September 30: ORD

Today is September 30th. It's the 273rd day of the year. 92 days remain. It's week 39 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 69 and the normal low is 48. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 73 and 48.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 85 with the near-record warmest low of 68. The record warmest low remains 69 degrees, set in 1971. In 1995 the high was 84 with a low of 65. In 1982 the high was 85 with a low of 58. Two years ago the high was 83 with a low of 59. Other warm highs were 83 in both 1981 and 1994. It was 82 in 1991 and 81 in 1983. The record high of 92 was set in 1971. Over the last 30 years, 28 highs were: 60s (9), 70s (11) and 80s (8). Last year we had just the second 50s high of the last 30 years. It was also the second 50s high of the last six years.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 77 with a low of 47, a 30 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 65 with a warm low of 60, a five degree spread. In 1973, 0.04 inches of rain fell. This followed nearly an inch (0.93") the previous day. In 1972 the high was 53 with a low of 36, a cool day. In 1971 the high was 92 with a low of 65, a hot day. 1971 was the year of the record high and record warmest low. In 1968 the high was 80 with a low of 50, a 30 degree spread. In 1964 the low was a cool 36 degrees. In 1963 the high was 77 with a low of 45, a 32 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 70 with a cool low of 36, a 34 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 75 with a cool low of 44, a 31 degree spread. In 1960 the high was a cool 57 degrees.

More recently, there were large spreads of 36 degrees in 2004 (72/36), 34 degrees in 1989 (77/43), 33 degrees in 1983 (81/48) 31 degrees in 1994 (83/52), 31 degrees in 1996 (78/47) and 30 degrees in 1990 (82/52). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1984 the high was 60 with the record low of 29, a 31 degree spread. In 1993 the high was 61 with a low of 31, a 30 degree spread. In 2003 the high was 56 with a low of 39. Another cool low was 36 in 2004. The record coolest high of 44 was set way back in 1899, a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 23 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (12) and 50s (11). Five lows were in the cooler: 20s (1) and 30s (4). Two lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:22 and sunrise is at 6:50. Sunset is at 18:36 and twilight ends at 19:04. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:23 and sunrise is at 6:51. There's a total of 11 hours, 46 minutes of daylight today (four minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 42 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 85% at midnight, will be 88% at noon and 91% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 3:07. Moonrise is at 16:50. Moonset is at 4:09 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 17 minutes which is 39 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in 12 days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in 13 days. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in 13 days. National Boss Day is in 16 days. -Bernie-

September 29: ORD

Today is September 29th. It's the 272nd day of the year. 93 days remain. It's week 39 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 69 and the normal low is 49. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 70 and 49.

On the warm side, in 1982 the high was 83 with a low of 63. In 2002 the high was 84 with a low of 60. In 1979 the high was 85 with a low of 58. In 1986 the high was 77 with a low of 64. Another warm high was 81 in 1983. The record high of 99 was set in 1953 and the record warmest low of 69 occurred in 1904, a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. Over the last 30 years, 26 highs were: 60s (11), 70s (9) and 80s (6). Four highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1971 the high was 80 with a low of 65, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 72 with a low of 39, a 33 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 47 with a low of 41, a six degree spread. In 1964 the high was 67 with a low of 32, a 35 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 66 with a cool low of 36, a 30 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 66 with a cool low of 32, a 34 degree spread. The lows of 32 in 1964 and 1961 are equal to the record.

More recently, there were large spreads of 31 degrees in 1983 (81/50) and 30 degrees two years ago (80/50). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1984 the high was 55 with the record low of 32. In 1993 the high was 54 with a low of 37. Other cool lows were 36 in 1992 and 37 three years ago. The record coolest high of 44 was set way back in 1899, a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 22 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (9) and 50s (13). Five lows were in the cooler 30s and three were in the warmer 60s. Today is also the runner-up date of the earliest first freeze which occurred in 1984. The earliest first freeze was on September 22, 1995.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:20 and sunrise is at 6:48. Sunset is at 18:38 and twilight ends at 19:06. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:22 and sunrise is at 6:50. There's a total of 11 hours, 50 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 46 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 77% at midnight, will be 81% at noon and 85% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 2:05. Moonrise is at 16:27. Moonset is at 3:07 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 38 minutes which is 38 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in 13 days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in two weeks. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in two weeks. National Boss Day is in 17 days. -Bernie-

September 28: ORD

Today is September 28th. It's the 271st day of the year. 94 days remain. It's week 39 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 69 and the normal low is 49. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 69 and 49.

On the warm side, in 1986 the high was 82 with the only 60s low of 65. Other warm highs were 83 in 1979, 82 in 1987, 81 in 1983 and 81 in 1995. There have been no 80s highs since 1995. The record high of 92 was set in 1953 and the record warmest low of 71 occurred in 1971. Over the last 30 years, the following is the distribution of highs: 50s (6), 60s (11), 70s (8) and 80s (5). The last decade has been a microcosm of the day: three in the 50s, three in the 70s and four in the 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1975 the high was 73 with a low of 40, a 33 degree spread. In 1973 the low was a warm 64 degrees. In 1971 the high was 89 with a low of 73, a hot day. In 1967 the high was a cool 53 with a low of 41. In 1964 the high was 62 with a low of 32, a 30 degree spread and cool day. In 1963 the high was a warm 87 with a low of 53, a 34 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 56 with a low of 33, a cool day. In 1959 the high was 77 with a low of 64, a warm day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 32 degrees in 1979 (83/51), 32 degrees in 1989 (74/42) and 31 degrees in 1985 (76/45). There were small spreads of four degrees in 2001 (56/52) and seven degrees in 1988 (65/58).

