Monday, January 31, 2011

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 32-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. The prior year, 1988, the high was 55 with a low of 36. Five years later, in 1993, the high was 46 with a low of 31. Six years later, in 1999, the high was 40 with a low of 32. The prior year, 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 (our most recent 20s low). The record warmest low of 45 was set way back in 1877. 21 of the last 32 highs (66%) were: 20s (9) and 30s (12). On the warmer side, five highs were in the 40s, one was in the 50s and one was in the 60s. Three of the 40s highs came in the back to back to back years of '97, '98 and '99 (44, 41 and 40). On the cold 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 degrees. 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 warm 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, yet another cold day.

More recently, there were small spreads of three degrees in 2003 (35/32) and four degrees in 2002 (34/30). There was a large spread of 31 degrees two years ago in 2009 (38/7).

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. The record low originally occurred way back in 1899. In 2004 the high was 14 with a low of -6. A decade before, in 1994, the high was 13 with a low of -5. Four 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. 23 of the last 32 lows (72%) were in the: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (11), 20s (6) and 30s (6). Two lows were in the very cold negative 10s, two were in the negative single digits and four 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. Three 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. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:37 and sunrise is at 7:07. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 8% at midnight, will be 5% at noon and 3% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 5:28 this morning. Moonset is at 14:57 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 6:06 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 29 minutes which is 17 minutes longer than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is tomorrow and Groundhog Day is in two days. Lincoln's Birthday is in 12 days. -Bernie-

January 30: ORD

Today is January 30th. It's the 30th day of the year. 335 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 32-year averages are 29 and 17.


On the warm side, in 1988 the high was the record high of 55 with the record warmest low of 46. A year later, in 1989, the high was 46 with a low of 35. In 2001 the high was 40 with a low of 32. Five years later, in 2006, the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. Other warm highs were 45 in 1990 and 44 in 1999. Other warm lows were 31 in 1987, 30 five years later in 1992 and 29 in both 1998 and 2002. 22 of the last 32 highs (69%) were: 20s (10) and 30s (12). On the warmer side, four highs were in the 40s and one was in the 50s. On the cold side, three highs were in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) and two were 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 14 with a low of -9, a cold day. In 1977 the high was 9 with a low of -1, another cold day. In 1975 the high was 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1974 the high was 55 with a low of 36, a warm day. In 1972 the high was 14 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 15 with a low of -1, another cold day. In 1969 the high was a warm 46 with a low of 24, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 40 with a warm low of 32, a warm day. In 1967 the high was 30 with a low of 25, a five degree spread. In 1966 the high was 4 with a low of -19, an extremely cold day. 1966 was the year of the record low and that low of -19 at O'Hare was colder than the record. In 1965 the high was 2 with a low of -13, yet another extremely cold day. In 1964 the high was a warm 44 degrees. In 1963 the high was 10 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 36 with a cold low of -1, a spread of 37 degrees. In 1961 the high was 21 with a cold low of zero, a cold day. In 1960 the high was 33 with a warm low of 28, a five degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of three degrees in 1987 (34/31), four degrees in 1998 (33/29), five degrees in 2002 (34/29) and seven degrees in: 1992 (37/30), 2000 (31/24) and last year (25/18).

On the cold side, in 2004 the high was the record coldest high of 3 (tied with 1951) with a low of -9. In 1996 the high was 7 with a low of -4. Three years ago, in 2008, the high was 12 with a low of -2. Two years ago the high was 14 with a low of 4. In 1986 the high was 22 with a low of 0. Another cold high was 18 degrees four years ago in 2007. Notice how all the teens highs (of the past 32 years) happened in the back to back to back years of '07, '08 and '09. The record low of -15 was set in 1966 and originally in 1951. 23 of the last 32 lows (72%) have been: single digits (7), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (9) and 20s (7). On the cold side, three lows were in the negative single digits. Six lows were in the warmer: 30s (5) and 40s (1).

