Wednesday, March 31, 2010

March 31: ORD

Today is March 31st. It's the 90th day of the year. 275 days remain. It's week 13 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 52 and the normal low is 33. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 55 and 35.


On the warm side, in 1986 the high was 83 with a low of 48, a 35 degree spread. Five years earlier, in 1981, the high was the record high of 87 with a low of 41, a 46 degree spread. In 1999 the high was 71 with a low of 48. A year earlier, in 1998, the high was 72 with a low of 45. In 2006 the high was 68 with a low of 45. Other warm lows were 46 in 1982 and 45 three years ago. The record warmest low of 60 was set in 1967.
21 of the last 31 highs were: 40s (11) and 50s (10). On the warmer side, nine highs were: 60s (5), 70s (2) and 80s (2). On the colder side, one high was in the 30s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was a warm 78 with a low of 39, a 39 degree spread and warm day. In 1975 the high was 58 with a low of 24, a 34 degree spread. In 1971 the high was a warm 74 with a low of 42, a 32 degree spread and warm day. In 1969 the high was 33 with a low of 12, a cold day. 1969 was also the year of the record low (12 at Midway). In 1968 the high was a warm 65. In 1967 the high was 68 with a low of 58, another warm day and year of the record warmest low. In 1966 the high was 54 with a low of 22, a 32 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 35 with a low of 19, a cold day. In 1963 the low was a warm 46. In 1960 the high was was a cold 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1989 (37/33) and seven degrees in 1990 (45/38). There were large spreads of 31 degrees in 2003 (55/24) and 37 degrees in 2000 (63/26).

On the cold side, in 1987 the high was 40 with a low of 20. Another cold high was 37 in 1989. The record low of 12 was set in 1969 and record coldest high of 21 was set in 1923. 17 of the last 31 lows were 30s. Seven lows were in the colder 20s and seven lows were in the warmer 40s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. Today and yesterday, back in 1926 at the University of Chicago, 8.7 inches fell. Rockford today had 13.5 of it's 16 inch total back in 1926.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:09 and sunrise was at 6:38. Sunset is at 19:18 and twilight ends at 19:46. There's a total of 12 hours, 40 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 37 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:08 and sunrise is at 6:36. The moon is waning gibbous, having reached full two days ago at 21:25. Illumination was 98% at midnight, 96% at noon and 94% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 7:00. Moonrise is at 21:46. Moonset is at 7:35 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 14 minutes which is 45 minutes shorter than yesterday.

April Fool's Day is tomorrow. Good Friday is in two days. Easter is in four days. -Bernie-

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

March 30: ORD

Today is March 30th. It's the 89th day of the year. 276 days remain. It's week 13 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 52 and the normal low is 32. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 53 and 36.


On the warm side, in 1998 the high was the co-record high of 79 with the record warmest low of 66. In 2005 the high was 77 with a low of 54. In 1986 the high was the co-record high of 79 with a low of 51. Four years earlier, in 1982, the high was 63 with a low of 48. In 1999 the high was 72 with a low of 38, a 34 degree spread. Two decades earlier, in 1979, the high was 66 with a low of 43. Other warm highs were 70 in 2006 and 66 in 1993. Another warm low was 46 three years ago.
14 of the last 31 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, 15 highs were: 50s (6), 60s (4) and 70s (5). On the colder side, two highs were in the 30s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 57 with a low of 27, a 30 degree spread. In 1977 the high was 65 with a low of 42, a warm day. In 1975 the high was a cold 30 with a low of 21, a cold day. In 1972 the high was a cold 37 with a low of 23, a cold day. In 1969 the high was 27 with a low of 12, a cold day, year of the record low and record coldest high. In 1968 the high was a warm 76 with a low of 34, a 42 degree spread and warm day. In 1967 the high was the co-record high of 79 with a low of 53, another warm day. In 1965 the high was 36 with a low of 20, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 31 with a low of 2, another cold day. That low of 2 was colder than the record low. And of course, it isn't the record because O'Hare was not the official station of record for Chicago in 1964. In 1963 the high was a warm 75 with a low of 41, a 34 degree spread and warm day. In 1961 the low was a cold 20.

More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1985 (38/32) and six degrees two years ago (42/36). There were large spreads of 32 degrees in 1993 (66/34) and 35 degrees in 2006 (70/35).

On the cold side, in 1987 the high was 34 with a low of 23. Another cold low was 22 in 1991. Another cold high was 38 in 1985. The record low of 12 and record coldest high of 27 were set on the same day in 1969. 17 of the last 31 lows were 30s. Seven lows were in the colder 20s. Seven lows were in the warmer: 40s (4), 50s (2) and 60s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. Today and tomorrow, back in 1926 at the University of Chicago, 8.7 inches fell. Rockford today had 2.5 of it's 16 inch total back in 1926.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:11 and sunrise was at 6:39. Sunset is at 19:17 and twilight ends at 19:45. There's a total of 12 hours, 38 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 34 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:09 and sunrise is at 6:38. The moon is waning gibbous, having reached full yesterday at 21:25. Illumination was 100% at midnight, 99% at noon and 98% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 6:30 this morning. Moonrise is at 20:31. Moonset is at 7:00 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 59 minutes which is 48 minutes shorter than yesterday.

April Fool's Day is in two days. Good Friday is in three days. Easter is in five days. -Bernie-

March 29: ORD

Today is March 29th. It's the 88th day of the year. 277 days remain. It's week 13 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 51 and the normal low is 32. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 53 and 35.


On the warm side, in 1986 the high was the record high of 88 with a low of 54, a 34 degree spread. In 1998 the high was 79 with a low of 44, a 35 degree spread. In 1981 the high was 63 with a low of 55. Other warm highs were 71 in 2005 and 64 in 1993. Another warm low was 46 three years ago.
The record warmest low of 63 was set way back in 1910. 13 of the last 31 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, 16 highs were: 50s (6), 60s (7), 70s (2) and 80s (1). On the colder side, two highs were in the 30s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 68 with a low of 51, a warm day. In 1976 the high was 60 with a warm low of 50, a warm day. In 1975 the high was a cold 35 with a low of 26, a cold day. In 1973 the high was 46 with a warm low of 42, a four degree spread. In 1972 the high was a cold 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1970 the high was 32 with a low of 19, a cold day. In 1969 the high was 28 with a low of 16, another cold day. In 1968 the high was a warm 66. In 1965 the high was a cold 37 with a low of 21, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 28 with a low of 14, another cold day. What made 1964 even more notable was that 7.4 inches of snow fell as well. In 1963 the high was was a warm 80 with a low of 39, a warm day with a spread of 41 degrees. In 1962 the high was a warm 64. In 1960 the high was 71 with a low of 40, a 31 degree spread and warm day.

