).

Christmas Eve is tomorrow and Christmas Day is in two days. New Year's Eve is in eight days and New Year's Day is in nine days. -Bernie-

December 22: ORD

Today is December 22nd. It's the 357th day of the year. Nine days remain. It's week 51 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 32 and the normal low is 18. The 30-year averages are 34 and 20.

On the warmer side, in 1979 the high was 50 with a low of 44, a six degree spread. Two years ago the high was 54 with a low of 40. A year ago the high was 50 with a low of 36. In 2003 the high was 47 with a low of 36. In 2001 the high was 49 with a low of 33. In 1994 the high was 52 with a low of 27. Other warm highs were 48 in 1982 and 45 in 1988. Other warmer lows were 33 in 1997, 31 in 1981 and 30 in 1987. The record high of 57 occurred in 1957. The record warmest low of 50 was set in 1941. 18 of the last 30 highs were 30s (11) and 40s (7). On the warmer side, four highs were in the 50s. On the colder side, four highs were in the 10s, two highs were 0s and two highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1974 the high was 42 with a low of 3, a 39 degree spread. In 1972 the high was 33 with a low of 31, a two degree spread. In 1970 the high was 36 with a low of 34, a two degree spread. In 1963 the high was 19 with a low of -13, a 32 degree spread and cold! In 1961 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of two degrees in 1981 (33/31), four degrees in 1997 (37/33), five degrees in 2002 (30/25) and seven degrees in 1991 (36/29). A large spread of 32 degrees occurred in 2005 (38/6).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was the record coldest high of 3 with a low of -12. In 2000 the high was 7 with a low of -9. In 1983 the high was 19 with a low of -18, a 37 degree spread. In 1998 the high was 14 with a low of 5. In 2004 the high was 14 with a low of 8. In 1999 the high was 17 with a low of 8. The record low of -21 was set way back in 1872. 25 of the last 30 lows were 0s (5), 10s (5), 20s (9) and 30s (6). On the warmer side, two lows were 40s. On the colder side, two lows were negative 10s and one low was a negative zero.

It is very cold today. All around the Chicago area, the lows this morning are in the negative zeros.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:19. Chicago's sunrise and twilight times are four and three minutes earlier respectively. Sunset is at 16:25 and twilight ends at 16:57. Chicago's sunset and end of twilight times are a minute and two minutes earlier respectively. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:20. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 23% at midnight, will be 19% at noon and 16% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 3:00 and moonset is at 12:53. Moonrise is at 4:04 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 53 minutes today. The Winter Solstice was yesterday at 6:04.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1969, 1.2 inches fell. This was the second of four days of measurable snowfall, part of a total of 13.5 inches during the period.

Christmas Eve is in two days and Christmas Day is in three days. New Year's Eve is in nine days and New Year's Day is in ten days. -Bernie-

December 21: ORD

Today is December 21st. It's the 356th day of the year. Ten days remain. It's week 51 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 33 and the normal low is 19. The 30-year averages are 34 and 18.

On the warmer side, two years ago the high was 50 with a low of 38. In 1984 the high was 56 with a low of 30. A decade later, in 1994, the high was 51 with a low of 30. In 1979 the high was 48 with a low of 28. Other warm highs were 47 in 2003, 45 in 1990 and 44 in 1986. Another warmer low was 33 last year. The record high of 62 occurred in 1967. The record warmest low of 49 was set back in 1918. 14 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, eight highs were in the 40s (5) and 50s (3). On the colder side, eight highs were in the 0s (1), 10s (3) and 20s (4).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1972 the high was 35 with a low of 33, a two degree spread. In 1967 the high was 61 (record high of 62 at Midway) with a low of 19, a 42 degree spread (and bonus 60s day). In 1965 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread. In 1964 the high was 40 with a low of 10, a 30 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 13 with a low of -11, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread. In 1960 the high was 9 with a low of -7, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of five degrees in 1993 (29/24), five degrees last year (38/33), six degrees in 2002 (24/28) and seven degrees in 1983 (23/16).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was the record coldest high of 0 with the record low of -14. In 2000 the high was 19 with a low of -7. A year earlier, in 1999, the high was 14 with a low of 1. In 1985 the high was 18 with a low of -2. Two decades later, in 2005, the high was 20 with a low of 3. In 1980 the high was 21 with a low of 5. 20 of the last 30 lows were 10s (8) and 20s (12). On the warmer side, four lows were 30s. On the colder side, six lows were negative 10s (1), negative zeros (2) and zeros (3).