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. Back in 1939 at the University of Chicago, 14.9 inches fell. Nine years ago, in 2002, 4.8 inches fell. This was the first day of a two day, 12 inch storm which was 77% of the month's total of 15.5 inches. Tomorrow is the conclusion of 2002's storm and also the beginning of an impressive four day, 10.5 inch stretch of snow three years ago.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:39 and sunrise is at 7:09. Sunset is at 17:05 and twilight ends at 17:35. There's a total of 9 hours, 56 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 56 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:38 and sunrise is at 7:08. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 14% at midnight, will be 11% at noon and 8% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 4:43 this morning. Moonset is at 13:55 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 5:28 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 12 minutes which is five minutes longer than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in two days and Groundhog Day is in three days. Lincoln's Birthday is in 13 days. -Bernie-

Saturday, January 29, 2011

January 29: ORD

Today is January 29th. It's the 29th day of the year. 336 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 30 and the normal low is 15. The 32-year averages are 32 and 16.


On the warm side, in 2006 the high was 50 with a low of 39. In 1989 the high was 42 with a low of 37, a five degree spread. In 1998 the high was 41 with a low of 32. A decade earlier, in 1988, the high was 50 with a low of 22. Five years before that, in 1983, the high was 41 with a low of 30. In 2001 the high was 42 with a low of 29. Other warm highs were 48 in 2008 and 45 in 1990. Other warm lows were 31 in 2002 and 27 a decade earlier in 1992. 2008 was what I call a dual day. The high qualifies as one of the warmest (48 degrees) and the low is one of the coldest at 2 degrees, a huge 46 degree spread. A cold front moved in, causing a temperature crash. The record high of 59 was set back in 1914 and record warmest low of 38 was set a decade later in 1924. 22 of the last 32 highs (69%) were: 20s (12) and 30s (10). On the warmer side, eight highs (25%) were: 40s (6) and 50s (2). On the cold side, one high was 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 13 with a low of -5, a cold day. In 1977 the high was 8 with a low of -2, another cold day. In 1975 the low was a warm 27. In 1974 the low was a warm 28. In 1972 the high was 14 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1969 the high was 48 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 51 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1966 the high was -6 with a low of -20, an extremely cold day. 1966 was the year of both the record low and record coldest high. In 1965 the high was -1 with a low of -11, yet another extremely cold day. In 1963 the high was 17 with a low of 1, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 16 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1960 the high was 34 with a warm low of 30, a four degree spread. In 1959 the high was 36 with a warm low of 29, a seven degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of five degrees in 2002 (36/31) and six degrees in 1992 (33/27). The large spreads were 33 degrees in 1982 (34/1) and that unusual day three years ago when the high was 48 and then the crash to just 2 degrees, a 46 degree spread.

On the cold side, in 2004 the high was 4 with a low of -1, a five degree spread. In 1997 the high was 20 with a low of -6. In 1980 the high was 16 with a low of 0. Five years later, in 1985, the high was 22 with a low of 0. Other cold lows were 1 degree in 1982 and the low of 2 on that dual day in 2008. The record low of -16 and the record coldest high of -6 were set on the same day in 1966. The record low of -16 was originally set way back in 1873. 25 of the last 32 lows (78%) have been: single digits (9), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8) and 20s (8). Two lows were in the cold negative single digits. Five lows were in the warmer 30s.

Today is not a major day in O'Hare's snow history! The next one is tomorrow when I'll be writing about two events.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:40 and sunrise is at 7:10. Sunset is at 17:04 and twilight ends at 17:33. There's a total of 9 hours, 54 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 53 minutes between twilights. We gained four minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:39 and sunrise is at 7:09. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 22% at midnight, will be 18% at noon and 14% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 3:50 this morning. Moonset is at 12:57 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 4:43 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 7 minutes which is eight minutes shorter than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in three days and Groundhog Day is in four days. Lincoln's Birthday is in 14 days. -Bernie-

Friday, January 28, 2011

January 28: ORD

Today is January 28th. It's the 28th day of the year. 337 days remain. It's week 4 of the year.

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


According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 31 and 16.


