Wednesday, February 24, 2010

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 31-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 31 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) and last year it was in the 20s for the first time 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 1978 the high was 26 with a cold low of 8, a cold day. In 1976 the high was a warm 56 with a low of 28, a warm day. In 1974 the high was a warm 49. In 1973 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread. In 1971 the low was a warm 33. In 1970 the high was 20 with a low of 5, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 24 with a low of 7, another cold day. In 1967 the low was a cold 8. In 1966 the high was 17 with a low of -5, a cold day. In 1965 the high was a warm 51 with a low of 23, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 30 with a cold low of -2, a 32 degree spread and cold day. In 1962 the high was 24 with a low of 8, a cold day. In 1960 the high was 29 with a cold low of 4, a 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. Other cold lows were 7 in 1990 and 8 in 1988. The record low of -9 and record coldest high of 7 were both set way back in 1896. 13 of the last 31 lows have been 30s. All of the other lows (18 of them) were colder: single digits (3), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8) and 20s (7).

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 began at 6:14 and sunrise was at 6:42. Sunset is at 17:32 and twilight ends at 18:01. There's a total of 10 hours, 50 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 47 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:13 and sunrise is at 6:41. The moon is waxing crescent, heading towards first quarter tomorrow at 18:42. Illumination was 32% at midnight, will be 37% at noon and 42% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 9:16. Moonset is at 37 minutes past midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 9:55 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 44 minutes which is two minutes shorter than yesterday.

Washington's Birthday is in two days. My birthday is in 15 days and a sister of mine, Christina, celebrates a birthday in 18 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 31-year averages at 39 and 23.


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 31 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, one high was in the 50s and two were 60s. On the colder side, 11 highs were: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (2), 20s (3) and 30s (6).

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 warm day. In 1970 the high was 22 with a low of 3, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 20 with a low of 1, a cold 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 1960 the high was 19 with a low of 7, a cold day. 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. Two years ago the high was 14 with a low of 4. In 2006 the high was 20 with a low of 1. In 1993 the high was 24 with a low of 5. Another cold high was 23 last year. The record coldest high of 9 was set in 1936 (the same year as the former record low). 21 of the last 31 lows have been: 20s (10) and 30s (11). On the colder side, nine lows were: negative single digits (1), single digits (3) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (5). 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 began at 6:15 and sunrise was at 6:44. Sunset is at 17:31 and twilight ends at 17:59. There's a total of 10 hours, 47 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 44 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:14 and sunrise is at 6:42. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 23% at midnight, will be 27% at noon and 32% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 8:44. Moonset is at 23:30. Moonrise is at 9:16 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 46 minutes which is 40 minutes longer than yesterday.

Washington's Birthday is in three days. My birthday is in 16 days and a sister of mine, Christina, celebrates a birthday in 19 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 31-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 in 1998, 34 in 1991, 33 in 1986 and 32 in 1983. 18
of the last 31 highs were: 30s (9) 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 warm day. In 1975 the high was 33 with a low of 31, a two degree spread. In 1974 the high was 49 with a low of 33, a warm day. In 1971 the high was 45 with a warm low of 38, a seven degree spread and warm day. In 1968 the low was a cold 7 degrees. In 1963 the high was a warm 48. 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 warm day. In 1959 the high was 21 with a low of 6, a cold 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, in 2006 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. Three years ago the high was 22 with a low of 11. Other cold lows were 7 degrees (1980, 2001 and two years ago). 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, 13 lows were: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6), 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 began at 6:17 and sunrise was at 6:45. Sunset is at 17:30 and twilight ends at 17:58. There's a total of 10 hours, 45 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 41 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:15 and sunrise is at 6:44. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 15% at midnight, will be 19% at noon and 23% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 8:18. Moonset is at 22:24. Moonrise is at 8:44 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 6 minutes which is 40 minutes longer than yesterday.

Washington's Birthday is in four days. My birthday is in 17 days and a sister of mine, Christina, celebrates a birthday in 20 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 31-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 two years ago. There were four other warm lows: 36 degrees in 1992, 35 degrees in 1984, 33 degrees in 1983 and 32 degrees in 1982. 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 31 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, ten highs were: 40s (8) 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 1973 the high was 21 with a low of 2, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 46 with a warm low of 36, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 22 with a low of 1, a cold day. In 1967 the low was a cold 8 degrees. In 1966 the high was 24 with a cold low of 7, a cold day. 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 warm 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. The year prior, 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. 25 of the last 31 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8), 20s (8) 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 6:47. Sunset is at 17:28 and twilight ends at 17:57. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are two minutes earlier. There's a total of 10 hours, 41 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 39 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:17 and sunrise is at 6:45. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 9% at midnight, will be 12% at noon and 15% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 7:54. Moonset is at 21:20. Moonrise is at 8:18 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 26 minutes which is 41 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is today. Washington's Birthday is in five days. My birthday is in 18 days and a sister of mine, Christina, celebrates a birthday in three weeks. -Bernie-