It is very cold today. At O'Hare, the temperature dropped 13 degrees from midnight to 2 AM (14 to 1). At 10 AM O'Hare is still experiencing the bottom as it is -6 with a wind chill of -32 as the winds are west at 26 mph, gusting to 41. At Midway, the temperature dropped 16 degrees from 11 PM to 2 AM (21 to 5). At 10 AM Midway is still experiencing the bottom as it is -5 there with a wind chill of -32 as the winds are west at 28, gusting to 37. In West Chicago, the drop was 11 degrees from 11 PM to 1 AM (14 to 3). Their bottom was at 8 AM when it was -6. At 10 AM it's -4 with a wind chill of -29 as winds are west/southwest at 26, gusting to 35. Rockford experienced a drop of 18 degrees from 9 PM to midnight (21 to 3). Their bottom was at 8 AM when it was -8. At 10 AM it's -5 with a wind chill of -29 as winds are west at 23, gusting to 37. The predicted high for today is between 1 and 5 above zero.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:19. Sunset is at 16:24 and twilight ends at 16:56. There's a total of 9 hours, 5 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:19. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 32% at midnight, will be 28% at noon and 23% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 1:55 and moonset is at 12:27. Moonrise is at 3:00 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 32 minutes today. The Winter Solstice is today at 6:04.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1969, 0.3 inches fell. This was the first of four days of measurable snowfall, part of a total of 13.5 inches during the period.

Christmas Eve is in three days and Christmas Day is in four days. New Year's Eve is in ten days and New Year's Day is in 11 days. -Bernie-

December 20: ORD

Today is December 20th. It's the 355th day of the year. 11 days remain. It's week 51 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 33 and the normal low is 19. The 30-year averages are 32 and 17.

On the warmer side, in 1988 the high was 56 with a low of 32. Two years later, in 1990, the high was 49 with a low of 30. Four years later, in 1994, the high was 42 with a low of 34. In 1979 the high was 44 with a low of 29. Another warm low was 30 in 1991. The record high of 67 and record warmest low of 55 occurred on the same day way back in 1877. 19 of the last 30 highs were 30s (12) and 40s (7). Even warmer, one high (56 above) was in the 50s. On the colder side, five highs were 20s, four highs were 10s and one high was a 0s high.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1972 the high was 37 with a low of 34, a three degree spread. In 1968 the high was 33 with a low of 26, a seven degree spread. In 1966 the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread. In 1965 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 6 with a low of -16, a cold day. This high of 6 was near the record coldest high of 4, set in 1901. Although the low was -16 in 1963, O'Hare was not the station of record for Chicago at the time, so therefore the record is -9, established in 1963 at Midway. In 1959 the high was 31 with a low of 28, a three degree spread.

More recently, we had a small spread of five degrees in 1991 (35/30) and six degrees in 2002 (35/29). In 1999 we had our only large spread of 32 degrees as the high was 37 with a low of 5.

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was the near-record coldest high of 5 with a low of -6. The record coldest high of 4 was set in 1901. In 1980 the high was 10 with a low of -1. Two decades later, in 2000, the high was 17 with a low of -5. In 1983 the high was 20 with a low of -1. In 1996 the high was 17 with a low of 3. In 1981 the high was 22 with a low of -1. Four years later, in 1985, the high was 19 with a low of 3. Two decades later, in 2005, the high was 21 with a low of 5. Another cold low was 5 in 1999. The record low of -9 was set in 1963, although, as mentioned above, it was colder at O'Hare that day. 13 of the last 30 lows were 20s. On the warmer side, four lows were 30s. On the colder side, four lows were 10s, four lows were 0s and five lows were negative 0s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:18. Sunset is at 16:24 and twilight ends at 16:56. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:19. The moon reached last quarter yesterday at 4:29. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 42% at midnight, will be 37% at noon and 32% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 0:50 and moonset is at 12:04. Moonrise is at 1:55 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 14 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1973, 0.1 inches fell. This was the eighth of eight days of measurable snowfall, part of 17.6 inches that fell. This comprised 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches. At Midway in 1960, 11 inches fell while at O'Hare, only 3.1 inches fell, following 1.1 inches on the 19th.