On the cool side, in 1984 the high was 56 with a low of 36. Another cool high was 56 in 2001. Another cool low was 36 in 1991. The record low of 29 was set in 1942. The record coolest high of 50 was set way back in 1893. 26 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (10) and 50s (16). Three lows were in the cooler 30s and one was in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:19 and sunrise is at 6:47. Sunset is at 18:40 and twilight ends at 19:08. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:20 and sunrise is at 6:48. There's a total of 11 hours, 53 minutes of daylight today (two minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 49 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 69% at midnight, will be 73% at noon and 77% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 1:02. Moonrise is at 16:02. Moonset is at 2:05 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours which is 31 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in two weeks. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in 15 days. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in 15 days. National Boss Day is in 18 days. -Bernie-

September 27: ORD

Today is September 27th. It's the 270th day of the year. 95 days remain. It's week 39 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 70 and the normal low is 49. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 71 and 50.

On the warm side, in 1986 the high was 86 with a low of 68. In 1987 the high was 89 with a low of 61. In 1998 the high was 86 with a low of 60. Other warm highs were 84 in 1990 and 83 in 1979. The record high of 91 and record warmest low of 71 were set on the same day in 1971. Over the last 30 years, 26 highs were: 60s (11) and 70s (7) and 80s (8). Four highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1975 the high was 70 with a low of 40, a 30 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 80 with a low of 63, a warm day. In 1971 the high was 86 with a low of 69, a hot day. In 1967 the high was a cool 55. In 1964 the high was 61 with a low of 35, a cool day. In 1963 the high was a warm 85 with a low of 52, a 33 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 71 with a low of 40, a 31 degree spread.

More recently, there were large spreads of 37 degrees in 1990 (84/47), 31 degrees in 1985 (68/37), 31 degrees in 2004 (76/45) and 30 degrees in 1983 (79/49). There were small spreads of seven degrees in 1993 (53/46) and 1994 (58/51).

On the cool side, in 1984 the high was the near-record coolest high of 50 (the record is 49, set in 1942) with a low of 36. In 1991 the high was 58 with a low of 34. Other cool highs were 53 in 1993 and 58 in 1994. Other cool lows were 37 in both 1985 and 1989. There have been no lows below 45 for 17 years running (since 34 degrees in 1991). The record low of 31 was set in 1942. 22 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (13) and 50s (9). Four lows were in the cooler 30s and four lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:18 and sunrise is at 6:46. Sunset is at 18:41 and twilight ends at 19:09. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:19 and sunrise is at 6:47. There's a total of 11 hours, 55 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 51 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous, having just reached first quarter two nights ago at 23:50. Illumination was 60% at midnight, will be 65% at noon and 69% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at a minute past midnight. Moonrise is at 15:32. Moonset is at 1:02 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 29 minutes which is 35 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in 15 days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in 16 days. National Boss Day is in 19 days. -Bernie-

September 26: ORD

Today is September 26th. It's the 269th day of the year. 96 days remain. It's week 39 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 70 and the normal low is 50. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 70 and 50.

On the warm side, in 1998 the high was the record high of 90 with a low of 68. In 1986 the high was 78 with a low of 69. In 1999 the high was 86 with a low of 57. Other warm highs were 85 in 1987 and 83 in 1979. For 14 years running, there have been no highs failing to reach at least 65 degrees. The last time the high was below 65 was in 1994 when it was 58. The record warmest low of 71 was set in 1973. Over the last 30 years, 22 highs were: 60s (13) and 70s (9). Four highs were in the warmer: 80s (3) and 90s (1). Four highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 76 with a low of 46, a 30 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 82 with a low of 50, a 32 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 82 with a low of 71, a warm day. In 1966 the low was a cold 36. In 1965 the high was 53 with a low of 42, a cool day. In 1963 the high was a warm 83 with a low of 50, a 33 degree spread.

More recently, there were large spreads of 39 degrees in 1987 (85/46), 32 degrees in 1979 (83/51) and 31 degrees in 1995 (76/45). There was a small spread of seven degrees in 1994 (58/51).

On the cool side, in 1984 the high was 53 with the near-record low of 36 (the record low of 35 was set in 1928). The other cool highs were all 58 degrees in: 1980, 1989 and 1994. The record coolest high of 47 was set in 1942. 27 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (12) and 50s (15). One low was in the cooler 30s. Two lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:17 and sunrise is at 6:45. Sunset is at 18:43 and twilight ends at 19:11. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:18 and sunrise is at 6:46. There's a total of 11 hours, 58 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 54 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous, having just reached first quarter last night at 23:50. Illumination was 51% at midnight, will be 55% at noon and 60% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 14:56. Moonset is at a minute past midnight tonight. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 4 minutes which is 15 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in 16 days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in 17 days. National Boss Day is in 20 days. -Bernie-

September 25: ORD

Today is September 25th. It's the 268th day of the year. 97 days remain. It's week 39 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 71 and the normal low is 50. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 71 and 49.

On the warm side, in 1986 the high was 88 with a low of 68. Two years ago the high was 85 with a low of 63. Other warm lows were 67 in 2005 and 63 last year. The record high of 90 was set back in 1933 and the record warmest low of 72 occurred in 1920, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 12 highs were in the 70s. Six highs were in the warmer 80s. 12 highs were in the cooler: 50s (5) and 60s (7).