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

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 31-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. 14
of the last 31 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 low was a cold 7 degrees. In 1976 the high was 44 with a warm low of 34, a warm day. In 1975 the high was 35 with a warm low of 32, a three degree spread. In 1973 the high was 18 with a low of 4, yet another cold one. In 1968 the high was a warm 47 degrees. In 1967 the high was 15 with a low of 5, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 29 with a cold low of -5, a 34 degree spread and cold day. 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, three years ago the high was 19 with a low of -4. In 1980 the high was 17 with a low of 2. The year prior, in 1979, the high was 20 with a low of 9. Other cold lows were 5 (2004, 2008) and 1 in 1991. The record low of -10 was set way back in 1885 and the record coldest high of 2 was set back in 1900. 18 of the last 31 lows have been: single digits (7) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (11). Even colder, one low was in the negative single digits (-4 in 2007). 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 begins at 6:20 and sunrise is at 6:48. Sunset is at 17:27 and twilight ends at 17:56. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are each two minutes earlier. There's a total of 10 hours, 39 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 36 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:18 and sunrise is at 6:47. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 4% at midnight, will be 6% at noon and 9% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 7:33. Moonset is at 20:18. Moonrise is at 7:54 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 45 minutes which is 40 minutes longer than yesterday.

Washington's birthday is in six days. Ash Wednesday is tomorrow. -Bernie-

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

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 31-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 (1992), 33 (2005) and 32 in 2006. The record high of 69 was set in 1954. The record warmest low of 43 occurred in 1976. A warm low of note was 40 in 1954. 24
of the last 31 highs were 20s (6), 30s (11) 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 1978 the high was a cold 22 degrees with a low of 8, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 65 with a low of 40, a warm day. 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 a warm 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 a warm 59 with a low of 28, a 31 degree spread and warm day.

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. Three years ago the high was 14 with a low of 2. In 1986 the high was 18 with a low of -1. 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. 25 of the last 31 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8), 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 is at 6:50. Sunset is at 17:26 and twilight ended at 17:55. There's a total of 10 hours, 36 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 34 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:20 and sunrise is at 6:48. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 1% at midnight, will be 3% at noon and 4% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 7:12. Moonset is at 19:17 tomorrrow. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 5 minutes which is 39 minutes longer than yesterday.

Susan B. Anthony Day and President's Day are today. -Bernie-

Monday, February 15, 2010

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 31-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. In 2006 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. 17
of the last 31 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 1976 the high was a warm 47 degrees. In 1974 the high was 29 with a low of 24, a five degree spread. In 1971 the low was a cold 5 degrees. In 1970 the high was 23 with a low of 8, a cold day. In 1967 the high was 47 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1964 the low was a cold 7. In 1963 the high was 20 with a low of -3, a cold day. In 1961 the high was a warm 49 with a low of 28, a warm day.

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. Three 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. 24 of the last 31 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (11) and 20s (13). 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 17:53. There's a total of 10 hours, 34 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 31 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:21 and sunrise is at 6:50. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 0% at midnight, will be 0% at noon and 1% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 6:51. Moonset is at 18:17. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 26 minutes which is 38 minutes longer than yesterday.

Valentine's Day and the Daytona 500 are today. President's Day and Susan B. Anthony Day are tomorrow. -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 31-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.
24 of the last 31 highs were: 20s (9) and 30s (15). 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 1976 the high was a warm 47. 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, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 23 with a cold low of -2, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 47 with a low of 33, a warm day. In 1959 the high was 37 with a warm 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. Two years ago 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. 21 of the last 31 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (12) and 20s (9). 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 17:23 and twilight ended at 17:52. There's a total of 10 hours, 31 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 new today at 20:51. Illumination was 1% at midnight, will be 0% at noon and 0% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 6:28. Moonset is at 17:16. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 48 minutes which is 36 minutes longer than yesterday.

Valentine's Day and the Daytona 500 are tomorrow. President's Day and Susan B. Anthony Day are in two days. -Bernie-

Friday, February 12, 2010

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 31-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. Other warm lows were 31 in 1998 and 30 last year. The record warmest low of 50 was set way back in 1882.
22 of the last 31 highs were: 20s (9) and 30s (13). 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 1977 the high was 45 with a warm low of 36, a warm day. In 1976 the high was 56 with a low of 38, a warm day. In 1974 the high was a warm 47 with a low of 28, another warm day. In 1972 the low was a warm 30 degrees. In 1970 and 1968, the highs were a cold 22 degrees. In 1967 the high was 20 with a low of -17, a 37 degree spread and cold day. In 1966 the high was a warm 48 degrees. In 1963 the high was 22 with a low of -9, a 31 degree spread and cold day. In 1962 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1960 the high was 19 with a low of 6, a cold day.