On the warm side, in 2006 the high was 49 with a low of 36. In 1989 the high was 49 with a low of 34. In 2002 the high was 47 with a low of 34. Four years before, in 1998, the high was 40 with a low of 31. Another warm high was 44 three years ago. That high of 44 was also our most recent 40s high. Other warm lows were 31 in 1999, 29 in 1979 and 27 in 1992. The record high of 60 was set back in 1914 (originally in 1876) and the record warmest low of 40 was set in 1968. 16 of the last 32 highs (50%) were in the 30s. Our most recent 30s high was 31 in 2003. On the warmer side, five highs (16%) were in the 40s. On the cold side, 11 highs (34%) were in the: 20s (5), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (5), and single digits (1).

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 14 with a low of 2, a cold day. In 1977 the high was 20 with a cold low of -11, a 31 degree spread, year of the record low and cold day. In 1976 the high was 39 with a low of 3, a 36 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 40 with a warm low of 30, a warm day. In 1974 the high was 34 with a warm low of 27, a seven degree spread. In 1972 the high was 10 with a low of -8, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 11 with a low of -3, another cold day. In 1970 the high was 51 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1969 the high was 39 with a warm low of 31, another warm day. In 1968 the high was 45 with a low of 38, a seven degree spread, a warm day and year of the record warmest low. In 1966 the high was -4 with a low of -14, a cold day and year of the record coldest high. In 1965 the high was 26 with a cold low of -6, a 32 degree spread and cold day. In 1964 the low was a cold 1 degree. In 1963 the high was 8 with a low of -14, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 26 with a low of 20, a six degree spread. In 1961 the high was 21 with a cold low of 0, a cold day. In 1960 the high was 34 with a warm low of 29, a five degree spread.

More recently, there were small spreads of three degrees in 1979 (32/29) and 1999 (34/31). The spread was six degrees in 1992 (33/27).

On the cold side, in 1997 the high was 9 with a low of -5. In 1980 the high was 11 with a low of 0. In 2004 the high was 11 with a low of 2. In 1986 the high was 18 with a low of 1. Other cold lows were 2 degrees in 1985 and two decades later in 2005. Other cold highs were 18 two years ago and 17 last year. The record low of -13 was set in 1977 (originally in 1963) and the record coldest high of -3 occurred in 1966. 17 of the last 32 lows (53%) were in the: single digits (11) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6). Our most recent 10s low (teens) was 14 in 2001. One low (3%) was in the cold negative single digits (-5 in 1997). 14 lows (44%) were in the warmer: 20s (9) and 30s (5).

Today is not a major day in O'Hare's snow history! The next one is in two days when I'll be writing about two events.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:41 and sunrise is at 7:12. Sunset is at 17:02 and twilight ends at 17:32. There's a total of 9 hours, 50 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 51 minutes between twilights. We gained a minute of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:40 and sunrise is at 7:10. The moon is waning crescent, having reached last quarter two mornings ago at 6:57. Illumination was 32% at midnight, will be 27% at noon and 22% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 2:49 this morning. Moonset is at 12:04 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 3:50 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 15 minutes which is 21 minutes shorter than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in four days and Groundhog Day is in five days. -Bernie-

Thursday, January 27, 2011

January 27: ORD

Today is January 27th. It's the 27th day of the year. 338 days remain. It's week 4 of the year.

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


According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 31 and 15.


On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 59 with a low of 38. Four years later, in 2006, the high was 51 (our most recent 50s high) with a low of 35. In 1999 the high was 49 (our most recent 40s high) with a low of 34. In 1990 the high was 50 with a low of 25. A year earlier, in 1989, the high was 48 with a low of 26. Other warm lows were 30 in 1998, 26 in 1979 and 26 in 1992. The record high of 62 was set in 1916 and record warmest low of 47 was set in 1944. 25 of the last 32 highs (78%) were: 20s (12) and 30s (13). On the warmer side, two highs were in the 40s and three highs were in the 50s. On the cold side, one high was 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 a cold 10 with a low of 4, a six degree spread and cold day. In 1977 the high was 19 with a cold low of -3, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 14 with a low of -3, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 38 with a warm low of 29, a warm day. In 1973 the high was 46 with a low of 36, a warm day. In 1972 the high was a cold 13 with a low of 3, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 8 with a low of -3, another cold day. In 1970 the high was 36 with a warm low of 32, a four degree spread and warm day. In 1968 the high was 45 with a low of 37, a warm day. In 1966 the high was 20 with a cold low of -8, a cold day. In 1965 the low was a cold 2 degrees. In 1963 the high was 6 with a low of -10, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 7 with a low of -5, another cold day. In 1960 the high was 34 with a warm low of 32, a small two degree spread. In 1959 the low was a cold -1.