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1975 the high was a cool 59 with a low of 52, a seven degree spread. In 1973 the high was 80 with a cool low of 69, a warm day. In 1972 the high was 74 with a low of 68, a six degree spread. in 1971 the high was a cool 58 with a low of 51, a seven degree spread. In 1967 the high was 73 with a low of 40, a 33 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 74 with a cool low of 40, a 34 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 83 with a low of 52, a 31 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 56 with a low of 42, a cool day. In 1959 the high was 85 with a low of 63, a hot day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 37 degrees in 1999 (80/43), 34 degrees in 1984 (74/40), 32 degrees in 1988 (77/45), 31 degrees in 1989 (70/39), 31 degrees in 2002 (74/43) and 30 degrees in 1998 (81/51). There was a small spread of three degrees in 1983 (58/55).

On the cool side, in 1985 the high was 58 with a low of 35. In 2000 the high was 55 with a low of 43. In 2001 the high was 58 with a low of 40. in 1982 the high was 52 with a low of 47, a five degree spread. Another cool high was 58 in 1983. The record low of 30 and record coolest high of 46 were set on the same day in 1942. 15 of the last 30 lows were 40s. Two lows were in the cooler 30s. 13 lows were in the warmer: 50s (9) and 60s (4).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:16 and sunrise is at 6:44. Sunset is at 18:45 and twilight ends at 19:13. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:17 and sunrise is at 6:45. There's a total of 12 hours, 1 minute of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 57 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent, heading towards first quarter tonight at 23:50. Illumination was 41% at midnight, will be 46% at noon and 51% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 14:13. Moonset is at 23:02 tonight. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 49 minutes which is four minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in 17 days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in 18 days. National Boss Day is in three weeks. -Bernie-

September 24: ORD

Today is September 24th. It's the 267th day of the year. 98 days remain. It's week 39 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 71 and the normal low is 51. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 69 and 48.

On the hot side, two years ago the high was 90 with a low of 68. In 1984 the high was 84 with a low of 61. Other warm lows were 64 in 1986 and 63 in 2005. The record high of 91 was set way back in 1891. The record warmest low of 71 occurred in 1930, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 16 highs were in the 60s. 11 highs have been in the warmer: 70s (7), 80s (3) and 90s (1). Three highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 79 with a low of 49, a 30 degree spread. In 1976 the high was 69 with a cool low of 34, a 35 degree spread. That low of 34 was cooler than the record low. In 1966 the high was 72 with a cool low of 39, a 33 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 54 with a low of 42, a cool day. In 1960 the high was 84 with a low of 63, a warm day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 31 degrees in 1993 (69/38) and 30 degrees in 1983 (66/36). There was a small spread of seven degrees in 2000 (56/49).

On the cool side, in both 1985 and 1989, highs were 61 with co-record lows of 35. In 1991 the high was 57 with a low of 40. In 1995 the high was 62 with a low of 37. Other cool lows were 36 in 1983 and 38 in 1993. Other cool highs were 55 in 2001 and 56 in 2000. The record coolest high of 51 occurred in 1942. 15 of the last 30 lows were 40s. Five lows were in the cooler 30s. Ten lows were in the warmer: 50s (6) and 60s (4).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:15 and sunrise is at 6:43. Sunset is at 18:47 and twilight ends at 19:15. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:16 and sunrise is at 6:44. There's a total of 12 hours, 4 minutes of daylight today (two minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent, heading towards first quarter tomorrow night at 23:50. Illumination was 32% at midnight, will be 36% at noon and 41% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 13:22. Moonset is at 22:07 tonight. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 45 minutes which is 11 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The autumnal equinox was two afternoon's ago at 16:18. Columbus Day is in 18 days. -Bernie-

September 23: ORD

Today is September 23rd. It's the 266th day of the year. 99 days remain. It's week 38 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 71 and the normal low is 51. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 69 and 48.

On the hot side, there were no days of a mean of at least 11.5 degrees above normal. The hot highs were 85 in 2004 and 84 two years ago. The record high of 91 was set in 1937. Our warm low was 64 in 1986. The record warmest low of 71 occurred in 1891, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 21 highs were in the: 60s (13) and 70s (8). Four highs have been in the warmer 80s. Five highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 68 with a low of 36 (cooler than normal), a 32 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 72 with a low of 42, a 30 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 60 with a low of 28, a 32 degree spread. That low of 28 was cooler than the record low. In 1966 the high was 73 with a low of 42, a 31 degree spread. In 1960 the high was 67 with a low of 61, a six degree spread.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees two years ago (84/50), 31 degrees in 2004 (85/54), 30 degrees in 2002 (69/39) and 30 degrees in 1979 (73/43). There was a small spread of five degrees in 2005 (67/62).

On the cool side, in 1995 the high was 58 with the record low of 29. In 1989 the high was 54 with a low of 37. In 1983 the high was 56 with a low of 35. In 1981 the high was 63 with a low of 35. In 1992 the high was 59 with a low of 40. Another cool low was 39 in 2002. Another cool high was 59 in 1990. The record coolest high of 51 occurred back in 1928, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. 23 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (13) and 50s (10). Five lows were in the cooler: 20s (1) and 30s (4). Two lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:14 and sunrise is at 6:42. Sunset is at 18:48 and twilight ends at 19:16. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:15 and sunrise is at 6:43. There's a total of 12 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 2 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 23% at midnight, will be 27% at noon and 32% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 12:23. Moonset is at 21:19 tonight. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 56 minutes which is 23 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The autumnal equinox was yesterday afternoon at 16:18. -Bernie-

September 22: ORD

Today is September 22nd. It's the 265th day of the year. 100 days remain. It's week 38 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 72 and the normal low is 51. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 71 and 50.