More recently, there were small spreads of three degrees in 1979 (22/19), four degrees in 1993 (31/27), six degrees three years ago (31/25) and seven degrees in 2006 (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 2008. 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 31 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, three 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 6:25 and sunrise is at 6:54. Sunset is at 17:22 and twilight ends at 17:51. Chicago's sunset is at 17:20 and twilight lasts until 17:49. There's a total of 10 hours, 28 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 26 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:23 and sunrise is at 6:52. The moon is waning crescent, heading towards new tomorrow at 20:51. Illumination was 3% at midnight, will be 2% at noon and 1% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 6:03. Moonset is at 16:15. Moonrise is at 6:28 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 12 minutes which is 33 minutes longer than yesterday.

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

Thursday, February 11, 2010

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 31-year averages at 32 and 16.


On the warm side, in 1999 the high was the record high of 70 with a low of 28, a 42 degree spread. That high of 70 is the earliest 70s high ever in Chicago record-keeping. A decade later (last year), the high was 50 with a low of 36. 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 31 highs were: 20s (12) and 30s (10). On the warmer side, six highs were: 40s (3), 50s (2), 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 1978 the low was a cold 4 degrees. In 1977 the high was 52 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1976 the low was a warm 32. In 1974 the high was 36 with a cold low of 3, a 33 degree spread. In 1972 the high was 33 with a cold low of 3, a 30 degree spread. In 1971 the low was a warm 31 degrees. In 1968 the high was 20 with a low of 3, a cold day. In 1967 the high was 17 with a low of -1, another cold day. In 1964 the high was 39 with a low of 9, a 30 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 23 with a cold low of 5.

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. Two years ago 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 (three 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 were: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (9) and 20s (10). Even colder, nine lows were: negative 10s (1), negative single digits (4) and single digits (4). On the warmer side, three 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 6:25 and sunrise is at 6:54. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 7% at midnight, will be 5% at noon and 3% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 5:34. Moonset is at 15:13. Moonrise is at 6:03 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 39 minutes which is 26 minutes longer than yesterday.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is tomorrow. Valentine's Day is in three days. The Daytona 500 is in three days. Susan B. Anthony Day 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 31-year averages at 32 and 17.


On the warm side, last year the high was 61 with a low of 41. 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.
18 of the last 31 highs were: 20s (8) and 30s (10). On the warmer side, five highs were 40s, one was a 50 and two were 60s. 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 1978 the low was a cold 5 degrees. In 1977 the high was a warm 47 with a low of 28, a warm day. In 1976 the high was 58 with a low of 39, a warm day. In 1975 the high was 22 with a cold low of -2, a cold day. In 1972 the high was a cold 21. 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, a warm day. In 1965 the high was a warm 52 with a low of 25, yet another warm 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. Two years ago the high was 16 with a low of -4. Three 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 31 lows have been 20s. Even colder, 14 lows have been: negative 10s (1), negative single digits (4), single digits (5) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (4). On the warmer side, five lows were: 30s (4) and 40s (1).

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 17:19 and twilight ends at 17:48. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are 17:17 and 17:46. There's a total of 10 hours, 23 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 21 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:26 and sunrise is at 6:55. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 13% at midnight, will be 10% at noon and 7% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 4:59. Moonset is at 14:12. Moonrise is at 5:34 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 13 minutes which is 17 minutes longer than yesterday.

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

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

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 31-year averages at 34 and 16.


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. Last year the high was 53 with a low of 26. 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 31 highs were: 20s (6), 30s (10) and 40s (5). On the warmer side, five 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 1976 the high was a warm 46 degrees. In 1975 the high was 4 with a low of -7, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 24 with a cold low of 2, a cold day. In 1973 the high was 22 with a cold low of 2, another cold day. In 1972 the high was 20 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 14 with a low of -2, yet another cold day. In 1968 the low was a cold 3 degrees. In 1966 the high was 55 with a low of 47, a warm day. In 1965 the high was 49 with a low of 31, another warm day. In 1960 the high was 35 with a warm 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. Three 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 and 5 in 1985. The record low of -21 and record coldest high of -8 were set on the same day way back in 1899. 22 of the last 31 lows have been: single digits (6), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (7) and 20s (9). 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 began at 6:28 and sunrise was at 6:57. Sunset is at 17:18 and twilight ends at 17:47. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are 17:16 and 17:45. There's a total of 10 hours, 21 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 19 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:27 and sunrise is at 6:56. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 20% at midnight, will be 16% at noon and 13% at midnight tonight. Moonries was at 4:17. Moonset is at 13:13. Moonrise is at 4:59 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 56 minutes which is 7 minutes longer than yesterday.

