February 29: ORD

Today is February 29th. It's the xxth day of the year. xxx days remain. It's week x of the year. There is no February 29th this year, so I'm doing this for 2012.

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 39 and the normal low is 23. I've calculated the 8-year averages at 40 and 22.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was 64 with the record warmest low of 44. In 2004 the high was 61 with a low of 32. The record high of 65 was set in 1972. Three of the last eight highs were 30s. On the warmer side, two highs were 60s and one highs was in the 40s. On the colder side, one high was a 10s (a.k.a. teens) high and one high was in the 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first leap day at O'Hare in 1960, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 58 with a low of 35, a bonus 50s day. In 1972 the high was 62 with a low of 36, a bonus 60s day. In 1964 the high was 50 with a low of 28, another bonus 50s day.

More recently, there were no large or small spreads.

On the cold side, in 1980 the high was the record coldest high of 17 with a low of 0. In 1996 the high was 24 with a low of 10. The record low of -3 was set way back in 1884. Six of the last eight lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (2), 20s (2) and 30s (2). One low was in the colder single digits and one low was in the warmer 40s.

Today is not a major day in Chicago's snow history.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:xx and sunrise was at 6:xx. Sunset is at 17:xx and twilight ends at 18:xx. There's a total of 11 hours, xx minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, x minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:xx and sunrise is at 6:xx. The moon is xxxxx xxxxxx. Illumination was xx% at midnight, will be xx% at noon and xx% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at yy:yy and moonset is at yy:yy. Moonrise is at yy:yy tomorrow. Moonlight time is yy hours, yy minutes which is yy minutes longer/shorter than yesterday.

My birthday is in a week. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a week and three days. -Bernie-

February 28: ORD

Today is February 28th. It's the 59th day of the year. 306 days remain. It's week 9 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 39 and the normal low is 23. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 39 and 22.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was 55 with a low of 30. Other warm highs were 56 in 1983 and 55 in 2004. Another warm low was 37 in 1987. The record high of 61 and record warmest low of 46 were both set on the same day way back in 1895. 20 of the last 30 highs were 30s (9) and 40s (11). On the warmer side, four highs were 50s. On the colder side, six highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 55 with a low of 34, a bonus 50s day. In 1974 the high was 54 with a low of 30, a second bonus 50s day. In 1972 the high was 50 with a low of 32, a third bonus 50s day. In 1967 the high was 38 with a low of 34, a four degree spread. In 1965 the high was 57 with a low of 21, a fourth bonus 50s day. In 1962 the high was 23 with a low of 0, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of five degrees in 1984 (28/23), six degrees in 1987 (43/37), six degrees in 1999 (40/34) and seven degrees two years ago (35/28). The lone large spread was 30 degrees five years ago (55/25).

On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 25 with a low of 8. Last year the high was 29 with a low of 8. In 2001 the high was 28 with a low of 11. The record low of 0 was set way back in 1884 and the record coldest high of 14 was set way back in 1891. 20 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (10) and 20s (10). Three lows were in the colder single digits and seven lows were in the warmer 30s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At the Auditorium Tower back in 1900, 11.3 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:02 and sunrise was at 6:30. Sunset is at 17:42 and twilight ends at 18:11. There's a total of 11 hours, 12 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:00 and sunrise is at 6:28. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 11% at midnight, will be 14% at noon and 18% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 7:45 and moonset is at 22:03. Moonrise is at 8:13 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 18 minutes which is 47 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is in a week. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a week and three days. -Bernie-

February 27: ORD

Today is February 27th. It's the 58th day of the year. 307 days remain. It's week 9 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 39 and the normal low is 23. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 38 and 22.

On the warm side, in 1981 the high was 60 with a low of 35. Nearly two decades later, in 2000, the high was 52 with a low of 38. A year earlier, in 1999, the high was 48 with a low of 38. Another warm high was 52 in 1998 and another warm low was 35 in 1987. The record high of 75 was set in 1976. This was at Midway. For O'Hare, see the next paragraph. The record warmest low of 42 was set way back in 1896. 19 of the last 30 highs were 30s (11) and 40s (8). On the warmer side, three highs were 50s and one was a 60. On the colder side, seven highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 32 with a low of 26, a six degree spread. In 1976 the high was 71 with a low of 38, a bonus 70s day. In 1971 the high was 40 with a low of 34, a six degree spread. In 1970 the high was 33 with a low of 27, a six degree spread. In 1967 the high was 34 with a low of 27, a seven degree spread. In 1959 the high was 50 with a low of 28, a bonus 50s day.

More recently, we had small spreads of two degrees in 1995 (33/31), three degrees in 1997 (36/33), four degrees in 1984 (29/25), four degrees two years ago (33/29) and seven degrees in 1980 (30/23).

On the cold side, in 1994 the high was 27 with a low of -5, a 32 degree spread. A year earlier, in 1993, the high was 29 with a low of 6. Last year the high was 23 with a low of 15. Nearly two decades earlier, in 1989, the high was 27 with a low of 11. The record low of -6 was set way back in 1897. It was also -6 way back in 1879. The record coldest high of 10 was set way back in 1888. 27 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8), 20s (11) and 30s (8). Two lows were in the colder single digits and one low was in the negative single digits.

Today is not a major day in Chicago's snow history. Yesterday's former record for precipitation in Chicago was 0.92 inches in 1899. That was broken as 1.95 inches fell at O'Hare yesterday. Rockford had 1.31 inches, breaking their prior record of 0.80 inches in 1912. At Rockford in 1912, this precipitation was 8.0 inches of snow. Midway had 1.60 inches which broke their previous record of 0.87 inches set in 1971.

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 17:41 and twilight ends at 18:09. Chicago's sunset is at 17:39 and twilight ends at 18:07. There's a total of 11 hours, 10 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 6 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:02 and sunrise is at 6:30. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 5% at midnight, will be 8% at noon and 11% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 7:21 and moonset is at 20:52. Moonrise is at 7:45 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 31 minutes which is 46 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is in a week and a day. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a week and four days. -Bernie-

February 26: ORD

Today is February 26th. It's the 57th day of the year. 308 days remain. It's week 9 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 39 and the normal low is 23. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 38 and 23.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was the record high of 64 with the record warmest low of 48. Two years earlier, in 1998, the high was 63 (former record high with 1932) with a low of 45. Another warm high was 58 in 1988 and another warm low was 38 in 1996. 16 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, ten highs were: 40s (7), 50s (1) and 60s (2). On the colder side, four highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 61 with a low of 37, a bonus 60s day. In 1973 the high was 33 with a low of 28, a five degree spread. In 1971 the high was 56 with a low of 40, a bonus 50s day. In 1969 the high was 37 with a low of 30, a seven degree spread. In 1967 the high was 34 with a low of -1, a 35 degree spread and indeed cold. In 1963 the high was 15 with a low of -8, a cold day. In 1960 the high was 26 with a low of 21, a five degree spread.