On the hot side, in 1986 the high was 90 with a low of 65. In 2005 the high was 87 with a low of 63. Another hot high was 84 in 1980. The record high of 92 was set in 1956. The record warmest low of 76 occurred in 1895, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 23 highs were in the: 60s (11) and 70s (12). Five highs have been in the warmer: 80s (4) and 90s (1). Two highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 71 with a low of 34 degrees, a 37 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 53 with a low of 32, a cool day. That low of 32 is equal to the record low. In 1970 the high was 68 with a low of 61, a seven degree spread and 0.51 inches of rain. In 1968 the high was 83 with a low of 65, a warm day. In 1961 the high was 85 with a low of 63, a hot day. In 1959 the high was a 87 with a low of 65, a hot day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 35 degrees in 1989 (78/43), 32 degrees in 2004 (82/50) and 31 degrees in 1999 (72/41). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1995 the high was 52 with the record low of 32. In 1983 the high was 54 with a low of 37. 22 of the past 30 lows were: 40s (12) and 50s (10). Two lows were in the cooler 30s and six lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:13 and sunrise is at 6:41. Sunset is at 18:50 and twilight ends at 19:18. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:14 and sunrise is at 6:42. There's a total of 12 hours, 9 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 5 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 15% at midnight, will be 19% at noon and 23% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 11:17. Moonset is at 20:36 tonight. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 19 minutes which is 34 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The autumnal equinox is this afternoon at 16:18. -Bernie-

September 21: ORD

Today is September 21st. It's the 264th day of the year. 101 days remain. It's week 38 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 72 and the normal low is 52. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 71 and 51.

On the hot side, in 2007 the high was 88 with a low of 64. In 1980 the high was 79 with a low of 69. Another hot high was 87 in 2005. The record high of 92 was set in 1970. The record warmest low of 76 occurred in 1931, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 13 highs were in the 60s. 15 highs have been in the warmer: 70s (7) and 80s (8). Two highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the low was a cool 40 degrees. In 1975 the high was 58 with a low of 51, a seven degree spread. In 1971 the high was 72 with a low of 42, a 30 degree spread. In 1970 the high was 88 with a low of 68, a hot day. In 1965 the high was 80 with a low of 68, a warm day. In 1964 the high was 85 with a low of 65, a hot day. In 1962 the high was 71 with a low of 33, a 38 degree spread. In 1959 the high was a 84 with a low of 64, a warm day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees in 2005 (87/53), 32 degrees in 1984 (80/48) and 31 degrees in 2004 (82/51). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1995 the high was the record coolest high of 50 with a low of 41. in 1983 the high was 53, the only other 50s high, with the co-record low of 39. The other co-record low of 39 occurred in 1991. These were the only 30s lows. 16 of the last 30 lows have been 50s. 11 lows were in the cooler: 30s (2) and 40s (9). Three lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:12 and sunrise is at 6:40. Sunset is at 18:52 and twilight ends at 19:20. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:13 and sunrise is at 6:41. There's a total of 12 hours, 12 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 8 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 8% at midnight, will be 11% at noon and 15% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 10:08. Moonset is at 20:01 tonight. Moonrise is at 11:17 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 53 minutes which is 40 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The autumnal equinox is tomorrow at 16:18. -Bernie-

September 20: ORD

Today is September 20th. It's the 263rd day of the year. 102 days remain. It's week 38 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 72 and the normal low is 52. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 72 and 52.

On the hot side, in 1980 the high was 90 with a low of 67. In 1998 the high was 86 with a low of 65. Other hot highs were 85 in 1994 and 84 in 1985. The record high of 91 and record warmest low of 73 were set on the same day back in 1931, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, there have been 23 highs in the: 60s (12) and 70s (11). Six highs have been in the warmer: 80s (5) and 90s (1). One high was in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 89 with a low of 62, a hot day. In 1975 the high was a cool 60. In 1974 the high was 61 with a low of 55, a six degree spread. In 1970 the high was 85 with a low of 63, a hot day. In 1967 the high was 85 with a low of 66, a hot day. In 1965 the high was 84 with a low of 69, a hot day. In 1962 the high was 60 with a low of 35, a cool day. In 1960 the high was 65 with a low of 58, a seven degree spread. In 1959 the high was a 88 with a low of 64, a hot day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees in 1983 (78/44), 31 degrees in 1979 (79/48) and 30 degrees in 2003 (71/41). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1991 the high was 60 with the record low of 36. in 1982 the high was 55 with a low of 43. The record coolest high of 52 occurred back in 1901, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:11 and sunrise is at 6:39. Sunset is at 18:54 and twilight ends at 19:22. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:12 and sunrise is at 6:40. There's a total of 12 hours, 15 minutes of daylight today (two minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent, having reached new two days ago at 13:44. Illumination was 3% at midnight, will be 5% at noon and 8% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 8:56. Moonset is at 19:29 tonight. Moonrise is at 10:08 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 33 minutes which is 46 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The autumnal equinox is in two days. -Bernie-

September 19: ORD

Today is September 19th. It's the 262nd day of the year. 103 days remain. It's week 38 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 73 and the normal low is 53. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 76 and 55.

On the hot side, in 1985 the high was 87 with a low of 66. In 2002 the high was 80 with a low of 72. Two years earlier, in 2000, the high was 87 with a low of 62. Five years later, in 2005, the high was 84 with a low of 65. Two years ago the high was 84 with a low of 65. Other hot highs were 87 in 1984, 85 in 1983 and 85 in 1994. The record high of 93 was set in 1955. The record warmest low of 74 occurred in 1908, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, there have been 22 highs in the: 70s (9) and 80s (13). Eight highs have been in the cooler: 50s (2) and 60s (6).