More recently, there were small spreads of six degrees in 1998 (36/30) and seven degrees in 1992 (33/26).

On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 5 with a low of -6. In 2003 the high was 20 with a low of -7. In 1988 the high was 20 with a low of -7. In 1980 the high was 11 with a low of 3. The record low of -10 was set in 1955 and the record coldest high of -1 was set way back in 1895. 25 of the last 31 lows (78%) have been: single digits (7), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (11) and 20s (7). Three lows were in the cold negative single digits. Four lows were in the warmer 30s. Although there's been seven lows in the 20s, our most recent instance was 20 in 1994.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 1967, 7 inches fell. This was the second day of a two day, 20.4 inch period of snow known as the Blizzard of '67. This paralyzed Chicago for a few days. Midway Airport reported 6.6 inches this day, part of a two day total of 23 inches. This comprised 80% of Midway's snow for the month. Midway also had 19.8 inches in a 24-hour period, a record.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:41 and sunrise is at 7:12. Sunset is at 17:01 and twilight ends at 17:31. There's a total of 9 hours, 49 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 50 minutes between twilights. We a minute of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:41 and sunrise is at 7:12. The moon is waning crescent, having reached last quarter yesterday morning at 6:57. Illumination was 42% at midnight, will be 37% at noon and 32% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 1:42 this morning. Moonset is at 11:18 this morning. Moonrise is at 2:49 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 36 minutes which is 31 minutes shorter than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in five days and Groundhog Day is in six days. -Bernie-

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

January 26: ORD

Today is January 26th. It's the 26th day of the year. 339 days remain. It's week 4 of the year.

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


According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 30 and 12.


On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 53 with a low of 34. In 1981 the high was 43 with a low of 35. Three years later, in 1984, the high was 41 with a low of 31. Five years after that, in 1989, the high was 41 with a low of 27. Other warm highs were 43 in 1996, 2006 and 2007. The record high of 62 was set in 1944 and record warmest low of 49 was set back in 1916. 27 of the last 32 highs (84%) were in the: 20s (12), 30s (8) and 40s (7). On the warmer side, one high was in the 50s. On the cold side, four highs were in the 10s (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the low was a cold 2 degrees. In 1974 the high was 44 with a low of 31, a warm day. In 1973 the high was 57 with a low of 29, another warm day. In 1972 the high was 8 with a low of 2, a six degree spread and cold day. In 1971 the high was 32 with a cold low of 2, a 30 degree spread. In 1970 the high was 35 with a warm low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1968 the high was 39 with a warm low of 28, a warm day. In 1967 the high was 30 with a warm low of 28, a two degree spread. 1967 was the first day of the Blizzard of '67 (see below). In 1963 the high was 10 with a low of -3, a cold day. In 1962 the low was a warm 26 degrees. In 1961 the high was 17 with a low of 1, a cold day.

More recently, there were small spreads of four degrees in 2004 (24/20) and six degrees in 1994 (26/20).

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was 13 with a low of -13. Three years later, in 1985, the high was 20 with a low of -6. Two years ago the high was 17 with a low of -1. In 1986 the high was 21 with a low of -3. Two years later, in 1988, the high was 19 with a low of 0. Fifteen years later, in 2003, the high was 19 with a low of 1. In 1980 the high was 20 with a low of 1. Other cold lows were 0 in 1979 and 1997. The record low of -16 and record coldest high of -3 were set on the same day way back in 1897. 25 of the last 32 lows (78%) were in the: single digits (10), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8) and 20s (7). Four lows were in the cold: negative 10s (a.k.a. negative teens) (1) and negative single digits (3). Three lows were in the warmer 30s. Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average fifth coldest day of the year.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 1967, 13.4 inches fell. This was the first day of a two-day, 20.4 inch period of snow known as the Blizzard of '67. This paralyzed Chicago for a few days. Midway Airport reported 16.4 inches this day, part of a two-day total of 23 inches. This comprised 80% of Midway's snow for the month. Midway also recorded the most snow for any 24-hour period. This was 19.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:42 and sunrise is at 7:12. Sunset is at 17:00 and twilight ends at 17:30. There's a total of 9 hours, 48 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 48 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:41 and sunrise is at 7:12. The moon reaches last quarter this morning at 6:57. Illumination was 53% at midnight, will be 48% at noon and 42% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 31 minutes past midnight this morning. Moonset is at 10:38 this morning. Moonrise is at 1:42 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 7 minutes which is three minutes longer than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in six days and Groundhog Day is in seven days. -Bernie-