More recently, we had a spread of four degrees in 1997 (38/34), four degrees two years ago (34/30), five degrees in 1995 (33/28), six degrees in 1981 (36/30), six degrees in 1996 (44/38) and a lone large spread of 36 degrees in 1988 (58/22).

On the cold side, in 1994 the high was 20 with a low of 2. In 1980, the high was 26 with a low of 2. In 2003, the high was 30 with a low of 5. In 1991, the high was 27 with a low of 12. The record low of -1 was set in 1963 and the record coldest high of 10 was set way back in 1888. 20 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8) and 20s (12). Three lows were in the colder single digits. Seven lows were warmer: five 30s and two 40s.

Today is not a major day in Chicago's snow history. But since we are supposed to get lots of rain, the record for precipitation today is 0.92 inches in 1899.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:05 and sunrise is at 6:33. Sunset is at 17:40 and twilight ends at 18:08. Chicago's sunset is at 17:38 and twilight ends at 18:06. There's a total of 11 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 3 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:03 and sunrise is at 6:31. The moon is waxing crescent and reached new two nights ago at 19:35. Illumination was 2% at midnight, will be 3% at noon and 5% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:59 and moonset is at 19:44. Moonrise is at 7:21 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 45 minutes which is 46 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is in a week and two days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two days short of two weeks. -Bernie-

February 25: ORD

Today is February 25th. It's the 56th day of the year. 309 days remain. It's week 8 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 38 and the normal low is 22. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 38 and 21.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was the record high of 72 with a low of 38, a 34 degree spread. The old record high of 66 occurred in 1932. Four years earlier, in 1996, the high was 59 with a low of 33. In 2002 the high was 52 with a low of 32. Four years before that, in 1998, the high was 52 with a low of 31. Three years later, in 2001, the high was 55 with a low of 28. The record warmest low of 52 was set in 1957. 12 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, 11 highs were: 40s (6), 50s (4), 60s (0) and 70s (1). On the colder side, six highs were 20s and just one in the 10s (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 40 with a low of 33, a seven degree spread. In 1976 the high was 65 with a low of 46, a bonus 60s day. In 1973 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread. In 1971 the high was 56 with a low of 29, a bonus 50s day. In 1969 the high was 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1967 the high was 11 with a low of -8, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 28 with a low of 25, a three degree spread.

More recently, we had a spread of three degrees in 1992 (35/32), three degrees last year (34/31), six degrees in 1979 (28/22), six degrees in 1985 (38/32), and seven degrees two years ago (38/31).

On the cold side, in 2003 the high was 17 with a low of -2. A decade earlier, in 1993, the high was 21 with a low of -2. Three years earlier, in 1990, the high was 21 with a low of 2. A decade earlier, in 1980, the high was 29 with a low of 8. Another cold low was 7 in 1994. The record low of -9 and record coldest high of 10 occurred on the same day back in 1900. 25 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (7), 20s (9) and 30s (9). Five lows were colder: three in the single digits and two in the negative single digits.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1994, 6.7 inches fell. This was the fourth of four days in which 16.1 inches fell. In 1965, 1.5 inches fell. This was the third of three days in which 10.0 inches fell.

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 17:39 and twilight ends at 18:07. Chicago's sunset is at 17:37 and twilight ends at 18:05. There's a total of 11 hours, 4 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 1 minute between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:05 and sunrise is at 6:33. The moon is waxing crescent and reached new last night at 19:35. Illumination was 0% at midnight, will be 1% at noon and 2% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:38 and moonset is at 18:37. Moonrise is at 6:59 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 59 minutes which is 44 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is today. My birthday is in a week and three days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a day short of two weeks. -Bernie-

February 24: ORD

Today is February 24th. It's the 55th day of the year. 310 days remain. It's week 8 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 38 and the normal low is 22. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 38 and 23.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 61 with a low of 38. A couple of years earlier, in 2000, the high was 57 with a low of 41. Four years before that, in 1996, the high was 58 with a low of 34. Two years later, in 1998, the high was 54 with a low of 36. In 2001 the high was 56 with a low of 30. Two decades earlier, in 1981, the high was 53 with a low of 32. The record high of 64 was set in 1930 and the record warmest low of 46 was set in 1936. 14 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, ten highs were: 40s (4), 50s (5) and 60s (1). On the colder side, six highs were 10s (1) and 20s (5).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 51 with a low of 33, a bonus 50s day. In 1976 the high was 63 with a low of 38, a bonus 60s day. In 1967 the high was 9 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1965 the high was 24 with a low of 19, a five degree spread. In 1963 the high was 26 with a low of -1, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 29 with a low of 24, a five degree spread. In 1960 the high was 29 with a low of 23, a six degree spread.

More recently, we had a spread of six degrees five years ago (37/31), a spread of six degrees two years ago (32/26), seven degrees in 1979 (30/23), seven degrees in 1985 (39/32), seven degrees in 1992 (40/33) and a large spread of 32 degrees three years ago (47/15).

On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 15 with a low of -5. In 1989 the high was 22 with a low of 4. In 2003 the high was 23 with a low of 6. In 1994 the high was 22 with a low of 8. Another cold low was 7 in 1990 and another cold high was 26 in 1988. The record low of -11 was set way back in 1873 and the record coldest high of 8 was set way back in 1889. 19 of the last 30 lows have been: 20s (10) and 30s (9). Ten lows were colder: in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) (5), single digits (4) and negative single digits (1). One low was in the warmer 40s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1994, 0.3 inches fell. This was the third of four days in which 16.1 inches fell. In 1965, 6.7 inches fell. This was the second of three days in which 10.0 inches fell.