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 90 with a low of 67, a hot day. In 1976 the high was 82 with a low of 47, a 35 degree spread. In 1974 the high was a hot 87. In 1968 the high was 62 with a low of 59, a three degree spread. In 1967 the low was a warm 65. In 1965 the high was 86 with a low of 68, a hot day. In 1963 the high was 90 with a low of 63. In 1962 the low was a cool 39.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees in 1984 (87/53), 33 degrees in 1999 (80/47) and 30 degrees in 1994 (85/55). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1991 the high was 56 with the record low of 40. Three years ago the high was 55 with a low of 47. The record coolest high of 52 was set back in 1938.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:10 and sunrise is at 6:38. Sunset is at 18:55 and twilight ends at 19:23. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:11 and sunrise is at 6:39. There's a total of 12 hours, 17 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 13 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent, having reached new yesterday at 13:44. Illumination was 0% at midnight, will be 1% at noon and 3% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 7:43. Moonset is at 19:02 tonight. Moonrise is at 8:56 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 19 minutes which is 49 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The autumnal equinox is in three days. -Bernie-

September 18: ORD

Today is September 18th. It's the 261st day of the year. 104 days remain. It's week 38 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 73 and the normal low is 54. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 75 and 53.

On the hot side, in 1985 the high was 87 with a low of 67. Three years later, in 1988, the high was 86 with a low of 67. Two years ago the high was 88 with a low of 63. Another hot high was 86 in 2000. The record high of 94 was set in 1955. The record warmest low of 71 occurred in 1965. Over the last 30 years, the tally of highs has been just about equal. Nine highs were 60s, ten highs were 70s and 11 highs were 80s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the low was a warm 66 degrees. In 1977 the low was a warm 69 degrees. In 1976 the high was 78 with a low of 48, a 30 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 85 with a low of 68, a hot day. In 1963 the high was a hot 89 degrees. In 1962 the high was 75 with a low of 45, a 30 degree spread. In 1959 the low was 40, which is equal to the record low.

More recently, there were large spreads of 35 degrees in 2000 (86/51), 31 degrees in 1984 (74/43), 30 degrees in 1980 (75/45) and 30 degrees in 1997 (83/53). There was a small spread of four degrees in 1986 (65/61).

On the cool side, in 1981 the high was 60 with a low of 42. Another cool low was 42 degrees a decade later in 1991. The record low of 40 was set in 1903. The record coolest high of 54 was set way back in 1901.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:09 and sunrise is at 6:37. Sunset is at 18:57 and twilight ends at 19:25. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:10 and sunrise is at 6:38. There's a total of 12 hours, 20 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 16 minutes between twilights. The moon reaches new today at 13:44. Illumination was 1% at midnight, will be 0% at noon and 0% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:28. Moonset is at 18:36 tonight. Moonrise is at 7:43 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 8 minutes which is 50 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The autumnal equinox is in four days. -Bernie-

September 17: ORD

Today is September 17th. It's the 260th day of the year. 105 days remain. It's week 38 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 73 and the normal low is 54. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 73 and 53.

On the hot side, in 1988 the high was 90 with a low of 67. Another warm low was 66 in 1992. The record high of 93 was set in 1955. The record warmest low of 71 occurred back in 1906, a time when the official thermometer was located near the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 22 highs were: 60s (9) and 70s (13). Seven highs were in the warmer: 80s (6) and 90s (1). One high was in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1974 the high was 83 with a low of 50, a 33 degree spread. In 1973 the high was just 60. In 1968 the high was 73 with a low of 67, a six degree spread. In 1965 the high was 88. In 1964 the high was 84 with a low of 49, a 35 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 87. In 1961 the high was 75 with a low of 44, a 31 degree spread. In 1959 the high was 61 with a low of 44, a cool day.

More recently, there was a large spread of 32 degrees in 1984 (69/37).

On the cool side, in 1981 the high was the record coolest high of 51 with a low of 46, a five degree spread. The record low of 37 was set in 1984. Over the last 30 years, 20 lows were 50s. Seven lows were in the cooler: 30s (1) and 40s (6). Three lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:08 and sunrise is at 6:36. Sunset is at 18:59 and twilight ends at 19:27. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:09 and sunrise is at 6:37. There's a total of 12 hours, 23 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 19 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning crescent and will be new tomorrow at 13:44. Illumination was 3% at midnight, will be 2% at noon and 1% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 5:13. Moonset is at 18:11 tonight. Moonrise is at 6:28 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 58 minutes which is 51 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Citizenship Day is today. The autumnal equinox is in five days. -Bernie-

September 16: ORD

Today is September 16th. It's the 259th day of the year. 106 days remain. It's week 37 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 74 and the normal low is 54. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 72 and 53.

On the hot side, in 1992 the high was 84 with a low of 70. Other hot highs were 86 in 1994, 85 in 1995 and 85 in 1997. Other warm lows were 66 in both 1987 and 1998. The record high of 92 was set in 1955. The record warmest low of 72 occurred back in 1907, a time when the official thermometer was located near the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 15 highs were 70s. Five highs were in the warmer 80s. Ten highs were in the cooler: 50s (2) and 60s (8).

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1973 the high was just 59 with a low of 52, a seven degree spread. Also in 1973, there was a mere 0.04 inches of rain but a big 1.32 inches the following day, the 17th. There were also ten straight days of highs in the 70s (6th-15th). The month began with three 90s highs. In 1969 the low was a warm 66 degrees. In 1966 the high was 73 with a low of 40, a 33 degree spread. In 1965 the high was only 61. In 1963 the high was 85 with a low of 55, a 30 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 86 with a low of 48, a 38 degree spread. In 1959 the high was just 56.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees in 1985 (76/42), 32 degrees in 2003 (82/50) and 30 degrees in 1979 (77/47). There was a small spread of seven degrees in 1987 (73/66).