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

Monday, February 8, 2010

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 31-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. 18 of the last 31 highs were: 30s (11) and 40s (7). 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 1978 the low was a cold 4 degrees. In 1975 the high was 21 with a low of 4, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 21 with a low of 5, another cold day. In 1973 the high was 19 with a low of 5, yet another cold day. In 1972 the high was 12 with a low of -4, still another cold one. In 1971 the high was 13 with a low of 1, one more cold one! 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, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 52 with a low of 37, a warm day.

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

On the cold side, three 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. 25 of the last 31 lows have been: single digits (8), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (7) and 20s (10). Even colder, three lows have been in the negative single digits. On the warmer side, three lows were in the 30s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:29 and sunrise was at 6:59. Sunset is at 17:17 and twilight ends at 17:46. There's a total of 10 hours, 18 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 waning crescent. Illumination was 28% at midnight, will be 24% at noon and 20% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 3:28. Moonset is at 12:17. Moonrise is at 4:17 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 49 minutes which is 8 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is in four days. Valentine's Day is in six days. The Daytona 500 is in six days. Susan B. Anthony Day is in a week. President's Day is in 8 days. -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 31-year averages at 31 and 17.


On the warm side, last year the high was 56 with a low of 36. 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. 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 31 highs were: 20s (11) and 30s (9). On the warmer side, seven highs were: 40s (5) and 50s (2). 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 cold 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 warm low of 31, a six degree spread. In 1969 the high was 35 with a warm 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 cold low of -2, another cold day. In 1965 the high was 48 with a low of 35, a warm day and year of the record warmest low. In 1962 the high was 21 with a cold low of -2, a 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 two years ago (27/24), six degrees in 1986 (29/23) and seven degrees in 1997 (29/22).

On the cold side, three 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 31 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, five lows were in the 30s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:31 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, 14 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:29 and sunrise is at 6:59. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 37% at midnight, will be 33% at noon and 28% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 2:30. Moonset is at 11:27. Moonrise is at 3:28 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 57 minutes which is 20 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The Super Bowl is today. Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is in five days. Valentine's Day is in a week. The Daytona 500 is in a week. Susan B. Anthony Day is in eight days. President's Day is in nine days. -Bernie-

Saturday, February 6, 2010

February 6: ORD

Today is February 6th. It's the 37th day of the year. 328 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 31-year averages at 30 and 16.


On the warm side, in 2005 the high was 47 with a low of 39. In 1999 the high was 46 with a low of 33. In 1990 the high was 46 with a low of 30. Three years earlier, in 1987, the high was 48 with a low of 26. In 1998 the high was 42 with a low of 29. Other warm lows were 32 in 1991 and 29 in 1992. The record high of 57 was set way back in 1882 and the record warmest low of 42 was set way back in 1904. 13 of the last 31 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, seven highs were 40s. On the colder side, four highs were 20s, four highs were 10s (a.k.a. teens) and three were single digits.

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 17 with a low of 2, a col day. In 1977 the high was 15 with a low of -7, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 17 with a low of 11, a six degree spread. In 1975 the low was a cold 4 above zero. In 1974 the high was 27 with a low of 22, a five degree spread. In 1973 the high was 42 with a warm low of 31, a warm day. In 1972 the low was a cold 2 above. In 1970 the high was 39 with a low of 33, a six degree spread. In 1969 the high was 31 with a low of 30, a one degree spread. In 1968 the high was a warm 46 with a low of 26, a warm day. In 1967 the high was a cold 20 with a low of 16, a four degree spread. In 1965 the high was 49 with a low of 38, a warm day. In 1964 the high was 53 with a low of 30, a warm day. In 1963 the high was a warm 46 with a low of 27, a warm day. In 1962 the high was 7 with a low of -5, a cold day. In 1960 the high was 33 with a low of 30, a three degree spread. In 1959 the high was 25 with a low of -4, another cold day.

More recently, there were small spreads of four degrees in 1997 (28/24), four degrees in 2004 (30/26), five degrees in 1991 (37/32) and six degrees in 1993 (32/26). There were large spreads of 33 degrees in 1996 (34/1) and 34 degrees last year (42/8).

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was the record coldest high of 4 with the record low of -14. Seven years after, in 1989, the high was 8 with a low of -4. Three years ago the high was 10 with a low of -5. In 1988 the high was 8 with a low of -2. Four years before that, in 1984, the high was 12 with a low of 3. A year later, in 1985, the high was 19 with a low of -1. A decade after that, in 1995, the high was 19 with a low of 3. In 1979 the high was 25 with a low of -3. Another cold low was 1 in 1996. 17 of the last 31 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6) and 20s (11). Even colder, ten lows have been: single digits (4), negative single digits (5) and negative 10s (a.k.a. negative teens) (1). On the warmer side, four lows were in the 30s.