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 17:37 and twilight ends at 18:06. Chicago's sunset is at 17:35 and twilight ends at 18:03. There's a total of 11 hours, 1 minute of daylight today and 11 hours, 58 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:06 and sunrise is at 6:35. The moon is waning crescent and heading towards new tonight at 19:35. Illumination was 1% at midnight, will be 0% at noon and 0% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:17 and moonset is at 17:32. Moonrise is at 6:38 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 15 minutes which is 41 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is tomorrow. My birthday is in a week and four days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two weeks. -Bernie-

February 23: ORD

Today is February 23rd. It's the 54th day of the year. 311 days remain. It's week 8 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 37 and the normal low is 22. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 40 and 25.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was the record high of 66 with the record low of 51. The old record high of 60 occurred in 1977 and the old record warmest low of 43 occurred in 1961. In 1984 the high was 59 with a low of 37. In 1996 the high was 54 with a low of 37. In 1985 the high was 50 with a low of 33. Other warm highs were 51 in 1995, 50 in 1998 and 49 in 1983. Another warm low was 37 in 2004. 20 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (12) and 40s (8). On the warmer side, five highs were 50s and one was a 60. On the colder side, four highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 26 with a low of 19, a seven degree spread. In 1977 the high was 58 with a low of 39, a bonus 50s day. In 1975 the high was 37 with a low of 33, a four degree spread. In 1971 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1969 the high was 40 with a low of 35, a five degree spread. In 1968 the high was 37 with a low of 7, a 30 degree spread. In 1966 the high was 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1961 the high was 50 with a low of 38, another bonus 50s day.

More recently, we had a spread of five degrees in 1981 as the high was 38 with a low of 33.

On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 20 with a low of 2. In 1989 the high was 23 with a low of 4. The record low of -18 was set way back in 1873 and the record coldest high of -2 was set way back in 1889. 21 of the last 30 lows have been: 20s (11) and 30s (10). Eight lows were colder: in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6) and single digits (2). One low was in the warmer 50s (the record warmest low).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1994, 5.1 inches fell. This was the second day of a four day stretch in which 16.1 inches fell. In 1965, 1.8 inches fell. This was the first of three days in which 10.0 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:09 and sunrise is at 6:38. Sunset is at 17:36 and twilight ends at 18:05. Chicago's sunset is at 17:34 and twilight ends at 18:02. There's a total of 10 hours, 58 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 56 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:08 and sunrise is at 6:36. The moon is waning crescent and heading towards new tomorrow night at 19:35. Illumination was 3% at midnight, will be 2% at noon and 1% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 5:53 and moonset is at 16:27. Moonrise is at 6:17 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 34 minutes which is 39 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is in two days. My birthday is in two days short of two weeks. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two weeks, one day. -Bernie-

February 22: ORD

Today is February 22nd. It's the 53rd day of the year. 312 days remain. It's week 8 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 37 and the normal low is 21. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 40 and 26.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was 59 with a low of 39. In 1984 the high was 60 with a low of 32. In 1998 the high was 50 with a low of 37. In 1981 the high was 48 with a low of 37. Four years later, in 1985, the high was 46 with a low of 39, a seven degree spread. In 1992 the high was 50 with a low of 34. Another warm high was 49 in 1982. Other warm lows were 34 in 1980 and 33 in 1983. The record high of 68 was set back in 1922 and the record warmest low of 52 was set in 1930. 21 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (9) and 40s (12). On the warmer side, four highs were: 50s (3) and 60s (1). On the colder side, five highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 53 with a low of 33, a bonus 50s day. In 1970 the high was 50 with a low of 33, another bonus 50s day. In 1969 the high was 41 with a low of 35, a six degree spread. In 1968 the high was 32 with a low of 1, a 31 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 19 with a low of -8, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 50 with a low of 25, yet another bonus 50s day.

More recently, there were small spreads of four degrees in 1980 (38/34), five degrees (1993: 24/19, 1994: 29/24), six degrees last year (27/21) and seven degrees in 1996 (39/32).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was 24 with a low of 10. The record low of -14 was set way back in 1873 and the record coldest high of 8 was set back in 1901. 25 of the last 30 lows have been: 20s (13) and 30s (12). Five lows were in the 10s (a.k.a. teens).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1994, 4.0 inches fell. This was the first day of a four day stretch in which 16.1 inches fell.

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 17:35 and twilight ends at 18:03. There's a total of 10 hours, 56 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 52 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:09 and sunrise is at 6:38. The moon is waning crescent and heading towards new on Tuesday night. Illumination was 8% at midnight, will be 5% at noon and 3% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 5:27 and moonset is at 15:22. Moonrise is at 5:53 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 55 minutes which is 34 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is in three days. My birthday is in a day short of two weeks. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two weeks, two days. -Bernie-

February 21: ORD

Today is February 21st. It's the 52nd day of the year. 313 days remain. It's week 8 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 37 and the normal low is 21. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 40 and 24.

On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 58 with a low of 34. In 1980 the high was 46 with a low of 36. Other warm highs were 50 in 2003 and 49 in 1983. Other warm lows were 37 in 1985 and 33 in 2005. The record high of 67 and the record warmest low of 47 were set on the same day back in 1930. 26 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (13) and 40s (13). On the warmer side, two highs were 50s. On the colder side, two highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1974 the high was 51 with a low of 36, a bonus 50s day. In 1968 the high was 22 with a low of -1, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 26 with a low of -1, another cold day. In 1963 the high was 4 with a low of -8, another very cold day. In 1961 the high was 54 with a low of 21, a 33 degree spread and another bonus 50s day.

More recently, there were small spreads of three degrees in 2005 (36/33), five degrees in 2002 (34/29), six degrees in 1985 (43/37) and seven degrees in 1996 (35/28).

On the cold side, in 2001 the high was 21 with a low of 9. Last year the high was 23 with a low of 8. Two decades earlier, in 1988, the high was 32 with a low of 1, a 31 degree spread. The record low of -11 was set way back in 1873 and the record coldest high of 3 was set in 1963. 17 of the last 30 lows have been 20s. Six lows were colder: three in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) (3) and single digits (3). Seven lows were in the warmer 30s.

Today is a not a major day in Chicago's snow history.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:12 and sunrise is at 6:41. Sunset is at 17:34 and twilight ends at 18:02. There's a total of 10 hours, 53 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 50 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:11 and sunrise is at 6:39. The moon is waning crescent and heading towards new on Tuesday night. Illumination was 13% at midnight, will be 10% at noon and 8% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 4:57 and moonset is at 14:18. Moonrise is at 5:27 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 21 minutes which is 27 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is in four days. My birthday is in two weeks. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two weeks, three days. -Bernie-

February 20: ORD

Today is February 20th. It's the 51st day of the year. 314 days remain. It's week 8 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 36 and the normal low is 21. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 41 and 24.

On the warm side, in 1983 the high was 61 with a low of 36. In 1994 the high was 57 with a low of 33. In 2002, the high was 54 with a low of 34. In 1996 the high was 53 with a low of 34. A year earlier, in 1995, the high was 50 with a low of 31. Other warm highs were 50 in 2003 and 48 in 1992. Other warm lows were 35 (1980, 1998) and 33 in 2004. The record high of 64 and record warmest low of 49 were set on the same day back in 1930. 23 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (11) and 40s (12). On the warmer side, five highs were 50s and one was in the 60s. On the colder side, one high was in the 10s (a.k.a. teens). Today's high is forecast to be in the 20s. We haven't had a high in the 20s since sometime before 1979.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 56 with a low of 28, a bonus 50s day. In 1973 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread. In 1966 the high was 17 with a low of -5, a cold day. In 1965 the high was 51 with a low of 23, a bonus 50s day. In 1963 the high was 30 with a low of -2, a 32 degree spread and another cold day. In 1959 the high was 21 with a low of -3, yet another cold one.