On the cool side, in 1984 the high was 64 with the record low of 37. In 1981 the high was 59 with a low of 46. Other cool highs were 59 in 1993 and 61 in 1982. Another cool low was 42 in 1985. The record coolest high of 56 occurred in 1959. Over the last 30 years, 23 lows were: 40s (12) and 50s (11). One low was in the cooler 30s. Six lows were in the warmer: 60s (5) and 70s (1).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:06 and sunrise is at 6:35. Sunset is at 19:01 and twilight ends at 19:29. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:08 and sunrise is at 6:36. There's a total of 12 hours, 26 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 23 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 9% at midnight, will be 6% at noon and 3% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 3:56. Moonset is at 17:45 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 5:13 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 49 minutes which is 49 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Citizenship Day is tomorrow. The autumnal equinox is in six days. -Bernie-

September 15: ORD

Today is September 15th. It's the 258th day of the year. 107 days remain. It's week 37 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 75 and the normal low is 54. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 72 and 54.

On the hot side, in 1994 the high was 91 with a low of 71. Three years earlier, in 1991, the high was 91 with a low of 68. In 2004 the high was 86 with a low of 68. In 1992 the high was 85 with a low of 68. Another warm low was 67 in 1998. The record high of 99 was set in 1939. The record warmest low of 75 was set back in 1927. Over the last 30 years, 22 highs were: 60s (11) and 70s (11). Seven highs were in the warmer: 80s (5) and 90s (2). One high was in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1969 the low was just 69. In 1966 the high was 65 with a low of 40, a cool day. In 1964 the high was just 62. In 1963 the high was 78 with a low of 46, a 32 degree spread. In 1961 the low was 41. In 1959 the high was just 62.

More recently, there was a large spread of 31 degrees in 1985 (71/40). There were small spreads of four degrees in 1993 (55/51), five degrees in 1998 (72/67) and seven degrees in 1980 (64/57).

On the cool side, in 2007 the high was 61 with the record low of 39. The former record low of 40 occurred in 1985. In 1984 the high was 62 with a low of 41. Other cool highs are the co-record coolest high of 55 in 1993, 62 in 1983 and 62 in 2000. The other co-record coolest high of 55 occurred in 1916, a time when the official thermometer was located on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 17 lows were 50s. Seven lows were in the cooler: 30s (1) and 40s (6). Six lows were in the warmer: 60s (5) and 70s (1).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:05 and sunrise is at 6:34. Sunset is at 19:03 and twilight ends at 19:31. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:06 and sunrise is at 6:35. There's a total of 12 hours, 29 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 26 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 17% at midnight, will be 12% at noon and 9% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 2:37. Moonset is at 17:15 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 3:56 early tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 38 minutes which is 44 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Citizenship Day is in two days. The autumnal equinox is in seven days. -Bernie-

September 14: ORD

Today is September 14th. It's the 257th day of the year. 108 days remain. It's week 37 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 75 and the normal low is 54. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 74 and 55.

On the hot side, in 1994 the high was 90 with a low of 73. Three years earlier, in 1991, the high was 90 with a low of 67. Another warm low was 68 in 1998. The record high of 99 and record warmest low of 76 were set on the same day back in 1939. Over the last 30 years, 24 highs were: 60s (9) and 70s (15). Six highs were in the warmer: 80s (4) and 90s (2).

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1975 the low was 41. In 1974 the low was 40, equal to the record low. In 1971 the high was 90 with a low of 58, a 32 degree spread. In 1970 the high was 59 with a low of 55, a four degree spread with 0.71 inches of rain. In 1969 the low was just 68. In 1964 the high was 80 with a low of 42, a 38 degree spread. In 1963 the low was 38. That low of 38 was cooler than the record low. In 1961 the high was just 63.

More recently, there were large spreads of 31 degrees in 1988 (81/50), 30 degrees in 1987 (76/46) and 30 degrees in 2002 (83/53). There was a small spread of seven degrees in 1998 (75/68). Last year we received more rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ike. O'Hare recorded 1.44 inches. Cincinnati had a peak wind gust of 74 miles an hour, causing power outages.

On the cool side, there were no days of a mean of at least 11.5 degrees below normal. The coolest temperature was the record low of 40, set in 1985. The coolest high temperatures were 60 in 1996 and 63 in 2001. The record coolest high of 54 occurred way back in 1923, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 16 lows were 50s. Eight lows were in the cooler 40s. Six lows were in the warmer: 60s (5) and 70s (1).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:04 and sunrise is at 6:32. Sunset is at 19:04 and twilight ends at 19:32. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:05 and sunrise is at 6:34. There's a total of 12 hours, 32 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 28 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 26% at midnight, will be 21% at noon and 17% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 1:19. Moonset is at 16:41 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 2:37 early tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 22 minutes which is 31 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Maria, my second youngest sister, and her husband, Buddy, celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary today. Citizenship Day is in three days. The autumnal equinox is in eight days. -Bernie-

September 13: ORD

Today is September 13th. It's the 256th day of the year. 109 days remain. It's week 37 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 75 and the normal low is 55. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 77 and 58.