Today is not a major day in Chicago's snow history but it was in Rockford! Back in 1911, 11.5 inches fell. On the temperature front, the National Weather Service/Chicago reports that January 2009 was just the tenth January (in 137 years of record-keeping) that no temperature reached 40 degrees. The last time this happened was in 1985. This also occurred in 1982, 1979, 1977, 1976, 1920, 1918, 1912 and 1904. January 1977 was a bit worse, since the temperatures that year never got to the freezing mark (32 degrees).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:32 and sunrise is at 7:01. Sunset is at 17:14 and twilight ends at 17:44. There's a total of 10 hours, 13 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 12 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:31 and sunrise is at 7:00. The moon is waning crescent, having reached last quarter yesterday at 17:48. Illumination was 47% at midnight, will be 42% at noon and 37% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 1:27. Moonset is at 10:44. Moonrise is at 2:30 early tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 17 minutes which is 32 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The Super Bowl is tomorrow. Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is in six days. Valentine's Day and The Daytona 500 are in eight days. Susan B. Anthony Day is in nine days. President's Day is in ten days. -Bernie-

Friday, February 5, 2010

February 5: ORD

Today is February 5th. It's the 36th day of the year. 329 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. The 31-year averages are 29 and 14.


On the warm side, in 2005 the high was 55 with a low of 36. In 1990 the high was 51 with a low of 30. A year later, in 1991, the high was 50 with a low of 27. A couple of years later, in 1993, the high was 49 with a low of 23. Two years ago the high was 40 with a low of 32. Other warm lows were 31 in 1986 and 29 in 1998. The record high of 56 was set back in 1946 and the record warmest low of 43 was set back in 1938. 18 of the last 31 highs were 20s (11) and 30s (7). On the warmer side, four highs were 40s and three were 50s. On the colder side, three highs were 10s (a.k.a. teens) and three were single digits.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the low was a cold 5 above zero. In 1977 the high was 12 with a low of -3, a cold day. In 1975 the high was 35 with a warm low of 29, a six degree spread. In 1974 the high was 25 with a low of 22, a three degree spread. In 1973 the high was 38 with a warm low of 36, a two degree spread and warm day. In 1972 the high was 23 with a cold low of -2, a cold day. In 1971 the high was a warm 46. In 1968 the high was a warm 47. In 1966 the high was 24 with a cold low of -1, a cold day. In 1964 the high was a warm 55 with a low of 28, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 42 with a low of 12, a 30 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 37 with a cold low of 5 above, a 32 degree spread. In 1960 the high was 39 with a warm low of 33, a six degree spread. In 1959 the high was 18 with a low of 3, a cold day.

More recently, there were small spreads of four degrees in 2004 (28/24), five degrees in 1986 (36/31), five degrees in 1997 (33/28), six degrees in 1998 (35/29) and six degrees in 2001 (32/26).

On the cold side, in 1979 the high was 3 with a low of -14. Three years ago the high was 5 with a low of -10. In 1988 the high was 9 with a low of -1. Six years prior, in 1982, the high was 15 with a low of 1. In 1995 the high was 14 with a low of 3. Six years prior, in 1989, the high was 17 with a low of 1. Last year the high was 25 with a low of -4. In 1996 the high was 22 with a low of 2. Other cold lows were 4 in 1985 and 1 in 1981. The record low of -17 was set in 1979 (at Midway) and the record coldest high of 0 was set back in 1936. 23 of the last 31 lows have been: single digits (8), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6) and 20s (9). Even colder, two lows were in the negative single digits and two lows were negative 10s (a.k.a. negative teens). On the warmer side, four lows were in the 30s. Through Winter 2009-10, this is the average ninth coldest day of the year.

Today is not a major day in Chicago's snow history. In fact, I'll be writing about a snow event that took place in Rockford tomorrow. On the temperature front, the National Weather Service/Chicago reports that January 2009 was just the tenth January (in 137 years of record-keeping) that no temperature reached 40 degrees. The last time this happened was in 1985. This also occurred in 1982, 1979, 1977, 1976, 1920, 1918, 1912 and 1904. January 1977 was a bit worse, since the temperatures that year never got to the freezing mark (32 degrees).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:33 and sunrise was at 7:02. Sunset is at 17:13 and twilight ends at 17:42. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are 17:11 and 17:40. There's a total of 10 hours, 11 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:32 and sunrise is at 7:01. The moon reaches last quarter today at 17:48. Illumination was 58% at midnight, will be 53% at noon and 47% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 18 minutes past midnight (0:18). Moonset was at 10:07. Moonrise is at 1:27 early tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 49 minutes which is 15 minutes longer than yesterday.

The Super Bowl is in two days. Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is in a week. Valentine's Day is in nine days. Susan B. Anthony Day is in ten days. President's Day is in 11 days. -Bernie-

Thursday, February 4, 2010

February 4: ORD

Today is February 4th. It's the 35th day of the year. 330 days remain. It's week 5 of the year.