More recently, there were small spreads of six degrees on three occasions: in 1980 (41/35), 1989 (30/24) and 2005 (37/31). There was a spread of seven degrees in 1998 as the high was 42 with a low of 35.

On the cold side, last year the high was 19 with a low of 5. The record low of -9 and record coldest high of 7 were both set way back in 1896. 13 of the last 30 lows have been 30s. All of the other lows (17 of them) were colder: single digits (3), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (7) and 20s (7). In Crystal Lake our low today has been at least 3 degrees.

Today is a not a major day in Chicago's snow history.

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 17:33 and twilight ends at 18:01. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are three minutes earlier. There's a total of 10 hours, 51 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 47 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:12 and sunrise is at 6:41. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 20% at midnight, will be 17% at noon and 13% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 4:21 and moonset is at 13:15. Moonrise is at 4:57 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 54 minutes which is 15 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is in five days. My birthday is in two weeks, one day. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two weeks, four days. -Bernie-

February 19: ORD

Today is February 19th. It's the 50th day of the year. 315 days remain. It's week 8 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 20. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 39 and 24.

On the warm side, in 1994 the high was 60 with the record warmest low of 51. In 1981 the high was 61 with a low of 33. Two years later, in 1983, the high was 55 with a low of 33. In 2002 the high was 46 with a low of 38. Four years earlier, in 1998, the high was 43 with a low of 37, a spread of six degrees. In 1984 the high was 47 with a low of 32. Another warm high was 48 in 1997. There were three other warm lows: 34 in 1992, 33 in 1980 and 32 degrees in 1986. 17 of the last 30 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, one high was in the 50s and two were 60s. On the colder side, ten highs were: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (2), 20s (2) and 30s (6). Today's high is forecast to be 20. The last time it was in the 20s was three years ago when the high was 20. Last year the high was just 14.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 22 with a low of -4, a cold day. In 1973 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1971 the high was 56 with a low of 38, a bonus 50s day. In 1964 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 36 with a low of 29, a seven degree spread. In 1959 the high was 10 with a low of -2, another cold day.

More recently, there were small spreads of six degrees in 1982 (36/30), seven degrees in 1980 (40/33) and seven degrees in 1992 (41/34).

On the cold side, in 1979 the high was 15 with the record low of -9. The former record low of -7 occurred in 1936. Last year the high was 14 with a low of 4. Three years ago the high was 20 with a low of 1. In 1993 the high was 24 with a low of 5. The record coldest high of 9 was set in 1936 (the same year as the former record low). 21 of the last 30 lows have been: 20s (10) and 30s (11). On the colder side, eight lows were: negative single digits (1), single digits (3) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (4). On the warmer side, one low was in the 50s.

Today is a not a major day in Chicago's snow history.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:15 and sunrise is at 6:44. Sunset is at 17:31 and twilight ends at 18:00. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are two minutes earlier. There's a total of 10 hours, 47 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 45 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:14 and sunrise is at 6:42. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 29% at midnight, will be 24% at noon and 20% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 3:37 and moonset is at 12:16. Moonrise is at 4:21 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 39 minutes which is 2 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is in six days. My birthday is in two weeks, two days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two weeks, five days. -Bernie-

February 18: ORD

Today is February 18th. It's the 49th day of the year. 316 days remain. It's week 7 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 20. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 37 and 21.

On the warm side, in 1981 the high was the record high of 62 with the record warmest low of 45. In 1997 the high was 55 with a low of 42. Three years earlier, in 1994, the high was 57 with a low of 38. A year later, in 1995, the high was 55 with a low of 29. In 1984 the high was 47 with a low of 35. In 1992 the high was 46 with a low of 35. Another warm high was 50 in 2002. There were four other warm lows: 37 degrees in 1998, 34 degrees in 1991, 33 degrees in 1986 and 32 degrees in 1983. 17 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (8) and 40s (9). On the warmer side, four highs were 50s and one high was a 60. On the colder side, eight highs were: 20s (5), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (2) and single digits (1).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 22 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 52 with a low of 35, a bonus 50s high. In 1975 the high was 33 with a low of 31, a two degree spread. In 1971 the high was 45 with a low of 38, a seven degree spread. In 1962 the high was 31 with a low of 26, a five degree spread. In 1961 the high was 60 with a low of 29, a 31 degree spread and a bonus 60s day.

More recently, there were small spreads of three degrees in 1998 (40/37), four degrees in 1982 (35/31), four degrees in 2000 (32/28), six degrees in 1983 (38/32) and seven degrees in 1986 (40/33).

On the cold side, three years ago the high was 8 with a low of -7. In 1979 the high was 12 with a low of 0. In 1993 the high was 18 with a low of -3. Two years ago the high was 22 with a low of 11. Other cold lows were 7 degrees (1980, 2001 and last year). The record low of -14 and record coldest high of 0 were set on the same day back in 1936. 16 of the last 30 lows have been: 20s (8) and 30s (8). On the colder side, 12 lows were: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (5), single digits (5) and negative single digits (2). On the warmer side, two lows were 40s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. Back in 1908 at the U.S. Courthouse, 11.5 inches fell. In 2000, 11.1 inches fell and this accounted for 96% of the month's total of 11.6 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:16 and sunrise is at 6:45. Sunset is at 17:30 and twilight ends at 17:59. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are two minutes and three minutes earlier, respectively. There's a total of 10 hours, 45 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 43 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:15 and sunrise is at 6:44. The moon is waning crescent and reached last quarter two days ago at 15:37. Illumination was 37% at midnight, will be 33% at noon and 29% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 2:46 and moonset is at 11:23. Moonrise is at 3:37 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 37 minutes which is 11 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is in a week. My birthday is in two weeks, three days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two weeks, six days. -Bernie-

February 17: ORD

Today is February 17th. It's the 48th day of the year. 317 days remain. It's week 7 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 20. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 35 and 21.