More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1990 (44/38), six degrees in 1995 (43/37) and seven degrees in 1992 (43/36). There were large spreads of 34 degrees in 1982 (60/26) and 38 degrees in 2005 (71/33).

On the cold side, in 1991 the high was 37 with a low of 24. Another cold high was 38 in 2003. The record low of 9 and record coldest high of 24 were set on the same day way back in 1887. 16 of the last 31 lows were 30s. Nine lows were in the colder 20s. Six lows were in the warmer: 40s (4) and 50s (2). Once again, we've shed the lows in the 10s (a.k.a. teens). That is very nice.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1972 at O'Hare, 5.9 inches fell. At Midway, 6.5 inches fell. But Rockford takes the cake as 10.4 inches fell there.

Last year in Crystal Lake we had somewhere between 5 and 6 and a half inches. The big event at my house was that our evergreen tree was uprooted by the storm and was draped across our driveway. Other amounts were: 6.8 inches at Bull Valley (close to Crystal Lake), 7.2 inches in Cary which is also close to Crystal Lake, 5.4 inches in St. Charles, 5 inches in DeKalb, 4.8 inches in Schaumburg, 3.8 inches in Elgin, 3 inches in Barrington, 2 inches in Harvard, 1.5 inches in Streamwood, 0.4 inches at Midway, 0.1 inches in Rockford and just a trace at O'Hare. Kind of unique that all three major regional airports (O'Hare, Midway and Rockford) hardly had any snow. So it seems that conditions were just right that a very specific area got hit.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:13 and sunrise was at 6:41. Sunset is at 19:16 and twilight ends at 19:44. There's a total of 12 hours, 35 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 31 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:11 and sunrise is at 6:39. The moon reaches the full Worm moon today at 21:25. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 100% at noon and 100% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 6:01 this morning. Moonrise is at 19:14. Moonset is at 6:30 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 47 minutes which is 49 minutes shorter than yesterday.

April Fool's Day is in three days. Good Friday is in four days. Easter is in six days. -Bernie-

March 28: ORD

Today is March 28th. It's the 87th day of the year. 278 days remain. It's week 13 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 51 and the normal low is 32. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 53 and 35.


On the warm side, in 1986 the high was the record high of 79 with a low of 43, a 36 degree spread. Three years later, in 1989, the high was 68 with a low of 54. In 2004 the high was 74 with a low of 48. In 1981 the high was 78 with a low of 42, a 36 degree spread. In 1998 the high was 65 with a low of 49. The year before, in 1997, the high was 62 with a low of 48. Another warm low was 44 three years ago.
The record warmest low of 57 was set way back in 1910. 21 of the last 31 highs were: 40s (11) and 50s (10). On the warmer side, eight highs were: 60s (5) and 70s (3). On the colder side, two highs were in the 30s. The only 30s highs occurred last year and in 1983. Both were 38 degrees.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 62 with a low of 50, a warm day. In 1975 the high was a cold 38 with a low of 34, a four degree spread. In 1974 the high was 40 with a low of 36, a four degree spread. In 1970 the high was 30 with a low of 15, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 78 with a low of 52, a warm day. In 1966 the low was a cold 20. In 1965 the high was 39 with a low of 19, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 34 with a low of 18, another cold day. In 1962 the high was was 69 with a low of 48, a warm day. In 1960 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1995 (44/38), six degrees three years ago (50/44), six degrees last year (38/32) and seven degrees in 1980 (44/37). There were large spreads of 31 degrees in 1979 (59/28) and 33 degrees in 2005 (60/27).

On the cold side, there were no days considered "cold" with means of 12 degrees or lower. However, cold highs were 38 degrees in both 1983 and last year. The record low of 9 and record coldest high of 23 were set on the same day way back in 1887. 24 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (9) and 30s (15). Seven lows were in the warmer: 40s (6) and 50s (1). No lows. Do ya hear me? No lows were in the 10s (a.k.a. teens).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1970 at O'Hare, this was the fifth of five days in which 11.8 inches fell. Today 1.0 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:15 and sunrise was at 6:43. Sunset is at 19:15 and twilight ends at 19:43. There's a total of 12 hours, 32 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 28 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:13 and sunrise is at 6:41. The moon is waxing gibbous and will reach the full Worm moon tomorrow at 21:25. Illumination was 95% at midnight, will be 97% at noon and 99% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 5:34 this morning. Moonrise is at 17:58. Moonset is at 6:01 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 36 minutes which is 49 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Palm Sunday is today. April Fool's Day is in four days. -Bernie-

March 27: ORD

Today is March 27th. It's the 86th day of the year. 279 days remain. It's week 13 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 50 and the normal low is 32. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 53 and 33.


On the warm side, in 1989 the high was 75 with the record warmest low of 59. In 1998 the high was 77 with a low of 56. Way back in 1910 the low was also 56. These were the former record warmest lows. In 1985 the high was 70 with a low of 54. In 1997 the high was 75 with a low of 48. Three years ago the high was 73 with a low of 45. In 1991 the high was 74 with a low of 38, a 36 degree spread. In 2003 the high was 67 with a low of 40.
The record high of 82 was set back in 1945. 18 of the last 31 highs were: 40s (9) and 50s (9). On the warmer side, eight highs were: 60s (2) and 70s (6). On the colder side, five highs were 30s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 62 with a low of 54, a warm day. In 1975 the high was a cold 34 with a low of 31, a three degree spread. In 1974 the high was 41 with a low of 34, a seven degree spread. In 1969 the low was a cold 19. In 1968 the high was 76 with a low of 54, a warm day. In 1966 the high was 38 with a low of 20, a cold day. In 1965 the high was 32 with a low of -1, a 33 degree spread and cold day. That low of -1 was colder than the record low (see below). In 1964 the high was 36 with a low of 14, another cold day. In 1963 the high was 67 with a low of 35, a 32 degree spread. In 1962 the high was a warm 62. In 1961 the high was a warm 67 with a low of 39, a warm day.

More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1984 (39/33) and seven degrees in 1995 (45/38). There was a large spread of 33 degrees in 1999 (57/24).

On the cold side, in 1996 the high was 36 with the record low of 12. In 1982 the high was 36 with a low of 20. Three years before that, in 1979, the high was 39 with a low of 18. The record coldest high of 26 was set way back in 1904. 22 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (10) and 30s (12). Two lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). Four lows were in the warmer 40s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1970 at O'Hare, this was the fourth of five days in which 11.8 inches fell. Today 0.1 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:16 and sunrise was at 6:45. Sunset is at 19:13 and twilight ends at 19:42. There's a total of 12 hours, 28 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 26 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:15 and sunrise is at 6:43. The moon is waxing gibbous, heading towards the full Worm moon in two days. Illumination was 89% at midnight, will be 92% at noon and 95% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 5:06 this morning. Moonrise is at 16:41. Moonset is at 5:34 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 25 minutes which is 47 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Palm Sunday is tomorrow. April Fool's Day is in five days. -Bernie-



Friday, March 26, 2010

March 26: ORD

Today is March 26th. It's the 85th day of the year. 280 days remain. It's week 13 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 50 and the normal low is 32. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 52 and 33.