Christmas Eve is in four days and Christmas Day is in five days. New Year's Eve is in 11 days and New Year's Day is in 12 days. -Bernie-

December 19: ORD

Today is December 19th. It's the 354th day of the year. 12 days remain. It's week 51 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 33 and the normal low is 19. The 30-year averages are 32 and 18.

On the warmer side, in 2002 the high was 55 with a low of 34. Five years prior, in 1997, the high was 50 with a low of 31. In 1988 the high was 56 with a low of 23, a 33 degree spread. Other warmer highs were 44 in 1979 and 43 in 1986. Other warmer lows were 33 in 1993, 31 in 1978, 31 in 1987 and 30 in 2001. The record high of 64 and record warmest low of 57 occurred on the same day way back in 1877. 12 of the last 30 highs were 30s. There are nine highs warmer than the 30s and nine colder. On the warmer side, six highs were 40s and three highs were 50s. On the colder side, seven highs were 10s and one high each was in the 0s and 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 39 with a low of 35, a four degree spread. In 1973 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread. In 1972 the high was 37 with a low of 35, a two degree spread. In 1966 the high was 37 with a low of 31, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 2 with a low of -14, a cold day. This high of 2 was actually colder than the record coldest high of 5 because 5 degrees occurred at the official station in 1962, Midway Airport. Although the low was -14 in 1963, O'Hare was not the station of record for Chicago at the time, so therefore the record is -14, established in 1983 (when O'Hare was the station of record). In 1961 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread.

More recently, we had a small spread of three degrees in 1993 (36/33) and six degrees occurred three times: 1978 (37/31), 1982 (35/29) and 1987 (37/31).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the near-record coldest high of 6 with the record low of -14. The record coldest high of 5 was set in 1963. But as I mentioned above, the high in 1963 at O'Hare was 2. It beat the record, but isn't the record. In 2005 the high was 11 with a low of -1. In 1985 the high was 15 with a low of -5. In 1996 the high was 13 with a low of 3. In 1989 the high was 15 with a low of 1. In 1980 the high was 16 with a low of 2. A year later, in 1981, the high was 19 with a low of 1. In 2004 the high was 18 with a low of 4. In 2000 the high was 20 with a low of 7. Another cold low was 6 in 1991. 13 of the last 30 lows were 20s. Six lows were 30s. Seven lows were 0s. Just two lows were negative 0s: one was a negative 10s and one was a 10s low.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:18. Sunset is at 16:23 and twilight ends at 16:55. There's a total of 9 hours, 5 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:18. The moon reached last quarter today at 4:29. Illumination was 52% at midnight, will be 47% at noon and 42% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 11:42 and moonrise is at 0:50 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 42 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1973, 3.5 inches fell. This was the seventh of eight days of measurable snowfall, part of 17.6 inches that fell. This comprised 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

Christmas Eve is in five days and Christmas Day is in six days. New Year's Eve is in 12 days and New Year's Day is in 13 days. -Bernie-

December 18: ORD

Today is December 18th. It's the 353rd day of the year. 13 days remain. It's week 51 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 33 and the normal low is 19. The 30-year averages are 32 and 18.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 55 with a low of 37. Four years prior, in 1998, the high was 53 with a low of 32. These are the only highs in the 50s over the past 30 years. In 1997 the high was 46 with a low of 32. Four years later, in 2001, the high was 48 with a low of 29. In 1993 the high was 41 with a low of 35, a six degree spread. In 1982 the high was 43 with a low of 32. Other warm lows were 33 in 1995, 31 in 1978 and 30 in 1990. The record high of 62 and record warmest low of 43 occurred on the same day way back in 1877, exactly a century earlier than yesterday's comparable records. 13 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, six highs were 40s and two highs were in the 50s. On the colder side, three highs were in the 20s, five highs were 10s and one high was in the single digits.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 42 with a low of 36, a six degree spread. In 1973 the high was 26 with a low of 20, a six degree spread. In 1968 the high was 37 with a low of 32, a five degree spread. In 1964 the high was 18 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 9 with a low of -9, another cold day. In 1961 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread.