On the hot side, in 2005 the high was 94 with a low of 71. In 1994 the high was 88 with a low of 66. Another warm high was 90 in 1998. Other warm lows were 70 in 1982, 68 (1993, 2003 and last year) and 67 in 1980. The record high of 98 was set back in 1939. The record warmest low of 75 occurred back in 1927, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 21 highs were: 70s (11) and 80s (10). Two highs were in the warmer 90s. Seven highs were in the cooler 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 86 with a low of 67, a hot day. In 1975 the high was 63 with a low of 40, a cool day. In 1974 the high was 59 with a low of 44, a cool day. In 1970 the high was 59 with a low of 52, a seven degree spread. In 1964 the high was 70 with a low of 37, a 33 degree spread and cool day. That low of 37 was cooler than the record low. In 1963 the high was 62 with a low of 43, a cool day. In 1962 the high was 91 with a low of 71, a hot day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 33 degrees in 1998 (90/57) and 32 degrees in 2000 (79/47). There were small spreads of five degrees in 2006 (65/60), seven degrees in 1989 (60/53) and seven degrees last year (75/68). Last year we were getting lots of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ike. O'Hare recorded 6.64 inches of rain.

On the cool side, in 1985 the high was 64 with a low of 42. Other cold lows were the four others in the 40s, the coolest of these was 47 degrees, occurring in 2000. Three lows were 48 degrees. The record low of 39 was set way back in 1890. Other cool highs were the coolest reading of 60 in 1989 and another high of 64 in 1996. The record coolest high of 55 occurred way back in 1880, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 23 lows were: 50s (11) and 60s (12). Five lows were in the cooler 40s. Two lows were in the warmer 70s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:03 and sunrise is at 6:31. Sunset is at 19:06 and twilight ends at 19:34. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:04 and sunrise is at 6:32. There's a total of 12 hours, 35 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 31 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning crescent, having reached last quarter two nights ago at 21:16. Illumination was 37% at midnight, will be 32% at noon and 26% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at six minutes past midnight. Moonset is at 15:59 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 1:19 early tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 53 minutes which is 44 minutes longer than yesterday.

My oldest sister, Mary Ann, and her husband, William, celebrate their 7th wedding anniversary today. Grandparent's Day is also today. Maria, my second youngest sister, and her husband, Buddy, celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary tomorrow. Citizenship Day is in four days. The autumnal equinox is in nine days. -Bernie-

September 12: ORD

Today is September 12th. It's the 255th day of the year. 110 days remain. It's week 37 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 75 and the normal low is 55. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 78 and 57.

On the hot side, in 2005 the high was 90 with a low of 68. Other warm highs were 88 in 1998, 87 in 1979 and 87 in 1994. The record high of 96 was set in 1952. The record warmest low of 72 occurred back in 1931, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 25 highs were: 70s (12) and 80s (13). One high was in the warmer 90s. Four highs were in the cooler 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1975 the high was 61 with a low of 43, a cool day. That low of 43 is cooler than the record low. In 1973 the high was 76 with a low of 46, a 30 degree spread. In 1972 the high was 70 with a low of 64, a six degree spread. Also in 1972, 0.79 inches of rain fell with an additional 1.83 inches on the following day, September 13. In 1967 the high was 79 with a low of 41, a 38 degree spread. That low of 41 is cooler than the record low. In 1966 the high was 84 with a low of 52, a 32 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 65 with a low of 38, a cool day. That low of 38 is cooler than the record low. In 1962 the high was 91 with a low of 62, a hot day. In 1961 the low was a warm 68. In 1960 the high was a cool 62.

More recently, there were no large spreads of at least 30 degrees or more. There was a small spread of four degrees last year (73/69).

On the cool side, there were no days of a mean of at least 11.5 degrees below normal. The coolest lows were the five in the 40s. The coolest of these were the two at 46 degrees (1985 and two years ago). The record low of 44 was set in 1955. The coolest highs were the four in the 60s. The coolest was 66 in 1985. The others were 67 degrees (1989, 1996 and two years ago). The record coolest high of 53 occurred in 1902, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 25 lows were: 50s (12) and 60s (13). Five lows were in the cooler 40s. No lows were in the warmer 70s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:02 and sunrise is at 6:30. Sunset is at 19:08 and twilight ends at 19:36. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:03 and sunrise is at 6:31. There's a total of 12 hours, 38 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 34 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning crescent, having reached last quarter last night at 21:16. Illumination was 48% at midnight, will be 43% at noon and 37% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 15:09 this afternoon. Moonrise is at six minutes past midnight tonight. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 9 minutes which is the same as yesterday.

My oldest sister, Mary Ann, and her husband, William, celebrate their 7th wedding anniversary tomorrow. Grandparent's Day is also tomorrow. Maria, my second youngest sister, and her husband, Buddy, celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary in two days. Citizenship Day is in five days. The autumnal equinox is in ten days. -Bernie-

September 11: ORD

Today is September 11th. It's the 254th day of the year. 111 days remain. It's week 37 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 75 and the normal low is 56. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 78 and 56.

On the hot side, in 2005 the high was 90 with a low of 69. Other warm highs were 88 in 1982, 87 in 1979, 87 in 1988, 87 in 1994 and 87 in 2000. The record high of 95 was set in 1952. The record warmest low of 73 occurred in 1961. Over the last 30 years, 25 highs were: 70s (13) and 80s (12). One high was in the warmer 90s. Four highs were in the cooler 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 90 with a low of 66, a hot day. In 1976 the high was 84 with a low of 53, a 31 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 87 with a low of 69, a hot day. In 1967 the high was 71 with a low of 41, a 30 degree spread. That low of 41 is cooler than the record low. In 1966 the high was 86 with a low of 49, a 37 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 80 with a low of 47, a 33 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 89 with a low of 68, a hot day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 35 degrees in 1999 (81/46) and 30 degrees in 1988 (87/57). There was a small spread of seven degrees in 1991 (71/64).