On the warm side, three years ago the high was the record high of 79 with the record warmest low of 63. In 1998 the high was 75 with a low of 60. Seven years earlier, in 1991, the high was 75 with a low of 52. In 2004 the high was 67 with a low of 45. In 1989 the high was 76 with a low of 34, a 42 degree spread. Other warm highs were 68 in 2000, 65 in 1985, 63 in 1986 and 63 in 1981.
12 of the last 31 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, 14 highs were: 50s (5), 60s (5) and 70s (4). On the colder side, five highs were: 20s (1) and 30s (4). Today is the median (middle) date of our first high in the 70s based upon the last 32 years.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was a cold 33 with a low of 31, a two degree spread. In 1977 the high was a warm 69 with a low of 31, a 31 degree spread. In 1976 the high was 77 with a low of 53, the former record high and warm day. In 1975 the high was 35 with a low of 20, a cold day. In 1969 the high was a cold 32 with a low of 22, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 74 with a low of 47, a warm day. In 1967 the high was a warm 65. In 1966 the high was a cold 38. In 1965 the high was 28 with a low of 3, a cold day. That low of 3 was colder than the record low (see below). In 1964 the high was 25 with a low of 18, a seven degree spread and another very cold day. In 1961 the high was 72 with a low of 47, a warm day. In 1960 the high was 34 with a low of 11, yet another cold one. In 1959 the high was a cold 38 with a low of 34, a four degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of seven degrees in 1982 (34/27) and seven degrees in 1987 (49/42). There were large spreads of 34 degrees in 1985 (65/31), 32 degrees in 2000 (68/36) and 30 degrees in 1986 (63/33).

On the cold side, in 1996 the high was the record coldest high of 23 with a low of 15. The record coldest high of 23 also occurred back in 1937. Five years later, in 2001, the high was 33 with a low of 16. In 1979 the high was 33 with a low of 16. Other cold highs were 34 in 1982 and 38 in 2002. The record low of 7 was set way back in 1873. 16 of the last 31 lows were 30s. Ten lows were in the colder: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (3) and 20s (7). Five lows were in the warmer: 40s (2), 50s (1) and 60s (2).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the seventh of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today 0.7 inches fell. In 1970 at O'Hare, this was the third of five days in which 11.8 inches fell. Today 4.8 inches fell. At Midway in 1970, 8.9 inches fell. This was the second of two days in which a total of 14.3 inches fell.

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 19:12 and twilight ends at 19:40. Chicago's sunset is at 19:10 and end of twilight is at 19:38. There's a total of 12 hours, 26 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 22 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:16 and sunrise is at 6:45. The moon is waxing gibbous, heading towards the full Worm moon in three days. Illumination was 80% at midnight, will be 85% at noon and 89% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 4:36 this morning. Moonrise is at 15:24. Moonset is at 5:06 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 12 minutes which is 44 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Palm Sunday is in two days. April Fool's Day is in six days. -Bernie-

Thursday, March 25, 2010

March 25: ORD

Today is March 25th. It's the 84th day of the year. 281 days remain. It's week 12 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 50 and the normal low is 31. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 50 and 33.


On the warm side, three years ago the high was the record high of 79 with a low of 48, a 31 degree spread. The former record high was 75, first in 1939 and then in 1967. In 1986 the high was 72 with a low of 51. In 2004 the high was 62 with the record warmest low of 57, a five degree spread. The record warmest low of 57 also occurred in 1945. In 1988 the high was 62 with a low of 44. In 2000 the high was 61 with a low of 44. Other warm highs were 65 in 1991 and 63 in 1989.
17 of the last 31 highs were: 40s (9) and 50s (8). On the warmer side, seven highs were: 60s (5) and 70s (2). On the colder side, seven highs were: 30s (5) and 20s (2).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread and cold day. In 1977 the high was a warm 62 with a low of 30, a 32 degree spread. In 1976 the high was a warm 67 with a low of 34, a 33 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 32 with a low of 23, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 44 with a cold low of 10, a 34 degree spread. That low of 10 was colder than the record low. In 1973 the high was 47 with a low of 40, a seven degree spread. In 1971 the high was a cold 38. In 1969 the high was a cold 35. In 1968 the high was a warm 67 with a low of 38, a warm day. In 1967 the high was a warm 75 with a low of 41, a 34 degree spread and warm day. In 1966 the high was 37 with a low of 16, a cold day. In 1965 the high was 26 with a low of 17, another cold day. In 1964 the high was a cold 35 with a low of 22, yet another cold day. In 1963 the high was 65 with a low of 55, a warm day. In 1960 the high was 25 with a low of 9, a cold day. That low of 9 was another reading that was colder than the record. In 1959 the high was 43 with a low of 36, a seven degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 2005 (39/33) and seven degrees in 1980 (35/28). There were large spreads of 32 degrees in 1981 (57/25), 32 degrees in 1991 (65/33), 33 degrees in 1995 (58/25) and 40 degrees in 1996 (56/16).

On the cold side, in 1979 the high was 25 with a low of 16. In 2001 the high was 25 with a low of 19, a six degree spread. In 1983 the high was 32 with a low of 20. In 2002 the high was 31 with a low of 24, a seven degree spread. Another cold low was 16 in 1996. Other cold highs were 35 in 1980 and 38 in 1999. The record low of 12 was set in 1940 and more recently in 1974. The record coldest high of 19 was set way back in 1894. 21 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (10) and 30s (11). Three lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). Seven lows were in the warmer: 40s (5) and 50s (2).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the sixth of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today 0.2 inches fell. In 1970 at O'Hare, this was the second of five days in which 11.8 inches fell. Today 5.8 inches fell. At Midway in 1970, 5.4 inches fell. This was the first of two days in which a total of 14.3 inches fell. In 1930 at the University of Chicago, a total of 21.6 inches fell on the 24th and 25th. 14.4 inches fell in an unspecified 24 hour time frame during these two days. Tom Skilling of WGN-TV said in his blog that the total was 19.2 inches. So there appears to be a slight discrepancy between the totals.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:20 and sunrise was at 6:48. Sunset is at 19:11 and twilight ends at 19:39. Chicago's sunset is at 19:09 and end of twilight is at 19:36. There's a total of 12 hours, 23 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 19 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:18 and sunrise is at 6:46. The moon reached first quarter two days ago at 6:00. Illumination was 70% at midnight, will be 75% at noon and 80% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 4:02 this morning. Moonrise is at 14:06. Moonset is at 4:36 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 56 minutes which is 34 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Palm Sunday is in three days. April Fool's Day is in a week. -Bernie-

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

March 24: ORD

Today is March 24th. It's the 83rd day of the year. 282 days remain. It's week 12 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 49 and the normal low is 31. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 52 and 32.