More recently, we had a small spread of four degrees in 1995 (37/33), five degrees in 1986 (34/29) and seven degrees 1990 (37/30).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the near-record coldest high of 3 with the record low of -11. The record coldest high of one above still stands, set way back in 1884. Two years later, in 1985, the high was 10 with a low of -9. In 2000 the high was 16 with a low of -1. In 1989 the high was 16 with a low of 2. In 2005, three years ago, the high was 15 with a low of 4. In 1996 the high was 18 with a low of 7. Five years before, in 1991, the high was 22 with a low of 7. Other cold lows were 6 in 1999 and 7 in 1981. 27 of the last 30 lows were 0s (6), 10s (7), 20s (6) and 30s (8). Among the colder lows, two were negative zeros and one was a negative 10s low.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:17. Chicago's twilight and sunrise times are three minutes earlier. Sunset is at 16:23 and twilight ends at 16:55. Chicago's sunset is a minute earlier and end of twilight time is two minutes earlier. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:18. The moon is waning gibbous, heading towards the last quarter tomorrow at 4:29. Illumination was 63% at midnight, will be 57% at noon and 52% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 11:20 and moonrise is at 23:44. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 36 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1973, 0.6 inches fell. This was the sixth of eight days of measurable snowfall, part of 17.6 inches that fell. This comprised 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

Christmas Eve is in six days and Christmas Day is in a week. New Year's Eve is in 13 days and New Year's Day is in two weeks. -Bernie-

December 17: ORD

Today is December 17th. It's the 352nd day of the year. 14 days remain. It's week 51 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 34 and the normal low is 20. The 30-year averages are 32 and 19.

On the warm side, two years ago the high was 54 with a low of 41. Five years prior, in 2001, the high was 46 with a low of 33. In 1993 the high was 41 with a low of 36, a five degree spread. Other warm highs were 48 in 1997 and 44 in 1984. Other warm lows were 34 in 1990, 33 in 1986, 32 in 1994 and 30 in 2002. The record high of 60 and record warmest low of 44 occurred on the same day in 1977. 13 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, six highs were 40s and one high was in the 50s. On the colder side, five highs were in the 20s, four highs were 10s and one high was in the single digits.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1972 the high was 23 with a low of -5, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 38 with a low of 36, a two degree spread. In 1963 the high was 15 with a low of -9, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 34 with a low of 31, a spread of three degrees.

More recently, we had small spreads of five degrees in 1990 (39/34), six degrees in 1992 (33/27) and seven degrees in the following years: 1982 (32/25), 1986 (40/33), 2002 (37/30) and 2003 (26/19).

On the cold side, in 1985 the high was 13 with a low of -6. Two years prior, in 1983, the high was 9 with a low of 0. In 2000 the high was 16 with a low of -1. In 1989 the high was 16 with a low of 3. In 1979 the high was 19 with a low of 1. In 2005, three years ago, the high was 20 with a low of 11. In 1988 the high was 21 with a low of 10. The record low of -7 was set in 1951 and record coldest high of 8 was set six years earlier in 1945. 24 of the last 30 lows were 10s (11), 20s (7) and 30s (6). Among the colder lows, three were zeros and two were negative zeros. Just one low was a 40s low and that occurred just two years ago.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:17. Chicago's twilight and sunrise times are four minutes earlier. Sunset is at 16:23 and twilight ends at 16:55. Chicago's sunset and end of twilight times are two minutes earlier. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:17. The moon is waning gibbous, heading towards the last quarter on Friday at 4:29. Illumination was 73% at midnight, will be 68% at noon and 63% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 10:58 and moonrise is at 22:35. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 23 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1973, 1.4 inches fell. This was the fifth of eight days of measurable snowfall, part of 17.6 inches that fell. This comprised 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

Christmas Eve is in a week and Christmas Day is in eight days. New Year's Eve is in two weeks and New Year's Day is in 15 days. -Bernie-

December 16: ORD

Today is December 16th. It's the 351st day of the year. 15 days remain. It's week 51 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 34 and the normal low is 20. The 30-year averages are 35 and 22.