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


According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 32 and the normal low is 17. The 31-year averages are 29 and 14.


On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 51 with a low of 36. A couple of years later, in 1993, the high was 52 with a low of 24. Two years ago the high was 44 with a low of 32. Five years ago the high was 50 with a low of 22. In 1992 the high was 40 with a low of 31. Other warm lows were 32 in 1986 and 31 (1997 and 1998). The record high of 59 was set way back in 1890 and the record warmest low of 37 was set way back in 1909. 25 of the last 31 highs were: 10s (aka teens) (5), 20s (6), 30s (9) and 40s (5). On the warmer side, three highs were 50s. On the colder side, three highs were single digits.

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 cold low of 3, a cold day. In 1975 the low was a warm 31. In 1973 the high was 50 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1972 the high was 9 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 48 with a low of 31, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 34 with a low of -1, a 35 degree spread. In 1969 the high was 42 with a low of 10, a 32 degree spread. In 1966 the high was 20 with a low of -3, a cold day. In 1965 the high was 15 with a low of -10, another cold day. In 1964 the high was a warm 47 degrees with a low of 17, a 30 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 50 with a low of 32, a warm day.

More recently, there were small spreads of two degrees in 1998 (33/31), five degrees in 1986 (37/32), six degrees in 1997 (37/31) and seven degrees in 2006 (32/25).

On the cold side, in 1996 the high was 2 with the record low of -14. Three years ago the high was also 2 with a low of -6, just slightly warmer. In 1981 the high was 10 with a low of -4. In 1989 the high was 7 with a low of 1. A decade earlier, in 1979, the high was 12 with a low of -2. In 1985 the high was 19 with a low of -7. Three years before, in 1982, the high was 18 with a low of -2. Last year the high was 17 with a low of 0. In 1983 the high was 20 with a low of 3. Another cold high was 20 in 1994. Another cold low was 0 in 2004. The record coldest high of 0 was set in 1918. 30 of the last 31 lows have been: negative single digits (5), single digits (6), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (5), 20s (8) and 30s (6). Even colder, one low was in the negative 10s (a.k.a. negative teens). Through Winter 2009-10, this is the average seventh coldest day of the year.

Today is not a major day in Chicago's snow history. But I'll be writing about a snow event that took place in Rockford in a couple of days.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:34 and sunrise is at 7:03. Sunset is at 17:12 and twilight ends at 17:41. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are 17:10 and 17:39. There's a total of 10 hours, 9 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 7 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:33 and sunrise is at 7:02. The moon is waning gibbous and will reach last quarter tomorrow. Illumination was 68% at midnight, will be 63% at noon and 58% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 9:34. Moonrise is at 18 minutes past midnight tonight. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 34 minutes which is 24 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The Super Bowl is in three days. Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is in eight days. Valentine's Day is in ten days. Susan B. Anthony Day is in 11 days. President's Day is in 12 days. -Bernie-

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

February 3: ORD

Today is February 3rd. It's the 34th day of the year. 331 days remain. It's week 5 of the year.

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


According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 16. The 31-year averages are 32 and 16.


On the warm side, in 1992 the high was the record high of 59 with a low of 27, a 32 degree spread. A year earlier, in 1991, the high was 50 with a low of 34. Eight years later, in 1999, the high was 46 with a low of 35. Four years after that, in 2003, the high was 45 with a low of 32. Three years after that, in 2006, the high was 44 with a low of 32. Other warm highs were 46 in 1993 and 44 in 2005. Other warm lows were 30 (1984, 1986) and 29 (1990, 2000). The record warmest low of 37 was set way back in 1890. 24 of the last 31 highs were: 20s (7), 30s (10) and 40s (7). On the warmer side, two highs were 50s. On the colder side, four highs were 10s (a.k.a. teens) and one was in the negative single digits. There have been no highs 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 1977 the high was 31 with a low of 28, a three degree spread. In 1976 the high was 31 with a low of -5, a 36 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 42 with a low of 31, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 2 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1967 the high was 26 with a low of 20, a six degree spread. In 1965 the high was 6 with a low of -9, a cold one. In 1963 the high was 15 with a low of -8, another cold one. In 1962 the high was 36 with a warm low of 29, a seven degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of four degrees in 1986 (34/30), six degrees in 1984 (36/30), six degrees in 1990 (35/29) and seven degrees two years ago (32/25).