On the warm side, last year the high was 69 with a low of 48. In 2003 the high was 74 with a low of 42, a 32 degree spread. Four years later, in 2007, the high was 64 with a low of 52. In 1987 the high was 69 with a low of 45. In 2000 the high was 68 with a low of 46. In 1988 the high was 71 with a low of 42. In 2004 the high was 63 with a low of 44. Other warm highs were 64 in 1989, 63 in 1996 and 62 in 1994. The record high of 79 was set back in 1939 and the record warmest low of 61 was set back in 1910.
25 of the last 31 highs were: 40s (8), 50s (9) and 60s (8). On the warmer side, two highs were in the 70s. On the colder side, four highs were in the 30s. Today is the mean (average) date for our first high in the 70s based upon the last 32 years.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was a cold 33 with a low of 24, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 70 with a low of 49, a warm day. In 1975 the high was 58 with a low of 28, a 30 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 15 with a low of 5, a very cold day and the year that the records were established (at Midway, see "cold side" below). In 1972 the high was a cold 35 with a low of 28, a seven degree spread. In 1971 the high was 37 with a low of 18, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 27 with a low of 18, a cold day. In 1965 the high was 23 with a low of 5, another cold day. In 1963 the high was 74 with a low of 47, a warm day. In 1960 the high was 27 with a low of 13, a cold day. In 1959 the high was a warm 74 with a low of 38, a 36 degree spread and warm day.

More recently, we had a small spread of seven degrees in 1985 (42/35). There were large spreads of 32 degrees in 1989 (64/32) and 33 degrees in 1992 (58/25).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 31 with a low of 18. In 2001 the high was 36 with a low of 21. The record low of 5 and record coldest high of 17 were set on the same day in 1974. 23 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (14) and 30s (9). One low was in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). Seven lows were in the warmer: 40s (6) and 50s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the fifth of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today 0.5 inches fell. In 1970, this was the first of five days in which 11.8 inches fell. Today 0.1 inches fell. In 1930 at the University of Chicago, a total of 21.6 inches fell on the 24th and 25th. 14.4 inches fell in an unspecified 24 hour timeframe during these two days. Tom Skilling of WGN-TV said in his blog that the total was 19.2 inches. So there appears to be a slight discrepancy between the totals.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:22 and sunrise was at 6:50. Sunset is at 19:10 and twilight ends at 19:38. Chicago's sunset and end of twilight times are each three minutes earlier. There's a total of 12 hours, 20 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 16 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:20 and sunrise is at 6:48. The moon reached first quarter yesterday at 6:00. Illumination was 59% at midnight, will be 65% at noon and 70% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 3:21 this morning. Moonrise is at 12:51. Moonset is at 4:02 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 30 minutes which is 24 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Palm Sunday is in four days. April Fool's Day is in eight days. -Bernie-

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

March 23: ORD

Today is March 23rd. It's the 82nd day of the year. 283 days remain. It's week 12 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 49 and the normal low is 31. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 52 and 32.


On the warm side, in 1994 the high was 74 with a low of 49. Six years earlier, in 1988, the high was 68 with a low of 45. in 1979 the high was 62 with the record warmest low of 50. The record warmest low of 50 also occurred in 1936. In 1987 the high was 67 with a low of 40. In 2003 the high was 63 with a low of 41. Another warm high was 62 in 2000. Another warm low was 44 in 2007. The record high of 80 was set way back in 1907.
27 of the last 31 highs were: 40s (9), 50s (10) and 60s (8). On the warmer side, one high was in the 70s. On the colder side, three highs were in the 30s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was a warm 61. In 1974 the high was 25 with a low of 12, a cold day. In 1972 the high was a cold 36. In 1971 the high was a cold 31 with a low of 20, a cold day. In 1969 the high was 66 with a low of 43, a warm day. In 1966 the high was 60 with a low of 27, a 33 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 28 with a low of 8, the coldest March 23 day ever at O'Hare. In 1963 the high was a warm 72 with a low of 30, a 42 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 43 with a low of 36, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 30 with a low of 15, cold day. In 1959 the high was a warm 65 with a low of 32, a 33 degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1985 (44/38) and six degrees in 1993 (42/36). There were large spreads of 37 degrees in 1981 (60/23) and 31 degrees in 1999 (53/22).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 32 with a low of 13. Another cold low sas 17 in 1992. The record low of 9 and record coldest high of 21 were set on the same day back in 1940. 23 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (12) and 30s (11). Two lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). Six lows were in the warmer: 40s (5) and 50s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the fourth of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today 4.9 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:23 and sunrise was at 6:51. Sunset is at 19:09 and twilight ends at 19:37. There's a total of 12 hours, 18 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 14 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:22 and sunrise is at 6:50. The moon reached first quarter today at 6:00. Illumination was 48% at midnight, will be 53% at noon and 59% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 2:33 this morning. Moonrise is at 11:39. Moonset is at 3:21 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 54 minutes which is 8 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Palm Sunday is in five days. April Fool's Day is in nine days. -Bernie-

March 22: ORD

Today is March 22nd. It's the 81st day of the year. 284 days remain. It's week 12 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 48 and the normal low is 30. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 49 and 29.


On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 64 with a low of 46. Three years later, in 1994, the high was 71 with a low of 37, a 34 degree spread. Three years ago the high was 64 with a low of 44. In 2000 the high was 59 with a low of 43. Other warm highs were 69 in 1979, 64 in 1988, 61 in 2009 and 60 in 1987. The record high of 79 and the record warmest low of 59 were set on the same day back in 1938.
13 of the last 31 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, 12 highs were: 50s (5), 60s (6) and 70s (1). On the colder side, six highs were: 30s (5) and 20s (1).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1969 the high was a warm 60 with a low of 26, a 34 degree spread. In 1968 the high was a cold 33 with a low of 26, a seven degree spread. In 1962 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1961 the high was 45 with a low of 38, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 35 with a low of 17, cold day. In 1959 the low was a cold 18.