On the warm side, in 1984 the high was the record high of 60 with a low of 37. Two years ago the high was 55 with a low of 32. In 2001 the high was 45 with a low of 39, a six degree spread. In 1997 the high was 45 with a low of 32. Other warm highs were 43 in the back-to-back years of 2003 and 2004. Other warm lows were 32 in 1998; 33 in both 1990 and 1993. Lows were also 34 in 1994 and 35 in 1986. The record warmest low of 43 was set in 1928. 21 of the last 30 highs were 30s (13) and 40s (8). Five highs were 20s and one high each was in the 0s, 10s, 50s and 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1974 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread. In 1972 the high was 9 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 39 with a low of 33, a six degree spread. In 1970 the high was 39 with a low of 36, a three degree spread. In 1966 the high was 34 with a low of 32, a two degree spread. In 1965 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 15 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1958 the high was 36 with a low of 0, a spread of 36 degrees and a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1980 (33/30), three degrees in 1990 (36/33), three degrees in 2002 (33/30), five degrees in 1986 (40/35), five degrees in 1994 (39/34), six degrees in 1996 (32/26), six degrees in 2005 (24/18) and seven degrees in 1993 (40/33).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was 9 with a low of -5. A year before, in 1988, the high was 17 with a low of 4. In 1985 the high was 23 with a low of 3. In 1983 the high was 23 with a low of 3. In 1981 the high was 22 with a low of 9. In these days you can see examples of the coldness of the decade of the 1980s. Other cold lows were 5 in 1979 and 6 in 1991. The record low of -12 and record coldest high of 2 occurred in 1951. 19 of the last 30 lows were 20s (7) and 30s (12). Among the colder lows, four were 10s, six were 0s and one was in the negative zeros.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:44 and sunrise is at 7:16. Chicago's twilight and sunrise times are three minutes earlier. Sunset is at 16:22 and twilight ends at 16:54. Chicago's sunset and end of twilight times are a minute earlier. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:17. The moon is waning gibbous, heading towards the last quarter on Friday at 4:29. Illumination was 82% at midnight, will be 78% at noon and 73% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 10:32 and moonrise is at 21:23. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 9 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1973, 4.5 inches fell. This was the fourth day of part of 17.6 inches that fell through the 20th which was 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

Christmas Eve is in eight days and Christmas Day is in nine days. New Year's Eve is in 15 days and New Year's Day is in 16 days. -Bernie-

December 15: ORD

Today is December 15th. It's the 350th day of the year. 16 days remain. It's week 50 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 34 and the normal low is 20. The 30-year averages are 38 and 23.