On the warm side, in 1981 the high was 58 with a low of 39. In 1994 the high was 51 with a low of 34. Four years later, in 1998, the high was 43 with a low of 39, a four degree spread. Other warm highs were 47 in both 1995 and last year. There were four other warm lows: 32 degrees in 1982, 33 degrees in 1983, 35 degrees in 1984 and 36 degrees in 1992. The record high of 60 was set way back in 1880. The record warmest low of 42 was set way back in 1890. 12 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, nine highs were: 40s (7) and 50s (2). On the colder side, nine highs were: 20s (6) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (3).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978, the high was 19 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 42 with a low of 36, a six degree spread. In 1975 the high was 36 with a low of 33, a three degree spread. In 1962 the high was 32 with a low of 27, a five degree spread. In 1961 the high was 50 with a low of 37, a bonus 50s day.

More recently, there were small spreads of four degrees on two occasions: 1983 (37/33) and 1992 (40/36). There were small spreads of five degrees in 1982 (37/32) and six degrees in 1986 (36/30).

On the cold side, in 1980 the high was 14 with a low of -5. A year prior, in 1979, the high was 12 with a low of 3. In 1993 the high was 20 with a low of 0. In 2001 the high was 19 with a low of 6. Five years later, in 2006, the high was 24 with a low of 3. The record low of -11 and record coldest high of 1 were set on the same day back in 1903. 24 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8), 20s (7) and 30s (9). Even colder, five lows were single digits and one low was a negative single digit.

Today is not major day in Chicago's snow history.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:18 and sunrise was at 6:46. Sunset is at 17:29 and twilight ends at 17:57. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are two minutes earlier. There's a total of 10 hours, 43 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 39 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:16 and sunrise is at 6:45. The moon reached last quarter yesterday at 15:37. Illumination was 47% at midnight, will be 42% at noon and 37% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 1:49. Moonset is at 10:37. Moonrise is at 2:46 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 48 minutes which is 23 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is in eight days. My birthday is in two weeks, four days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in three weeks. -Bernie-

February 16: ORD

Today is February 16th. It's the 47th day of the year. 318 days remain. It's week 7 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 19. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 33 and 19.

On the warm side, in 1981 the high was 52 with a low of 38. In 1998 the high was 44 with the record-tying warmest low of 39. The low was also 39 in 1927. In 1984 the high was 46 with a low of 36. Fifteen years later, in 1999, high was 46 with a low of 31. There were four other warm lows: two were 33 degrees (1982, 1983) and two were 32 degrees (1992, 2002). The record high of 58 was set in 1921. 13 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, six highs were 40s and one was a 50. On the colder side, eight highs were 20s and two were 10s (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 15 with a low of 2, a cold day. In 1977 the high was 26 with a low of 7, another cold day. In 1975 the high was 35 with a low of 32, a three degree spread. In 1973 the high was 18 with a low of 4, yet another cold one. In 1967 the high was 15 with a low of 5, one more cold day. In 1963 the high was 29 with a low of -5, a 34 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 34 with a low of 30, a four degree spread. In 1960 the high was 36 with a low of 29, a seven degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of four degrees on three occasions: 1982 (37/33), 1983 (37/33) and 1992 (36/32). There was one spread of seven degrees in 2005 (33/26) and one large spread of 30 degrees in 1991 (31/1).

On the cold side, two years ago the high was 19 with a low of -4. In 1980 the high was 17 with a low of 2. A year prior, in 1979, the high was 20 with a low of 9. The record low of -10 was set way back in 1885 and the record coldest high of 2 was set back in 1900. 17 of the last 30 lows have been: single digits (7) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (10). Even colder, one low has been in the negative single digits. On the warmer side, four lows were 20s and eight lows were 30s.

Today is not major day in Chicago's snow history.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:19 and sunrise was at 6:48. Sunset is at 17:27 and twilight ends at 17:56. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are two minutes earlier. There's a total of 10 hours, 39 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 37 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:18 and sunrise is at 6:46. The moon reaches last quarter today at 15:37. Illumination was 56% at midnight, will be 52% at noon and 47% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 9:57. Moonrise is at 1:49 tomorrrow. Moonset is at 10:37 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 11 minutes which is 13 minutes shorter than yesterday.

President's Day is today. Ash Wednesday is in nine days. -Bernie-

February 15: ORD

Today is February 15th. It's the 46th day of the year. 319 days remain. It's week 7 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 19. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 34 and 21.

On the warm side, in 1984 the high was 60 with a low of 33. Fifteen years later, in 1999, the high was 55 with a low of 34. A year earlier, in 1998, the high was 53 with a low of 32. In 1981 the high was 45 with a low of 33. In 2002 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. Twenty years before that, in 1982, the high was 43 with a low of 34. Other warm lows were 33 in both 1992 and 2005 and 32 in 2006. The record high of 69 and record warmest low of 40 were set on the same day in 1954. 23 of the last 30 highs were 20s (6), 30s (10) and 40s (7). On the warmer side, two highs were 50s (2) and one was a 60. On the colder side, four highs were 10s (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 65 with a low of 40, a bonus 60s high. In 1975 the high was 34 with a low of 27, a seven degree spread. In 1969 the high was 30 with a low of 25, a five degree spread. In 1967 the high was 49 with a low of 13, a 36 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 18 with a low of -9, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 34 with a low of 29, a five degree spread. In 1961 the high was 59 with a low of 28, a 31 degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of four degrees in 1992 (37/33), five degrees in 1990 (32/27), six degrees in both 1987 (26/20) and 2001 (32/26) and seven degrees in 1979 (27/20).

On the cold side, in 1985 the high was 12 with a low of 0. Six years later, in 1991, the high was 13 with a low of 3. Two years ago the high was 14 with a low of 2. In 1986 the high was 18 with a low of -1. Five years ago, in 2004, the high was 22 with a low of 6. The record low of -9 was set back in 1905 and the record coldest high of 5 was set back in 1920. 24 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (7), 20s (8) and 30s (9). Even colder, five lows have been single digits and one was in the negative single digits.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1990, 1.4 inches fell. This was the second day of a two day, 9.7 inch storm known as the Valentine's Day Blizzard. This storm comprised 71% of the month's total of 13.6 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:21 and sunrise was at 6:49. Sunset was at 17:26 and twilight ended at 17:55. There's a total of 10 hours, 37 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 34 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:19 and sunrise is at 6:48. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 66% at midnight, will be 61% at noon and 56% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 9:24. Moonrise is at 0:46 tomorrrow. Moonset is at 9:57 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 24 minutes which is 8 minutes longer than yesterday.

The Daytona 500 is today. President's Day is tomorrow. -Bernie-

February 14: ORD

Today is February 14th. It's the 45th day of the year. 320 days remain. It's week 7 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 19. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 36 and 20.