On the cold side, in 1996 the high was the record coldest high of -5 with the record low of -19. In 1985 the high was 15 with a low of -12. Three years ago the high was 11 with a low of -6. In 1981 the high was 10 with a low of -5. In 1994 the high was 19 with a low of 1. Last year the high was 20 with a low of 1. Other cold lows were 2 in 1980 and 4 in 1989. 27 of the last 31 lows have been: single digits (6), 10s (a.k.a. teens)(6), 20s (9) and 30s (6). On the colder side, two lows were in the very cold negative 10s and two lows were in the negative single digits.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. These happened just five years apart from each other a long time ago and both at the Auditorium Tower. In 1896, 11.0 inches fell and in 1901, 10.8 inches fell. Nearly identical amounts.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:35 and sunrise is at 7:04. Sunset is at 17:10 and twilight ends at 17:40. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are 17:09 and 17:38. There's a total of 10 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 5 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:34 and sunrise is at 7:03. The moon is waning gibbous and will reach last quarter in two days. Illumination was 78% at midnight, will be 73% at noon and 68% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 9:05. Moonrise is at 23:07. Moonset is at 9:34 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 58 minutes which is 47 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is in nine days. Valentine's Day is in a 11 days. Susan B. Anthony Day is in 12 days. President's Day is in 13 days. -Bernie-

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

February 2: ORD

Today is February 2nd. It's the 33rd day of the year. 332 days remain. It's week 5 of the year.

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


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


On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 49 with a low of 30. Four years earlier, in 1987, the high was 50 with a low of 25. Five years later, in 1992, the high was the record high of 51 with a low of 24. In 1999 the high was 42 with a low of 33. Four years after that, in 2003, the high was 39 with a low of 34. In 1997 the high was 42 with a low of 29. In 2006 the high was 43 with a low of 27. A couple of decades earlier, in 1986, the high was 37 with a low of 32. Another warm high was 45 in 1984. Other warm lows were 31 in 1995 and 29 in 1990. The record warmest low of 38 was set way back in 1877. 12 of the last 31 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, six highs were 40s and two were 50s. On the colder side, six highs were 20s, three were 10s (a.k.a. teens), one was in the single digits and one was in the negative single digits.

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 16 with a low of 3, a cold day. In 1977 the low was a cold 4. In 1976 the high was 7 with a low of -13, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 30 with a low of 28, a two degree spread. In 1973 the high was 46 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1972 the high was 33 with a low of 29, a four degree spread. In 1971 the high was 18 with a low of -10, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 41 with a low of 1, a 40 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 27 with a low of 20, a seven degree spread. In 1965 the high was 0 with a low of -14, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 35 with a low of -1, a 36 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 17 with a low of 11, a six degree spread. In 1960 the high was 29 with a low of 24, a five degree spread. In 1959 the high was 16 with a low of -9, a cold day.

More recently, there were small spreads of two degrees in 1990 (31/29), four degrees in 1995 (35/31), five degrees two years ago (30/25) and seven degrees in 1989 (28/21).

On the cold side, in 1996 the high was the record coldest high of -5 with the record low of -16. In 1985 the high was 7 with a low of -11. In 2001 the high was 12 with a low of -2. Three years ago the high was 12 with a low of 6. In 1981 the high was 19 with a low of 0. A year earlier, in 1980, the high was 22 with a low of -3. 18 of the last 31 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens)(8) and 20s (10). On the colder side, two lows were in the very cold negative 10s, two lows were in the negative single digits and four lows were in the single digits. Five lows were in the warmer 30s.

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

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:36 and sunrise is at 7:06. Sunset is at 17:09 and twilight ends at 17:39. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are 17:07 and 17:37. There's a total of 10 hours, 3 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 3 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:35 and sunrise is at 7:04. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 87% at midnight, will be 83% at noon and 78% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 8:39. Moonrise is at 21:54. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 45 minutes and is 48 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Groundhog Day is today. Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is in ten days. Valentine's Day is in 12 days. Susan B. Anthony Day is in 13 days. President's Day is in two weeks. -Bernie-

February 1: ORD

Today is February 1st. It's the 32nd day of the year. 333 days remain. It's week 5 of the year.

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


According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 16. The 30-year averages are 33 and 18.


On the warm side, in 1987 the high was 47 with a low of 34. Three years later, in 1990, the high was 52 with a low of 29. A year before that, in 1989, the high was 52 with a low of 28. A decade onward, in 1999, the high was 44 with a low of 35. More recently, in 2006, the high was 48 with a low of 31. In 1998 the high was 45 with a low of 33. A dozen years before that, in 1986, the high was 46 with a low of 30. In 1995 the high was 42 with a low of 32. Other warm lows were 32 in 2003 and 28 in 1983. The record high of 56 was set in 1968 and the record warmest low of 41 was set way back in 1877. 15 of the last 31 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, six highs were 40s and two were 50s. On the colder side, five highs were 20s, two 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 1978 the high was 18 with a low of 4, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 36 with a low of -3, a 39 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 48 with a low of 42, a six degree spread and warm day. In 1971 the high was 5 with a low of -5, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 47 with a low of 36, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 54 with a low of 37, a warm day and year of the record high. In 1966 the low was a cold -2. In 1965 the high was 15 with a low of -4, a cold day. In 1964 the high was a warm 43 with a low of 27, a warm day. In 1960 the high was 34 with a low of 28, a spread of six degrees. In 1959 the high was 14 with a low of -3, a cold day.