On the warm side, in 1998 the high was 51 with a low of 37. In 1992 the high was 56 with a low of 31. In 1993 the high was 46 with a low of 38. In 1984 the high was 50 with a low of 33. In 1990 the high was 45 with a low of 34. Other warm highs were 47 in 1986 and 46 in the back-to-back years of 1996 and 1997. Other warm lows were 33 in both 1982 and 1999. The record high of 64 was set in 1971 and the record warmest low of 44 was set in 1928. 22 of the last 30 highs were 30s (12) and 40s (10). Three highs were warmer 50s. Four highs were 20s and one high was in the 10s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. In 1974 the high was 43 with a low of 36, a seven degree spread. In 1973 the high was 28 with a low of 26, a two degree spread. In 1971 the high was 62 with a low of 39, a bonus 60 degree day. This was also the year of the record high of 64 degrees at Midway. In 1964 the high was 30 with a low of 1, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 11 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1958 the high was 14 with a low of -9, yet another cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of five degrees in 1982 (38/33) and 1999 (38/33). There was a spread of six degrees last year (31/25).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was 16 with a low of -8. In 2000 the high was 31 with a low of 3. In 1988 the high was 27 with a low of 7. In 1981 the high was 22 with a low of 12. Another cold low was 7 in 1991. The record low of -12 and record coldest high of -2 occurred in 1901. 21 of the last 30 lows were 20s (11) and 30s (10). Five lows were 10s, three were 0s and one was a negative 0.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:44 and sunrise is at 7:15. Chicago's twilight begins at 6:40 and sunrise is at 7:12. Crystal Lake's sunset is at 16:22 and twilight ends at 16:54. Chicago's sunset is at 16:21 and twilight ends at 16:52. There's a total of 9 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:44 and sunrise is at 7:16. The full Cold moon was Friday at 10:37. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 90% at midnight, will be 87% at noon and 82% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 10:01 and moonrise is at 20:07. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 54 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1987, 8.0 inches fell. This was day two of a two day, 9.1 inch storm. In 1973, 3.2 inches fell. This was the third day of part of 17.6 inches that fell through the 20th which was 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

Bill of Rights day is today. Christmas Eve is in nine days and Christmas Day is in ten days. -Bernie-

December 14: ORD

Today is December 14th. It's the 349th day of the year. 17 days remain. It's week 50 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 35 and the normal low is 21. The 30-year averages are 37 and 23.

On the warm side, two years ago the high was 50 with a low of 35. In 1993 the high was 44 with a low of 38, a six degree spread. In 1984 the high was 45 with a low of 32. In 1995 the high was 45 with a low of 31. In 1999 the high was 40 with a low of 36, a four degree spread. Other warm highs were 47 in both 1998 and 1988. The last time it hit 50 degrees or higher was in 1975 when it was 64 at O'Hare, 66 at Midway, 58 at Marengo and 58 at Rockford. The record high of 66 and record warmest low of 47 occurred in 1975. 15 of the last 30 highs were 30s, nine highs were 40s, three were 20s, two were 10s and one was in the 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 36 with a low of 33, a three degree spread. In 1975 the high was 64 with a low of 44, a bonus 60s day. The record high was 66 at Midway this day. In 1974 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1965 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1963 the high was 11 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 26 with a low of 2, a cold day. In 1959 the high was 40 with a low of 33, a seven degree spread. In 1958 the high was 12 with a low of -3, yet another cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1992 (32/26) and 2003 (31/25). Spreads of seven degrees occurred in 2001 (38/31), 2002 (38/31) and 2005 (35/28).

On the cold side, in 1985 the high was 16 with the near record low of -8. The record low of -9 occurred in 1901. In 1989 the high was 18 with a low of -3. In 2000 the high was 26 with a low of 7. The record coldest high of 5 was set in 1903. 15 of the last 30 lows were 20s, seven were 30s, five were 10s, two were negative zeros and one was a zeros low.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:43 and sunrise is at 7:15. Sunset is at 16:22 and twilight ends at 16:54. There's a total of 9 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:44 and sunrise is at 7:15. The full Cold moon was Friday at 10:37. Illumination was 96% at midnight, will be 94% at noon and 90% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 9:21 and moonrise is at 18:47. Moonset is at 10:01 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 34 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1987, 1.1 inches fell. This was the first day of a two day, 9.1 inch storm. In 1973, 0.3 inches fell. This was the second day of part of 17.6 inches that fell through the 20th which was 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches. Midway Airport in 1951 recorded a snowfall of 10 inches on today's date.

A sister of mine, Regina, is celebrating a birthday today and Bill of Rights day is tomorrow. Christmas Eve is in ten days and Christmas Day is in 11 days. -Bernie-

December 13: ORD

Today is December 13th. It's the 348th day of the year. 18 days remain. It's week 50 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 35 and the normal low is 21. The 30-year averages are 35 and 22.