On the warm side, in 2005 the high was 49 with a low of 37. In 1984 the high was 55 with a low of 28. Three years ago the high was 56 with a low of 24, a 32 degree spread. Other warm highs were 47 in 1999 and 46 in 2002. Other warm lows were 33 in 1998 and 31 in 1992. The record high of 62 and record warmest low of 43 were set on the same day in 1954. 16 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, nine highs were: 40s (7) and 50s (2). On the colder side, two highs were 20s and one high was a 10 (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 27 with a low of 21, a six degree spread. In 1977 the high was 30 with a low of 23, a seven degree spread. In 1974 the high was 29 with a low of 24, a five degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of two degrees in 1990 (28/26), three degrees in 1992 (34/31). The lone large spread was 30 degrees in 1994 (44/14).

On the cold side, in 1985 the high was 19 with a low of 4. Two years ago the high was 21 with a low of 7. Other cold lows were 6 in both 1986 and 1995. The record low of -11 was set back in 1905 and the record coldest high of 8 was set in 1943. 23 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (11) and 20s (12). Even colder, four lows have been single digits. On the warmer side, three lows were 30s .

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 2007, 1.4 inches fell. This was the third day of a three day, 11.6 inch storm. In 1990, 8.3 inches fell. This was the first day of a two day, 9.7 inch storm known as the Valentine's Day Blizzard.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:22 and sunrise was at 6:51. Sunset was at 17:25 and twilight ended at 17:54. There's a total of 10 hours, 34 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 32 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:21 and sunrise is at 6:49. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 75% at midnight, will be 71% at noon and 66% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 8:56. Moonrise is at 23:40. Moonset is at 9:24 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 16 minutes which is 42 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Valentine's Day is today. The Daytona 500 is tomorrow. President's Day is in two days. -Bernie-

February 13: ORD

Today is February 13th. It's the 44th day of the year. 321 days remain. It's week 7 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 18. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 33 and 18.

On the warm side, in 1984 the high was 54 with the record warmest low of 40. In 1990 the high was 54 with a low of 28. Fifteen years later, in 2005, the high was 41 with a low of 35, a six degree spread. Other warm lows were 31 in both 1998 and 2001. The record high of 63 was set back in 1938. 23 of the last 30 highs were: 20s (9) and 30s (14). On the warmer side, six highs were: 40s (4) and 50s (2). On the colder side, one high was in the 10s (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1975 the high was 18 with a low of 4, a cold day. In 1972 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread. In 1970 the high was 19 with a low of 7, another cold day. In 1959 the high was 37 with a low of 33, a four degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of two degrees in 2000 (31/29), seven degrees in three years: 1979 (24/17), 1992 (34/27) and 2001 (38/31).

On the cold side, in 1988 the high was 19 with a low of -5. Two years earlier, in 1986, the high was 21 with a low of -6. Last year the high was 21 with a low of 7. In 1982 the high was 25 with a low of 3. Another cold low was 5 in 1981. The record low of -18 and record coldest high of -4 were set on the same day back in 1905. 20 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (12) and 20s (8). Even colder, six lows have been: negative single digits (2) and single digits (4). On the warmer side, three lows were 30s and one was a 40 (the warmest low we've seen at 40 in 1984).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 2007, 8.8 inches fell. This was the second day of a three day, 11.6 inch storm.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:23 and sunrise was at 6:52. Sunset was at 17:24 and twilight ended at 17:52. There's a total of 10 hours, 32 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 29 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:22 and sunrise is at 6:51. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 84% at midnight, will be 80% at noon and 75% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 8:31. Moonrise is at 22:33. Moonset is at 8:56 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 58 minutes which is 45 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Valentine's Day is tomorrow. The Daytona 500 is in two days. President's Day is in three days. -Bernie-

February 12: ORD

Today is February 12th. It's the 43rd day of the year. 322 days remain. It's week 7 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 18. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 31 and 16.

On the warm side, in 1984 the high was the record high of 62 with a low of 45. In 2005 the high was 51 with a low of 33. Fifteen years earlier, in 1990, the high was 54 with a low of 23. Another warm low was 31 in 1998. The record warmest low of 50 was set way back in 1882. 21 of the last 30 highs were: 20s (9) and 30s (12). On the warmer side, five highs were: 40s (2), 50s (2) and 60s (1). On the colder side, four highs were 10s (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 56 with a low of 38, a bonus 50s day. In 1967 the high was 20 with a low of -17, a 37 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 22 with a low of -9, a 31 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of three degrees in 1979 (22/19), four degrees in 1993 (31/27), six degrees two years ago (31/25) and seven degrees three years ago (30/23).

On the cold side, in 1981 the high was 12 with a low of -11. Five years later, in 1986, the high was 11 with a low of -4. In 1995 the high was 16 with a low of -2. In 1988 the high was 17 with a low of -1. Fifteen years later, in 2003, the high was 21 with a low of 4. In 1980 the high was 23 with a low of 4. Other cold highs were 22 in both 1979 and last year. The record low of -17 and record coldest high of 3 were set on the same day way back in 1899. 20 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (13) and 20s (7). Even colder, seven lows have been: negative 10s (1), negative single digits (3) and single digits (3). On the warmer side, two lows were 30s and one was a 40 (the warmest low we've seen at 45 in 1984).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 2007, 1.4 inches fell. This was the first day of a three day, 11.6 inch storm.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:24 and sunrise is at 6:53. Sunset is at 17:22 and twilight ends at 17:51. There's a total of 10 hours, 29 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 27 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:23 and sunrise is at 6:52. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 91% at midnight, will be 88% at noon and 84% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 8:07. Moonrise is at 21:24. Moonset is at 8:31 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 43 minutes which is 48 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is today. Valentine's Day is in two days. The Daytona 500 is in three days. President's Day is in four days. -Bernie-

February 11: ORD

Today is February 11th. It's the 42nd day of the year. 323 days remain. It's week 6 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 18. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 31 and 15.

On the warm side, in 1999 the high was the record high of 70 with a low of 28, a 42 degree spread. A year earlier, in 1998, the high was 45 with a low of 37. In 1984 the high was 45 with a low of 35. Three years later, in 1987, the high was 53 with a low of 26. The record warmest low of 43 was set back in 1915. 22 of the last 30 highs were: 20s (12) and 30s (10). On the warmer side, five highs were: 40s (3), 50s (1), 60s (0) and 70s (1). On the colder side, three highs were 10s (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 52 with a low of 34, a bonus 50s day. In 1974 the high was 36 with a low of 3, a 33 degree spread. In 1972 the high was 33 with a low of 3, a 30 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 17 with a low of -1, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 39 with a low of 9, a 30 degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of four degrees in 1985 (27/23) and five degrees in 1997 (26/21).