More recently, we had a small spread of five degrees in 1993 (38/33). There were large spreads of 35 degrees in 1988 (64/29) and 38 degrees in 1979 (69/31).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 28 with a low of 13. In 2002 the high was 37 with a low of 14. In 1992 the high was 34 with a low of 20. Another cold high was 36 in 1984. The record low of -1 and record coldest high of 18 were on the same day way back in 1888. 25 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (14) and 30s (11). Three lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). Three lows were in the warmer 40s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the third of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today 3.5 inches fell. In 1932 in Rockford, 4 inches fell following 11 inches the previous day. Last year was the second day of a two day storm. At O'Hare, 0.6 inches fell, part of a 5.4 inch total. Rockford had 0.3 inches, part of a 5.6 inch total. Midway had 0.4 inches, part of a 3 inch total. Midway's total was held down because part of it was a wintry mix (freezing rain, sleet).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:25 and sunrise was at 6:53. Sunset is at 19:08 and twilight ends at 19:36. There's a total of 12 hours, 15 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:23 and sunrise is at 6:51. The moon is waxing crescent and reaches first quarter tomorrow at 6:00. Illumination was 37% at midnight, will be 42% at noon and 48% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 1:37 this morning. Moonrise is at 10:35. Moonset is at 2:33 early tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 2 minutes which is 9 minutes longer than yesterday. -Bernie-

March 21: ORD

Today is March 21st. It's the 80th day of the year. 285 days remain. It's week 12 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 48 and the normal low is 30. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 46 and 29.


On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 71 with a low of 49. Six years later, in 1997, the high was 71 with a low of 36, a 35 degree spread. A decade later, in 2007 (three years ago), the high was 67 with a low of 37, a 30 degree spread. Other warm highs were 63 in 1990, 61 last year and 60 in 1987. Another warm low was 42 in 2000. The record high of 77 was set back in 1938 and the record warmest low of 54 was set back in 1918.
21 of the last 31 highs were: 30s (12) and 40s (9). On the warmer side, ten highs were: 50s (4), 60s (4) and 70s (2).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1975 the high was a warm 70 with a low of 41, a warm day. In 1972 the high was 62 with a low of 42, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 59 with a low of 29, a 30 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1966 the high was 67 with a low of 42, a warm day. In 1965 the high was 21 with a low of 8, the coldest day ever at O'Hare for March 21st. In 1962 the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 35 with a low of 10, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1984 (35/31), five degrees in 1982 (40/35) and five degrees two years ago (34/29). There were large spreads of 31 degrees in 1990 (63/32) and 32 degrees in 1987 (60/28).

On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 37 with a low of 13. Three years before, in 1983, the high was 30 with a low of 21. In 2004 the high was 33 with a low of 22. Another cold low was 17 in 2002. Other cold highs were 33 in 2006, 34 two years ago, 35 (1984, 1988, 1989), and 36 in 1992. The record low of 9 was set way back in 1888 and record coldest high of 19 was set way back in 1885. 27 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (15) and 30s (12). Two lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens) and two lows were in the warmer 40s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the second of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today just three tenths of an inch fell. In 1932 in Rockford, 11 inches fell. At the University of Chicago in 1932, a total of 8.9 inches fell from March 20-22. 7.8 inches of the total fell today, on the 21st. Two years ago was the first day of a two-day storm. At O'Hare, 4.8 inches fell. Rockford had 4.7 inches and Midway had 2.6 inches. Some of Midway's precipitation was a wintry mix (freezing rain, sleet).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:27 and sunrise was at 6:55. Sunset is at 19:07 and twilight ends at 19:35. There's a total of 12 hours, 12 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 8 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:25 and sunrise is at 6:53. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 27% at midnight, will be 32% at noon and 37% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 0:34 this morning. Moonrise is at 9:41. Moonset is at 1:37 early tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 53 minutes which is 11 minutes shorter than yesterday. -Bernie-

Monday, March 22, 2010

March 20: ORD

Today is March 20th. It's the 79th day of the year. 286 days remain. It's week 12 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 48 and the normal low is 30. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 47 and 30.


On the warm side, in 2003 the high was 65 with a low of 43. Other warm highs were 62 in 2004, 61 (1991, 1994) and 60 in 1995. Another warm low was 43 in 2000. The record high of 76 was set back in 1921 and the record warmest low of 53 was set back in 1918.
Unusual for just three years of separation for these records. 12 of the last 31 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, 11 highs were: 50s (6) and 60s (5). On the colder side, eight highs were: 30s (7) and 20s (1). Today is the midrange (average of earliest and latest dates) date of our first high in the 70s, based upon the last 32 years.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 70 with a low of 47, a warm day. In 1975 the high was a warm high of 60. In 1972 the high was a warm 69 with a low of 38, a 31 degree spread and warm day. In 1970 the high was 41 with a low of 36, a five degree spread. In 1967 the high was 36 with a low of 33, a three degree spread. In 1966 the high was 56 with a low of 26, a 30 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 22 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1960 the high was a cold 34 with a low of 20, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1998 (36/33), five degrees in 1983 (32/27) and seven degrees in 1993 (38/31). There was a large spread of 30 degrees in 2004 as the high was 62 with a low of 32.

On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 26 with a low of 8. Other cold highs were 32 in 1983, 36 half a decade later in 1988 and 36 a decade after that in 1998. The record low of 4 and record coldest high of 15 were set on the same day way back in 1885. 27 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (15) and 30s (12). One low was in the colder single digits. Three lows were in the warmer 40s. No lows have been in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) over the last 30 years.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the first of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today just a tenth of an inch fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:29 and sunrise was at 6:57. Sunset is at 19:06 and twilight ends at 19:34. There's a total of 12 hours, 9 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 5 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:27 and sunrise is at 6:55. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 18% at midnight, will be 23% at noon and 27% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 8:56 this morning. Moonset is at 0:34 tomorrow. Moonrise is at 9:41 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 4 minutes which is 5 minutes shorter than yesterday.

March 19: ORD

Today is March 19th. It's the 78th day of the year. 287 days remain. It's week 12 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 47 and the normal low is 29. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 46 and 30.


On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 63 with a low of 55. Six years later, in 1985, the high was 63 with a low of 37. A decade later, in 1995, the high was 55 with a low of 45. Another warm high was 61 three years ago. The record high of 78 was set back in 1921. The record warmest low of 59 was set way back in 1903.
28 of the last 31 highs were 30s (9), 40s (11) and 50s (8). On the warmer side, three highs were 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 76 with a low of 51, a warm day. Also in 1976, the temperature fell to 25 degrees on the 21st, a huge 51 degree drop! In 1969 the high was a warm 61 degrees. In 1968 the high was 62 with a low of 44, a warm day. In 1965 the high was 19 with a low of 7, a cold day. In 1959 the high was a warm 65 with a low of 40, a warm day.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1983 (35/32), four degrees in 1982 (39/35), five degrees in 1984 (33/28), five degrees in 1998 (39/34), six degrees in 1996 (38/32) and six degrees in 2000 (42/36). There was a large spread of 35 degrees in 1986 as the high was 53 with a low of 18.