More recently, there were small spreads of two degrees in 2003 (34/32), five degrees in 1983 (33/28) and six degrees last year (30/24).

On the cold side, in 1985 the high was 4 with the record low of -14. In 1996 the high was 10 with a low of -8. A couple of years earlier, in 1994, the high was 11 with a low of -9. In 1980 the high was 21 with a low of -1. A couple of years later, in 1982, the high was 23 with a low of -1. Another cold low was 4 in 2001. The record coldest high of 3 was set way back in 1895. 24 of the last 31 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens)(7), 20s (10) and 30s (7). One low was in the very cold negative 10s, four lows were in the negative single digits and two lows were in the single digits.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. Last year was the second day of a two-day tally of 7.4 inches. Last year on February 1st, 3.5 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:37 and sunrise is at 7:07. Sunset is at 17:08 and twilight ends at 17:37. There's a total of 10 hours, 1 minute of daylight today and 11 hours between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:36 and sunrise is at 7:06. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 94% at midnight, will be 91% at noon and 87% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 8:12. Moonrise is at 20:39. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 33 minutes and is 49 minutes shorter than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is today. Groundhog Day is tomorrow. Abraham Lincoln's Birthday is 11 days. Valentine's Day is in 13 days. Susan B. Anthony Day is in two weeks. President's Day is in 15 days. -Bernie-

Monday, February 1, 2010

January 31: ORD

Today is January 31st. It's the 31st day of the year. 334 days remain. It's week 5 of the year.

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


According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 15. The 31-year averages are 32 and 16.


On the warm side, in 1989 the high was the record high of 65 with a low of 40. A year earlier, in 1988, the high was 55 with a low of 36. Five years after that, in 1993, the high was 46 with a low of 31. Six years onward, in 1999, the high was 40 with a low of 32. A year before that, in 1998, the high was 41 with a low of 28. Other warm highs were 45 in 1990 and 44 in 1997. Other warm lows were 32 in 2003, 30 in 2002, 30 in 2006, 27 in 1992 and 27 in 2001. The record warmest low of 45 was set way back in 1877. 20 of the last 31 highs were: 20s (8) and 30s (12). On the warmer side, five highs were 40s, one was in the 50s and one was in the 60s. On the colder side, three highs were in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) and one was in the single digits.

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 16 with a low of 2, a cold day. In 1977 the high was a cold 18 with a low of 4, another cold day. In 1974 the high was a warm 47 with a low of 22, a warm day. In 1973 the high was 42 with a warm low of 27, another warm day. In 1972 the low was a cold zero. In 1971 the high was 1 with a low of -4, a five degree spread, year of the record coldest high and cold day. In 1970 the high was 46 with a low of 29, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 49 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1967 the high was 35 with a warm low of 28, a seven degree spread. In 1966 the high was 16 with a low of -1, a cold day. In 1965 the high was 15 with a low of -6, another cold day. In 1964 the high was 40 with a low of 29, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 14 with a low of -12, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 17 with a low of -2, another cold day. In 1960 the low was a warm 27 degrees. In 1959 the high was 9 with a low of -3, another cold day.

More recently, there were small spreads of three degrees in 2003 (35/32) and four degrees in 2002 (34/30).

On the cold side, in 1996 the high was 6 with a low of -11. A decade and a year earlier, in 1985, the high was 16 with the record low of -12. In 2004 the high was 14 with a low of -6. A decade before that, in 1994, the high was 13 with a low of -5. Three years ago, in 2007, the high was 20 with a low of 3. Other cold lows were 2 in 1984 and 3 in 1980. The record coldest high of 1 was set in 1971. 22 of the last 31 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens)(10), 20s (6) and 30s (6). Two lows were in the very cold negative 10s, two lows were in the negative single digits and four lows were in the single digits. One low was in the warmer 40s.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 2002, 7.2 inches fell. This was the second day of a two day, 12 inch storm which was 77% of the month's total of 15.5 inches. 2008 was the first day of a two day tally of 7.4 inches. Two years ago on January 31st, 3.9 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:38 and sunrise is at 7:08. Sunset is at 17:06 and twilight ends at 17:36. There's a total of 9 hours, 58 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 58 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:37 and sunrise is at 7:07. The moon is waning gibbous, the full Wolf moon occurring yesterday morning at 18 minutes past midnight. Illumination was 98% at midnight, will be 97% at noon and 94% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 7:44 and moonrise is at 19:22. Moonset is at 8:12 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 22 minutes and is 49 minutes shorter than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is tomorrow. Groundhog Day is in a couple of days. -Bernie-