On the cold side, in 1981 the high was 10 with a low of -11. Last year the high was 15 with a low of -3. In 1995 the high was 14 with a low of -1. In 1986 the high was 20 with a low of -1. Four years earlier, in 1982, the high was 20 with a low of 1. A dozen years later, in 1994, the high was 25 with a low of -1. Other cold lows were 5 in both 2003 and 2007 (two years ago). Other cold highs were 20 in 1979 and 21 in 1980. The record low of -14 was set way back in 1885 and record coldest high of 1 was set way back in 1899. 19 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (9) and 20s (10). Even colder, nine lows have been: negative 10s (1), negative single digits (4) and single digits (4). On the warmer side, two lows were in the 30s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1981, 1.5 inches fell. This was the third day of a three day, 11.6 inch storm. This storm comprised 73% of the month's total. In 1988, 4.3 inches fell. This was the second day of a two day, 9.1 inch storm.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:26 and sunrise is at 6:55. Sunset is at 17:21 and twilight ends at 17:50. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are 17:19 and 17:48. There's a total of 10 hours, 26 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 24 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:24 and sunrise is at 6:53. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 96% at midnight, will be 94% at noon and 91% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 7:44. Moonrise is at 20:13. Moonset is at 8:07 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 31 minutes which is 49 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is tomorrow. Valentine's Day is in three days. The Daytona 500 is in four days. President's Day is in five days. -Bernie-

February 10: ORD

Today is February 10th. It's the 41st day of the year. 324 days remain. It's week 6 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 18. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 31 and 16.

On the warm side, in 1996 the high was 53 with a low of 36. Three years later, in 1999, the high was 60 with a low of 28, a 32 degree spread. A year earlier, in 1998, the high was 48 with a low of 30. Other warm highs were 46 in both 1987 and 2002. Other warm lows were 35 in 1984 and 33 in 1993. The record high of 63 was set way back in 1876. The record warmest low of 43 was set way back in 1886. The record high and record warmest lows are being challenged by today's warm air mass. 18 of the last 30 highs were: 20s (8) and 30s (10). On the warmer side, five highs were 40s, one was a 50 and one was a 60. On the colder side, four highs were 10s (a.k.a. teens) and one was in the single digits.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 58 with a low of 39, a bonus 50s day. In 1968 the high was 15 with a low of 2, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 53 with a low of 31, another bonus 50s day. In 1965 the high was 52 with a low of 25, yet another bonus 50s day! In 1962 the high was 24 with a low of 17, a seven degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of four degrees in 1983 (30/26), four degrees in 1984 (39/35), five degrees in 1993 (38/33) and six degrees in 1997 (30/24).

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was 5 with a low of -12. Last year the high was 16 with a low of -4. Two years ago the high was 13 with a low of -1. In 1979 the high was 12 with a low of 0. In 1994 the high was 21 with a low of -8. In 1986 the high was 18 with a low of -2. In 1980 the high was 21 with a low of 4. Another cold low was 6 in 1989. Other cold highs were 20 in both 1988 and 2001. The record low of -18 and record coldest high of -1 were set on the same day way back in 1899. 12 of the last 30 lows have been 20s. Even colder, 14 lows have been: negative 10s (1), negative single digits (1), single digits (5) and 10s (a.k.a. teens)(4). On the warmer side, four lows were in the 30s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1981, 9.7 inches fell. This was the second day of a three day, 11.6 inch storm. This storm comprised 73% of the month's total. In 1988, 4.8 inches fell. This was the first day of a two day, 9.1 inch storm.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:27 and sunrise is at 6:56. Sunset is at 17:20 and twilight ends at 17:49. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are 17:18 and 17:47. There's a total of 10 hours, 24 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 22 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:26 and sunrise is at 6:55. The moon reached full yesterday (full Snow moon) at 8:49. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 98% at noon and 96% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 7:20. Moonrise is at 19:00. Moonset is at 7:44 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 20 minutes which is 49 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is in two days. Valentine's Day is in four days. The Daytona 500 is in five days. President's Day is in six days. -Bernie-

February 9: ORD

Today is February 9th. It's the 40th day of the year. 325 days remain. It's week 6 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 17. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 33 and 15.

On the warm side, in 1999 the high was 54 with a low of 33. In 1990 the high was 51 with a low of 31. A decade later, in 2000, the high was 48 with a low of 33. A couple of years later, in 2002, the high was 50 with a low of 30. In 1996 the high was 47 with a low of 30. Five years earlier, in 1991, the high was 47 with a low of 28. A decade later, in 2001, the high was 54 with a low of 20. Other warm highs were 46 in both 1984 and 1998. Another warm low was 29 in 1983. The record high of 56 was set way back in 1886. The record warmest low of 47 was set in 1966. 21 of the last 30 highs were: 20s (6), 30s (10) and 40s (5). On the warmer side, four highs were 50s. On the colder side, five highs were: single digits (1) and 10s (a.k.a. teens)(4).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1975 the high was 4 with a low of -7, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 14 with a low of -2, another cold day. In 1966 the high was 55 with a low of 47, a bonus 50s day. In 1960 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of four degrees in 1983 (33/29) and seven degrees in 2005 (31/24).

On the cold side, in 1979 the high was 8 with a low of -6. Three years later, in 1982, the high was 14 with a low of -9. A dozen years later, in 1994, the high was 15 with a low of -7. Five years earlier, in 1989, the high was 18 with a low of -4. A couple of years ago the high was 17 with a low of 2. In 1986 the high was 20 with a low of 2. Other cold lows were 4 in 2003, 5 in 1985 and 6 in 1992. The record low of -21 and record coldest high of -8 were set on the same day way back in 1899. 21 of the last 30 lows have been: single digits (6), 10s (a.k.a. teens)(7) and 20s (8). Even colder, four lows have been in the negative single digits. On the warmer side, five lows were in the 30s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1981, 0.4 inches fell. This was the first day of a three day, 11.6 inch storm. This storm comprised 73% of the month's total.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:28 and sunrise is at 6:57. Sunset is at 17:18 and twilight ends at 17:48. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are 17:17 and 17:45. There's a total of 10 hours, 21 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 20 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:27 and sunrise is at 6:56. The moon is full today. The full Snow moon is at 8:49. Illumination was 100% at midnight, will be 100% at noon and 99% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 6:53. Moonrise is at 17:44. Moonset is at 7:20 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 9 minutes which is 47 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is in three days. Valentine's Day is in five days. The Daytona 500 is in six days. President's Day is in a week. -Bernie-

February 8: ORD

Today is February 8th. It's the 39th day of the year. 326 days remain. It's week 6 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 17. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 32 and 15.