On the cold side, in 1990 the high was 31 with a low of 21. A year before, in 1989, the high was 37 with a low of 15. In 1981 the high was 32 with a low of 20. Other cold highs were 33 in 1984, 33 in 1993 and 35 in 1983. The record low of 0 and record coldest high of 17 were set on the same day back in 1923. 27 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (13) and 30s (14). Two lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). Two lows were in the warmer: 40s (1) and 50s (1).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:30 and sunrise was at 6:58. Sunset is at 19:04 and twilight ends at 19:32. There's a total of 12 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 2 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:29 and sunrise is at 6:57. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 11% at midnight, will be 15% at noon and 18% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 8:19 this morning. Moonset is at 23:28. Moonrise is at 8:56 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 9 minutes which is 36 minutes longer than yesterday.

My brother and his wife celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary today. -Bernie-

Thursday, March 18, 2010

March 18: ORD

Today is March 18th. It's the 77th day of the year. 288 days remain. It's week 11 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 47 and the normal low is 29. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 45 and 29.


On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 70 with a low of 43. In 1995 the high was 66 with a low of 34, a 32 degree spread. Last year the high was 57 with a low of 42. Another warm high was 59 in 1986. The record high of 74 was set in 1969. The record warmest low of 59 was set way back in 1894.
18 of the last 31 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, six highs were: 50s (4), 60s (1) and 70s (1). On the colder side, seven highs were: 30s (6) and 20s (1).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was a warm 69 with a low of 34, a 35 degree spread and warm day. In 1975 the high was 59 with a low of 43, a warm day. In 1971 the high was 39 with a low of 34, a five degree spread. In 1969 the high was a warm 74 with a low of 38, a 36 degree spread, year of the record high and warm day. That high of 74 is also the record high, although that was set at Midway. In 1968 the high was a warm 65 with a low of 40, a warm day. In 1967 the high was 33 with a low of 11, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 61 with a low of 43, a warm day. In 1965 the high was 24 with a low of 10, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 37 with a cold low of 9, another cold day. In 1961 the high was a cold 34. In 1960 the high was 31 with a low of 17, yet another cold day. In 1959 the low was a cold 17 degrees.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1984 (31/27), five degrees in 1983 (40/35), six degrees in 1987 (42/36), six degrees two years ago (42/36), seven degrees in 1992 (36/29) and seven degrees in 2003 (44/37).

On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 31 with a low of 14. Four years before, in 1989, the high was 29 with a low of 17. In 1981 the high was 35 with a low of 15. Another cold high was 31 in 1984. The record low of 3 was set back in 1923. The record coldest high of 20 was set way back in 1875. 25 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (14) and 30s (11). Four lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). Two lows were in the warmer 40s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:32 and sunrise was at 7:00. Sunset is at 19:03 and twilight ends at 19:31. There's a total of 12 hours, 3 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 59 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:30 and sunrise is at 6:58. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 6% at midnight, will be 8% at noon and 11% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 7:49 this morning. Moonset is at 22:22. Moonrise is at 8:19 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 33 minutes which is 40 minutes longer than yesterday.

My brother and his wife celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary tomorrow. -Bernie-

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

March 17: ORD

Today is March 17th. It's the 76th day of the year. 289 days remain. It's week 11 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 47 and the normal low is 29. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 44 and 29.


On the warm side, last year the high was a record-tying 74 with a low of 41, a 33-degree spread. In 2003 the high was 73 with a low of 40, also a 33 degree spread. In 1999 the high was 59 with a low of 41. The co-record high of 74 and record warmest low of 49 were set on the same day way back in 1894.
25 of the last 31 highs were: 30s (14) and 40s (11). On the warmer side, five highs were: 50s (3) and 70s (2). There have been no highs in the 60s over the past 30 years. The most recent 60s high was in 1969 (see next section). On the colder side, one high was in the 20s. Today is the mode (most frequent) date for our first high in the 70s based upon the past 32 years.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was a cold 34 with a low of 19, a cold day. In 1969 the high was a warm 69 with a low of 36, a 33 degree spread and warm day. In 1968 the high was a warm 66 with a low of 26, a 40 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 25 with a low of 11, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 76 with a low of 43, a 33 degree spread and warm day. And although this high of 76 beats the record of 74, O'Hare was not the official station of record in 1966. In 1964 the high was 31 with a low of 14, a cold day. In 1961 the high was a cold 34. In 1960 the high was 30 with a low of 23, a seven degree spread and cold day. In 1959 the high was 27 with a low of 15, another cold day.

March 17, 1966 was quite a day. The following are highs and lows at various stations: Springfield: 73/53, Wheaton College: 72/43, DeKalb: 71/43, Marengo: 73/40, Rockford: 73/41, Barrington: 74/44, University of Chicago: 73/45, Chicago in Grant Park near Buckingham Fountain: 73/44, Midway: 73/40. Midway had jumps of five degrees in the back to back hours of 9-10 AM (57 to 62) and 10-11 AM (62 to 67). It's unusual that O'Hare's temperature was higher than Midway's. Perhaps there was a wind component off the lake which held Midway's reading down a bit.

Likewise, it was pleasantly warm last year. Not only was it O'Hare's warmest March 17 of the past 31 years, other locations around the area felt the warmth. The high and low were 75 and 40 at Rockford. Highs were 74 at Midway, 72 at Barrington, 73 at: DeKalb, Elgin, Northerly Island, McHenry, National Weather Service/Romeoville, 75 at the Chicago Botanical Garden and 78 at Streamwood.

More recently, we had small spreads of five degrees in 1984 (32/27), six degrees in: 1989 (35/29), 1998 (39/33), 2005 (35/29) and seven degrees in 2002 (41/34).

On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 29 with a low of 12. Other cold highs were 32 in 1984 and 35 in three years: 1989, 1996 and 2005. The record low of -1 was set way back in 1900. The record coldest high of 11 was set back in 1941. 25 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (13) and 30s (12). Three lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). Three lows were in the warmer 40s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:34 and sunrise was at 7:02. Sunset is at 19:02 and twilight ends at 19:30. There's a total of 12 hours of daylight today and 12 hours, 56 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:32 and sunrise is at 7:00. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 2% at midnight, will be 4% at noon and 6% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 7:23 this morning. Moonset is at 21:16. Moonrise is at 7:49 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 53 minutes which is 40 minutes longer than yesterday.

St. Patrick's Day is today. My brother and his wife celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary in a couple of days. -Bernie-

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

March 16: ORD

Today is March 16th. It's the 75th day of the year. 290 days remain. It's week 11 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 46 and the normal low is 28. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 46 and 29.