On the cool side, there were no days of a mean of at least 11.5 degrees below normal. The coolest lows were the five in the 40s. The coolest of these was the record low of 42 in 1993. The coolest highs were the four in the 60s. The coolest were 67 in both 1985 and three years ago. The record coolest high of 61 occurred in 1940, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 25 lows were: 50s (15) and 60s (10). Five lows were in the cooler 40s. No lows were in the warmer 70s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:01 and sunrise is at 6:29. Sunset is at 19:10 and twilight ends at 19:38. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:02 and sunrise is at 6:30. There's a total of 12 hours, 41 minutes of daylight today (two minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 37 minutes between twilights. The moon reaches last quarter tonight at 21:16. Illumination was 59% at midnight, will be 54% at noon and 48% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 14:09 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 23:00 tonight. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 9 minutes which is 11 minutes longer than yesterday.

Patriot Day is today. It's the 8th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America. My oldest sister, Mary Ann, and her husband, William, celebrate their 7th wedding anniversary in two days. Grandparent's Day is also in two days. Maria, my second youngest sister, and her husband, Buddy, celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary in three days. Citizenship Day is in six days. The autumnal equinox is in 11 days. -Bernie-

September 10: ORD

Today is September 10th. It's the 253rd day of the year. 112 days remain. It's week 37 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 76 and the normal low is 56. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 79 and 58.

On the hot side, in 1983 the high was the record high of 95 with a low of 67. In 1986 the high was 90 with a low of 70. In 2005 the high was 92 with a low of 67. In 2000 the high was 84 with a low of 72. Another warm high was 89 in 2002. The record warmest low of 75 occurred way back in 1912, a time when the thermometer was located on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 22 highs were: 70s (10) and 80s (12). Three highs were in the warmer 90s. Five highs were in the cooler 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 92 with a low of 65, a hot day. In 1971 the high was 87 with a low of 69, a hot day. In 1968 the high was 61 with a low of 55, a six degree spread with 0.16 inches of rain. In 1966 the high was 84 with a low of 47, a 37 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 93 with a low of 65, a hot day. In 1961 the high was 89 with a low of 67, a hot day.

More recently, there was a large spread of 36 degrees in 1988 (86/50) and a small spread of four degrees three years ago (64/60).

On the cool side, there were no days of a mean of at least 11.5 degrees below normal. The coolest lows were the five lows in the 40s. The coolest of these was 46 in 1995. The coolest highs were the five in the 60s. The coolest were 64 in both 1995 and three years ago. The record low of 44 was set in 1943. The record coolest high of 53 occurred way back in 1917, a time when the thermometer was located on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 23 lows were: 50s (10) and 60s (13). Five lows were in the cooler 40s and two were in the warmer 70s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:00 and sunrise is at 6:28. Sunset is at 19:11 and twilight ends at 19:40. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:01 and sunrise is at 6:29. There's a total of 12 hours, 43 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 40 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 70% at midnight, will be 65% at noon and 59% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 13:03 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 22:05 tonight. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 58 minutes which is 26 minutes longer than yesterday.

Patriot Day is tomorrow. My oldest sister, Mary Ann, and her husband, William, celebrate their 7th wedding anniversary in three days. Grandparent's Day is also in three days. Maria, my second youngest sister, and her husband, Buddy, celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary in four days. Citizenship Day is in a week. The autumnal equinox is in 12 days. -Bernie-

September 9: ORD

Today is September 9th. It's the 252nd day of the year. 113 days remain. It's week 36 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. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 76 and the normal low is 56. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 78 and 57.

On the hot side, in 1983 the high was the record high of 95 with a low of 70. In 1991 the high was 94 with a low of 70. In 2002 the high was 90 with a low of 66. The record warmest low of 75 occurred way back in 1912, a time when the thermometer was located on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 24 highs were: 70s (14) and 80s (10). Three highs were in the warmer 90s. Three highs were in the cooler 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 93 with a low of 65, a hot day. In 1971 the high was 90 with a low of 69, a hot day. In 1966 the high was 82 with a low of 45, a 37 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 88. In 1964 the high was 94 with a low of 62, a hot day. In 1963 the high was 85 with a low of 54, a 31 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 89. In 1959 the high was 90 with a low of 65, a hot day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees in 1982 (81/47), 31 degrees in 1988 (81/50), 30 degrees in 1981 (75/45) and 30 degrees in 1986 (73/43). There was a small spread of seven degrees three years ago (70/63).

On the cool side, there were no days of a mean of at least 11.5 degrees below normal. The coolest low was the record low of 43, set in 1986. There were also five other lows in the 40s, including 45 in 1981. The coolest highs were those in the 60s: 67 in 1992, 69 in 1995 and 69 last year. The record coolest high of 56 occurred way back in 1883, a time when the thermometer was located on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 22 lows were: 50s (10) and 60s (12). Six lows were in the cooler 40s and two were in the warmer 70s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight is at 5:59 and sunrise is at 6:27. Sunset is at 19:13 and twilight ends at 19:41. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:00 and sunrise is at 6:28. There's a total of 12 hours, 46 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 42 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 79% at midnight, will be 75% at noon and 70% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 11:53 this morning. Moonrise is at 21:21 tonight. Moonset is at 13:03 tomorrow afternoon. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 32 minutes which is 34 minutes longer than yesterday.

Patriot Day is in two days. My oldest sister, Mary Ann, and her husband, William, celebrate their 7th wedding anniversary in four days. Grandparent's Day is also in four days. Maria, my second youngest sister, and her husband, Buddy, celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary in five days. Citizenship Day is in eight days. The autumnal equinox is in 13 days. -Bernie-