On the warm side, in 1990 the high was the near-record high of 61 with a low of 37. The record high is 62, set back in 1925, a day in which the record warmest low of 54 was set as well. In 2001 the high was 53 with a low of 34. Five years earlier, in 1996, the high was 45 with a low of 35. Three years later, in 1999, the high was 48 with a low of 26. Another warm high was 46 in 1987. Another warm low was 29 in 2002. 17 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (11) and 40s (6). On the warmer side, two highs were: 50s (1) and 60s (1). On the colder side, 11 highs were: 10s (a.k.a. teens)(7) and 20s (4).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1972 the high was 12 with a low of -4, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 13 with a low of 1, another cold day. In 1970 the high was 36 with a low of 34, a two degree spread. In 1969 the high was 35 with a low of 30, a five degree spread. In 1967 the high was 27 with a low of -1, yet another cold day. In 1966 the high was 52 with a low of 37, a bonus 50s day. They don't happen all that often. We had one yesterday.

More recently, there was a small spread of three degrees in 1994 (17/14).

On the cold side, two years ago the high was 11 with a low of -4. In 1979 the high was 11 with a low of -3. In 1985 the high was 18 with a low of -6. Four years later, in 1989, the high was 19 with a low of 2. In 1982 the high was 22 with a low of 1. A year earlier, in 1981, the high was 18 with a low of 5. In 1995 the high was 19 with a low of 5. Another cold low was 5 in 2004 and another cold high was 17 in 1994. The record low of -17 occurred way back in 1899 and the record coldest high of 0 occurred way back in 1895. 24 of the last 30 lows have been: single digits (8), 10s (a.k.a. teens)(7) and 20s (9). Even colder, three lows have been in the negative single digits. On the warmer side, three lows were in the 30s.

Since today is not a major day in Chicago's snow history, I wanted to post an exchange I found on the WGN-TV web log. The answer was given by meteorologist Tom Skilling. It concerns Chicago's 18 below zero temperatures. The question asked by Paul Rubin was, "The lowest temperature so far this winter has been 18 degrees below zero. That seems colder than we usually get in the winter here in Chicago. How many winters have had a lower temperature than 18 below?" The answer was, "Your hunch is correct. A computer scan of Chicago's entire official temperature data set (138 years of records from the winter of 1870-71 to the present) reveals that only 12 winters have produced a reading lower than the temperature of 18 degrees below zero recorded here on Jan. 16. And that was the city's lowest temperature in 13 years -- since 19 below zero on Feb. 3, 1996. On average, the coldest temperature recorded during the winter at O'Hare Airport is 11 degrees below zero. Over the last ten years, however, with relatively mild winters, the lowest temperatures each winter have averaged only 6 below zero."

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:29 and sunrise was at 6:58. Sunset is at 17:17 and twilight ends at 17:46. There's a total of 10 hours, 19 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 17 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:28 and sunrise is at 6:57. The moon is waxing gibbous, heading towards the full Snow moon tomorrow at 8:49. Illumination was 97% at midnight, will be 99% at noon and 100% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 6:21. Moonrise was at 16:25. Moonset is at 6:53 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 56 minutes which is 41 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is in four days. Valentine's Day is in six days. The Daytona 500 is in a week. President's Day is in a week and a day. -Bernie-

February 7: ORD

Today is February 7th. It's the 38th day of the year. 327 days remain. It's week 6 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. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 30 and 16.

On the warm side, in 1987 the high was 51 with a low of 31. In 2005 the high was 45 with a low of 33. In 1996 the high was 44 with a low of 32. Six years earlier, in 1990, the high was 42 with a low of 33. Today we've been in the 50s. It's been 22 years since that's last happened. What's more rare, I don't see any 50s highs at O'Hare since it's first February in 1959 through 1978. So this is just the second occurrence. The record high of 59 was set back in 1925 and the record warmest low of 39 was set in 1965. 20 of the last 30 highs were: 20s (11) and 30s (9). On the warmer side, six highs were: 40s (5) and 50s (1). On the colder side, four highs were 10s (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 17 with a low of -10, a cold day. In 1975 the high was 26 with a low of -1, a cold day. In 1972 the high was 7 with a low of -12, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 37 with a low of 31, a six degree spread. In 1969 the high was 35 with a low of 30, a five degree spread. In 1968 the high was 30 with a low of 25, another five degree spread. In 1967 the high was 21 with a low of -2, another cold day. In 1962 the high was 21 with a low of -2, yet another cold day. In 1960 the high was 30 with a low of 26, a four degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of three degrees last year (27/24), six degrees in 1986 (29/23) and seven degrees in 1997 (29/22).

On the cold side, two years ago the high was 11 with a low of -2. In 1985 the high was 19 with a low of -2. In 1979 the high was 20 with a low of -3. In 1994 the high was 17 with a low of 6. Five years before that, in 1989, the high was 21 with a low of 2. Five years before that, in 1984, the high was 22 with a low of 1. A couple of years before that, in 1982, the high was 21 with a low of 2. In 2003 the high was 18 with a low of 8. Another cold high was 20 in 1995. 23 of the last 30 lows have been: single digits (8), 10s (a.k.a. teens)(6) and 20s (9). Even colder, three lows have been in the negative single digits. On the warmer side, four lows were in the 30s.

Since today is not a major day in Chicago's snow history, I wanted to post an exchange I found on the WGN-TV web log. The answer was given by meteorologist Tom Skilling. It concerns Chicago's 18 below zero temperatures. The question asked by Paul Rubin was, "The lowest temperature so far this winter has been 18 degrees below zero. That seems colder than we usually get in the winter here in Chicago. How many winters have had a lower temperature than 18 below?" The answer was, "Your hunch is correct. A computer scan of Chicago's entire official temperature data set (138 years of records from the winter of 1870-71 to the present) reveals that only 12 winters have produced a reading lower than the temperature of 18 degrees below zero recorded here on Jan. 16. And that was the city's lowest temperature in 13 years -- since 19 below zero on Feb. 3, 1996. On average, the coldest temperature recorded during the winter at O'Hare Airport is 11 degrees below zero. Over the last ten years, however, with relatively mild winters, the lowest temperatures each winter have averaged only 6 below zero."

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:30 and sunrise was at 7:00. Sunset is at 17:16 and twilight ends at 17:45. There's a total of 10 hours, 16 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 15 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:29 and sunrise is at 6:58. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 92% at midnight, will be 95% at noon and 97% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 5:41. Moonrise was at 15:04. Moonset is at 6:21 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 37 minutes which is 29 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is in five days. Valentine's Day is in a week. The Daytona 500 is in a week and a day. President's Day is in a week and two days. -Bernie-