On the warm side, in 2003 the high was 67 with a low of 42. In 1995 the high was 71 with a low of 37, a 34 degree spread. Last year the high was 65 with a low of 39. In 1990 the high was 62 with a low of 40. The record high of 78 and record warmest low of 49 were set on the same day back in 1945.
27 of the last 31 highs were: 30s (10), 40s (10) and 50s (7). On the warmer side, three highs were: 60s (2) and 70s (1).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1972 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. In 1971 the high was a cold 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1969 the high was 53 with a low of 22, a 31 degree spread. In 1968 the high was a warm 63 with a low of 33, a 30 degree spread. In 1964 the high was a warm 66 with a low of 27, a 39 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 57 with a low of 39, just short of being a warm day. In 1960 the high was a cold 31 with a low of 24, a seven degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 2004 (33/30), four degrees in 2001 (34/30) and six degrees in 2006 (38/32).

On the cold side, in 1997 the high was 37 with a low of 11. Other cold highs were 33 in 2004 and 34 in 2001. The record low of -1 and record coldest high of 13 were set on the same day back in 1900. 27 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (15) and 30s (12). Two lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens) and two lows were in the warmer 40s.

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 6:36 and sunrise was at 7:04. Sunset is at 19:01 and twilight ends at 19:29. There's a total of 11 hours, 57 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 53 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:34 and sunrise is at 7:02. The moon is waxing crescent and reached new last night at 19:01. Illumination was 0% at midnight, will be 1% at noon and 2% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 7:00 this morning. Moonset is at 20:13. Moonrise is at 7:23 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 13 minutes which is 42 minutes longer than yesterday.

St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow. My brother and his wife will celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary in three days. -Bernie-

Monday, March 15, 2010

March 15: ORD

Today is March 15th. It's the 74th day of the year. 291 days remain. It's week 11 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 46 and the normal low is 28. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 46 and 27.


On the warm side, in 1995 the high was the record high of 74 with a low of 43, a 31 degree spread. Five years earlier, in 1990, the high was 68 with a low of 45. In 2000 the high was 65 with a low of 34, a 31 degree spread. Other warm highs were 62 in 1981, 59 in 2002 and 58 last year. The record warmest low of 49 was set back in 1945.
12 of the last 31 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, ten highs were: 50s (6), 60s (3) and 70s (1). On the colder side, nine highs were: 30s (7) and 20s (2).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 36 with a low of 31, a five degree spread. In 1977 the high was 71 with a low of 44, a warm day. In 1973 the high was 57 with a warm low of 41, a warm day. In 1971 the high was a warm 58. In 1970 the high was 33 with a low of 16, a cold day. In 1968 the high was a warm 60 with a low of 39, a warm day. In 1967 the high was a cold 34. In 1962 the high was a cold 28 with a low of 21, a seven degree spread and cold day. In 1960 the high was a cold 33.

More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1987 (38/32), seven degrees in 1982 (43/36) and seven degrees in 1986 (41/34). Other large spreads were 34 degrees in 1993 (47/13) and 32 degrees in 1981 (62/30).

On the cold side, in 1997 the high was 26 with a low of 13. In 1979 the high was 25 with a low of 15. In 1988 the high was 30 with a low of 17. Another cold low was 13 in 1993. Another cold high was 32 in 1998. The record low of 6 occurred way back in 1890. The record coldest high of 17 was set way back in 1893. 16 of the last 31 lows were 20s. Four lows were on the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). On the warmer side, 11 lows were: 30s (9) and 40s (2).

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 6:37 and sunrise was at 7:05. Sunset is at 19:00 and twilight ends at 19:28. There's a total of 11 hours, 55 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 51 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:36 and sunrise is at 7:04. The moon is waning crescent and reaches new today at 19:01. Illumination was 1% at midnight, will be 0% at noon and 0% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 6:39 this morning. Moonset is at 19:10. Moonrise is at 7:00 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 31 minutes which is 40 minutes longer than yesterday.

St. Patrick's Day is in two days. -Bernie-

March 14: ORD

Today is March 14th. It's the 73rd day of the year. 292 days remain. It's week 11 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 45 and the normal low is 28. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 47 and 28.


On the warm side, in 1990 the high was 69 with the record warmest low of 60. Five years later, in 1995, the high was the record high of 77 with a low of 43, a 34 degree spread. In 2002 the high was 63 with a low of 37. Other warm highs were 62 in 1989, 61 three years ago, 60 in 1996, 58 in 2000 and 57 two years ago.
28 of the last 31 highs were: 30s (8), 40s (8), 50s (7) and 60s (5). On the warmer side, one high was in the 70s. On the colder side, two highs were in the 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 38 with a low of 34, a four degree spread. In 1977 the high was 66 with a low of 46, a warm day. In 1973 the high was 70 with a low of 49, a warm day. In 1971 the high was 63 with a low of 50, a warm day. In 1967 the high was 37 with a low of 34, a three degree spread. In 1964 the high was a warm 59. In 1962 the high was a cold 29 with a low of 23, a six degree spread. In 1960 the high was 32 with a low of 10, a cold day.

More recently, we had other large spreads were 30 degrees in 1989 (62/32) and 32 degrees in 2003 (55/23).

On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 23 with the record low of 7. The record low of 7 also occurred way back in 1891. In 1988 the high was 28 with a low of 20. In 1979 the high was 32 with a low of 18. Other cold highs were 33 in 1997 and 1998. The record coldest high of 18 was set way back in 1895. 27 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (16) and 30s (11). Two lows were on the colder side: single digits (1) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (1). On the warmer side, two lows were: 40s (1) and 60s (1). There haven't been any lows in the 50s in the last 31 years. The low was 50 in 1971.

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 6:39 and sunrise was at 7:07. Sunset is at 18:59 and twilight ends at 19:27. There's a total of 11 hours, 52 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 48 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:37 and sunrise is at 7:05. The moon is waning crescent and reaches new tomorrow at 19:01. Illumination was 3% at midnight, will be 1% at noon and 1% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 6:18 this morning. Moonset is at 18:09. Moonrise is at 6:39 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 51 minutes which is 38 minutes longer than yesterday. Daylight Saving Time returned early this morning as 2:00 became 3:00.

St. Patrick's Day is in three days. -Bernie-

March 13: ORD

Today is March 13th. It's the 72nd day of the year. 293 days remain. It's week 11 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 44 and the normal low is 28. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 46 and 29.