On the warm side, in 1993 the high was 46 with a low of 35. Two years ago the high was 45 with a low of 33. In 2001 the high was 46 with a low of 31. Other warm highs were 49 in 1998 and 44 in 1991. The last time it hit 50 degrees or higher was in 1975 when it was 64 at O'Hare, 67 at Midway, 60 at Marengo and 57 at Rockford. Another warm low was 33 in 2002. The record high of 67 occurred in 1975 and the record warmest low of 46 was set in 1920. 16 of the last 30 highs were 30s, eight highs were 40s, five were 20s and one was in the 10s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 39 with a low of 36, a three degree spread. In 1975 the high was 64 with a low of 38, a bonus 60s day. The record high was 67 at Midway this day. In 1970 the high was 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1968 the high was 49 with a low of 18, a 31 degree spread. In 1966 the high was 29 with a low of 23, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 12 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 20 with a low of 2, another cold day. In 1961 the high was 16 with a low of 1, yet another cold day. In 1958 the high was 12 with a low of -8, one last cold day!

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1983 (35/31), five degrees in 1984 (37/32), five degrees three years ago (28/23), six degrees in 2002 (39/33), six degrees last year (34/28) and seven degrees in 1981 (36/29).

On the cold side, in 1985 the high was 12 with a low of -3. In 2000 the high was 24 with a low of -8. In 1989 the high was 20 with a low of 6. In 1986 the high was 25 with a low of 1. The record low of -13 and record coldest high of 3 were both set in 1903. 15 of the last 30 lows were 20s, seven were 30s, four were 10s, two were zeros and two were negative zeros.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:42 and sunrise is at 7:14. Sunset is at 16:22 and twilight ends at 16:53. There's a total of 9 hours, 8 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:43 and sunrise is at 7:15. The full Cold moon was yesterday at 10:37. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 98% at noon and 96% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 8:30 and moonrise is at 17:27. Moonset is at 9:21 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 3 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1973, 4.0 inches fell. This was the first day of part of 17.6 inches that fell through the 20th which was 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

A sister of mine, Regina, will celebrate a birthday tomorrow and Bill of Rights day is in two days. Christmas Eve is in 11 days and Christmas Day is in 12 days. -Bernie-

December 12: ORD

Today is December 12th. It's the 347th day of the year. 19 days remain. It's week 50 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 35 and the normal low is 21. The 30-year averages are 36 and 22.

On the warm side, in 1991 the high was the near-record high of 60 with a low of 38. The record high of 61 was set way back in 1877. A year earlier, in 1990, the high was 55 with a low of 35. Two years ago the high was 50 with a low of 38. In 2001 the high was 47 with a low of 38. In 1984 the high was also 47 with a low of 32. Other warm highs were 48 in both 1980 and 1998. Another warm low was 35 in 1996. The record warmest low of 48 was set in 1968. 25 of the last 30 highs were 20s (8), 30s (8) and 40s (9). Two highs were 10s, two highs were 50s and one high was in the 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1975 the high was 38 with a low of 35, a three degree spread. In 1974 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1970 the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread. In 1968 the high was 53 with a low of 48, a five degree spread. That low of 48 was the record warmest low, except that it was recorded at Midway. In 1967 the high was 42 with a low of 36, a six degree spread. In 1966 the high was 28 with a low of 21, a seven degree spread. In 1962 the high was the record coldest high of 10 with the former record low of -7, a very cold day. In 1959 the high was 39 with a low of 34, a five degree spread. In 1958 the high was 12 with a low of 3, another very cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of five degrees in 1983 (36/31), five degrees in 1996 (40/35) and seven degrees in 1987 (39/32).