On the warm side, in 1990 the high was 72 (a former record high) with the record warmest low of 62. Five years later, in 1995, the high was 72 (another former record high) with a low of 51. Three years ago the high was the record high of 73 with a low of 48. Five years before that, in 2002, the high was 59 with a low of 36. Other warm highs were 63 in 2006, 58 in 1996, 57 two years ago and 56 in 1986.
26 of the last 31 highs were: 30s (11), 40s (7) and 50s (8). On the warmer side, four highs were: 60s (1) and 70s (3). On the colder side, one high was in the 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 37 with a low of 31, a six degree spread. In 1977 the high was 50 with a warm low of 43, a seven degree spread. In 1975 the high was 31 with a low of 16, a cold day. In 1973 the high was a warm 62 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1972 the high was 37 with a low of 30, a seven degree spread. In 1968 the low was a cold 13. In 1967 the high was 40 with a low of 35, a five degree spread. In 1964 the high was a warm 59. In 1962 the high was 34 with a low of 29, a five degree spread. In 1961 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was a cold 28 with a low of 17, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1985 (38/32), six degrees in 1987 (37/31) and seven degrees in 1991 (36/29). The other large spreads were 31 degrees in 1983 (54/23) and 33 degrees in 2006 (63/30).

On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 22 with a low of 11. In 2005 the high was 33 with a low of 13. Other cold highs were 31 in 1988 and 32 in 1980. The record low of 6 was set way back in 1896. The record coldest high of 21 was set way back in 1888. 14 of the last 30 lows were 30s. 14 lows were on the colder side: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (7) and 20s (7). On the warmer side, three lows were: 40s (1), 50s (1) and 60s (1).

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 5:41 and sunrise was at 6:09. Sunset is at 17:58 and twilight ends at 18:25. There's a total of 11 hours, 49 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 44 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:39 and sunrise is at 7:07. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 6% at midnight, will be 4% at noon and 3% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 4:56 this morning. Moonset is at 16:09. Moonrise is at 6:18 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 13 minutes which is 37 minutes longer than yesterday. Daylight Saving Time returns early tomorrow morning as 2:00 becomes 3:00. Clocks "spring forward" an hour at that time.

St. Patrick's Day is in four days. -Bernie-

Friday, March 12, 2010

March 12: ORD

Today is March 12th. It's the 71st day of the year. 294 days remain. It's week 11 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 44 and the normal low is 27. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 45 and 26.


On the warm side, in 1990 the high was the record high of 81 with the record warmest low of 59. Five years later, in 1995, the high was 71 with a low of 41, a 30 degree spread. In 1982 the high was 60 with a low of 36. In 2006 the high was 56 with a low of 40. Other warm highs were 63 three years ago, 60 in 1981, 57 in 1994 and 56 in 1988.
17 of the last 31 highs were: 30s (9) and 40s (8) . On the warmer side, ten highs were: 50s (5), 60s (3), 70s (1) and 80s (1). On the colder side, four highs were 20s. Today is the mode date (or most frequent date) for our first high in the 60s based upon the past 32 years.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 69 with a low of 43, a warm day. In 1976 the high was a warm 60 with a low of 32. In 1969 the high was 39 with a cold low of 11, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 33 with a low of 20, a cold day. In 1967 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1966 the low was a warm 40. In 1965 the high was 34 with a low of 29, a five degree spread. In 1962 the high was 37 with a low of 33, a four degree spread. In 1960 the high was 33 with a cold low of 10, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1991 (34/30), six degrees in 1989 (39/33) and seven degrees in 1986 (39/32). The other large spreads were 30 degrees in 1981 (60/30) and 37 degrees two years ago (63/26).

On the cold side, in 1998 the high was 26 with a low of 10. In 1984 the high was 24 with a low of 13. Last year the high was 26 with a low of 14. In 1993 the high was 31 with a low of 11. A year earlier, in 1992, the high was 29 with a low of 15. A dozen years later, in 2004, the high was 33 with a low of 16. In 1980 the high was 30 with a low of 19. Another cold low was 15 in 1979. The record low of 1 was set in 1948. The record coldest high of 14 was set way back in 1896. 28 of the last 31 lows were: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (11), 20s (7) and 30s (10). On the warmer side, two lows were 40s and one 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 5:42 and sunrise was at 6:10. Sunset is at 17:56 and twilight ends at 18:24. Chicago's sunset and end of twilight times are two minutes earlier. There's a total of 11 hours, 46 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 42 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:41 and sunrise is at 6:09. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 12% at midnight, will be 9% at noon and 6% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 4:32 this morning. Moonset is at 15:08. Moonrise is at 4:56 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 36 minutes which is 35 minutes longer than yesterday.

St. Patrick's Day is in five days. -Bernie-

March 11: ORD

Today is March 11th. It's the 70th day of the year. 295 days remain. It's week 10 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 44 and the normal low is 27. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 43 and 24.


On the warm side, in 1990 the high was the record high of 74 with a low of 42, a 32 degree spread. In 2006 the high was 67 with a low of 43. In 1995 the high was 62 with a low of 40. Other warm highs were 60 in 1988 and 59 in 1989.
The record warmest low of 55 was set in 1902. 20 of the last 31 highs were: 30s (10) and 40s (10) . On the warmer side, seven highs were: 50s (3), 60s (3) and 70s (1). On the colder side, four highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 39 with a low of 33, a six degree spread. In 1977 the high was 68 with a low of 50, a warm day. In 1975 the high was 35 with a low of 28, a seven degree spread. In 1974 the high was 41 with a low of 36, a five degree spread. In 1973 the high was 65 with a low of 44, a warm day. In 1972 the high was a warm 70 with a low of 33, a spread of 37 degrees and a warm day. In 1969 the high was 31 with a low of 11, a cold day. In 1967 the high was 39 with a low of 33, a six degree spread. In 1966 the high was 57 with a low of 46, a warm day. In 1965 the high was a cold 32 with a low of 18, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 36 with a low of 29, a seven degree spread. In 1962 the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was a cold 25 with a low of 20, a five degree spread and cold day.

More recently, we had no other small or large spreads.

On the cold side, in 1979 the high was 27 with a low of 4. In 1998 the high was 22 with a low of 13. In 1984 the high was 25 with a low of 12. In 1992 the high was 29 with a low of 11. In 1980 the high was 31 with a low of 13. Another cold high was 31 in 1993. The record low of 3 was set at Midway in 1979. The record coldest high of 20 was set in 1948. 15 of the last 31 lows were 20s. On the colder side, eight lows were: single digits (1) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (7). On the warmer side, eight lows were: 30s (5) and 40s (3).

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 5:44 and sunrise was at 6:12. Sunset is at 17:55 and twilight ends at 18:23. There's a total of 11 hours, 43 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 39 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:42 and sunrise is at 6:10. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 18% at midnight, will be 15% at noon and 12% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 4:06 this morning. Moonset is at 14:07. Moonrise is at 4:32 tomorrow morning. Moonight time is 10 hours, 1 minute which is 29 minutes longer than yesterday.

St. Patrick's Day is in six days. -Bernie-