On the cold side, in 2000 the high was 15 with the record low of -8, a very cold day. The former record low of -7 occurred in 1962. In 1989 the high was 17 with a low of 5. Three years earlier, in 1986, the high was 21 with a low of 5. Four years before that, in 1982, the high was 23 with a low of 7. In 1995 the high was 24 with a low of 7. Ten years earlier, in 1985, the high was 22 with a low of 9. Other cold lows were 9 in 2005, 10 in 1988 and 10 in 2003. Another cold high was 24 in 2003. The record coldest high of 10 was set in 1962. 19 of the last 30 lows were 20s (9) and 30s (10). That was the warm side. The cold side includes six 0s lows, four 10s lows and one low in the negative 0s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:41 and sunrise is at 7:13. Chicago's twilight begins four minutes earlier and sunrise is three minutes earlier. Sunset is at 16:21 and twilight ends at 16:53. Chicago's sunset and end of twilight times are two minutes earlier. There's a total of 9 hours, 8 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 12 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:42 and sunrise is at 7:14. The full Cold moon is today at 10:37. Illumination was 100% at midnight, will be 100% at noon and 99% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 7:26 and moonrise is at 16:12. Moonset is at 8:30 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 14 minutes today.

Today in 1987 at Rockford, 10.6 inches of snow fell. Remarkably, O'Hare only received a trace of snow from the system.

A sister of mine, Regina, will celebrate a birthday in two days and Bill of Rights day is in three days. Christmas Eve is in 12 days and Christmas Day is in 13 days. -Bernie-

December 11: ORD

Today is December 11th. It's the 346th day of the year. 20 days remain. It's week 50 of the year.

Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 36 and the normal low is 22. The 30-year averages are 36 and 22.

On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 56 with a low of 34. In 1990 the high was 55 with a low of 32. In 1987 the high was 48 with a low of 34. Two years ago the high was 45 with a low of 37. Other warm highs were 49 in both 1991 and 1998. Another warm high was 48 in 2001. Other warm lows were 36 in 1996 and 33 in 1983. The record high of 61 was set back in 1949. The record warmest low of 50 was set in 1965. At O'Hare this low was 51. 21 of the last 30 highs were 30s (13) and 40s (8). Five highs were 20s, two highs were 50s, one high was in the 0s and one high was in the 10s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 23 with a low of -7, a 30 degree spread and cold. Also, this low of -7 was colder than the record low of -5 but since it occurred at O'Hare, it was unofficial. In 1975 the high was 38 with a low of 35, a 3 degree spread. In 1972 the high was 21 with a low of -13, a 34 degree spread and very cold day. Once again, this low of -13 was colder than the record but unofficial. In 1970 the high was 40 with a low of 35, a five degree spread. In 1967 the high was 40 with a low of 37, a three degree spread. In 1965 the high was 56 with a low of 51, a five degree spread. The low of 51 was the unofficial record warmest low. In 1964 the high was 40 with a low of 33, a seven degree spread. In 1963 the high was 30 with a low of 25, a five degree spread. In 1962 the high was 7, a degree higher than the record coldest high of 6. The low was -4, also a degree higher than the record low of -5.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1996 (39/36), three degrees in 1997 (35/32), five degrees in 1983 (38/33), five degrees in 2004 (37/32) and six degrees last year (33/27).

On the cold side, in 1995 the high was 8 with a low of 1, a cold day and seven degree spread. In 1988 the high was 18 with a cold low of 3. In 1982 the high was 26 with a low of 9. Two years earlier, in 1980, the high was 24 with a low of 11. Other cold lows were 7 in 2005, 11 in 1989 and 12 in 1986. Another cold high was 24 in 1994. The record low of -5 was set in 1972 and the record coldest high of 6 was set in 1962. 26 of the last 30 lows were 10s (9), 20s (7) and 30s (10). Four lows were 0s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:41 and sunrise is at 7:12. Chicago's twilight begins four minutes earlier and sunrise is three minutes earlier. Sunset is at 16:21 and twilight ends at 16:53. Chicago's sunset is a minute earlier and twilight ends two minutes earlier. There's a total of 9 hours, 9 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 12 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:41 and sunrise is at 7:13. The moon is waxing gibbous. The full Cold moon is tomorrow at 10:37. Illumination was 97% at midnight, will be 98% at noon and 100% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 6:11 and moonrise is at 15:09. Moonset is at 7:26 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 2 minutes today.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 2000, 9.5 inches fell. This was the second day of a two day storm of 9.6 inches.

A sister of mine, Regina, will celebrate a birthday in three days and Bill of Rights day is in four days. Christmas Eve is in 13 days and Christmas Day is in two weeks. -Bernie-