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

January 25: ORD

Today is January 25th. It's the 25th day of the year. 340 days remain. It's week 4 of the year.

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


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


On the warm side, in 1981 the high was 51 with a low of 37. Eight years later, in 1989, the high was 49 with a low of 37. In 2002 the high was 50 with a low of 27. Another warm high was 43 in 2005. Another warm low was 26 in 1994. The record high of 67 was set in 1950 and record warmest low of 45 was set back in 1916. 23 of the last 32 highs (72%) were: 20s (9) and 30s (14). On the warmer side, two highs were in the 40s and two were in the 50s. On the cold side, five highs were in the 10s (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1974 the high was 48 with a low of 29, a warm day. In 1973 the high was 54 with a low of 31, another warm day. In 1972 the high was 9 with a low of 1, a cold day. In 1971 the high was a warm 44 with a low of 10, a 34 degree spread. In 1970 the high was 39 with a warm low of 32, a seven degree spread and warm day. In 1969 the high was a cold 12 with a low of 3, a cold day. In 1967 the high was 51 with a low of 30, a warm, pre-blizzard day. In 1963 the high was 8 with a low of -9, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 16 with a low of -8, a cold one. In 1959 the high was 26 with a low of 19, a seven degree spread.

More recently, there were no small spreads, unusual for any day. In 1988 the spread was 31 degrees as the high was 29 with a low of -2.

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was 10 with a low of -1. Two years ago the high was 13 with a low of -2. Three years ago the high was 20 with a low of -5. In 1991 the high was 16 with a low of -1. Four years earlier, in 1987, the high was 19 with a low of -1. Other cold lows were -2 in 1988, -1 in 1985 and 1 in 1997. Another cold high was 18 in 1979. The record low of -20 and record coldest high of -10 were set on the same day way back in 1897. 18 of the last 32 lows (56%) have been: 10s (8) and 20s (10). 12 lows were in the cold: negative single digits (7) and single digits (5). Two lows were in the warmer 30s. Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average thirteenth coldest day of the year.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:43 and sunrise is at 7:13. Sunset is at 16:58 and twilight ends at 17:29. There's a total of 9 hours, 45 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 46 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:42 and sunrise is at 7:12. The moon is waning gibbous, heading towards the last quarter tomorrow morning at 6:57. Illumination was 65% at midnight, will be 59% at noon and 53% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 10:04 this morning. Moonrise is at 31 minutes past midnight tonight. Moonset is at 10:38 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 4 minutes which is 12 minutes less than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in seven days and Groundhog Day is in eight days. -Bernie-

January 24: ORD

Today is January 24th. It's the 24th day of the year. 341 days remain. It's week 4 of the year.

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


According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 30 and 17.


On the warm side, in 1981 the high was 53 with a low of 28. In 1990 the high was 45 with a low of 33. Last year the high was 46 with a low of 30. In 1989 the high was 43 with a low of 32. In 2002 the high was 40 with a low of 32. In 1984 the high was 39 with a low of 30. A decade later, in 1994, the high was 37 with a low of 32, a five degree spread. In 2006 the high was 40 with a low of 29. Other warm lows were 31 in 1983, 31 in 1999, 27 in 1997 and 26 in 1986. The record high of 65 and record warmest low of 44 were set on the same day in 1967. This was the pre-blizzard period of 1967. 19 of the last 32 highs (59%) were: 20s (7) and 30s (12). On the warmer side, six highs (19%) were in the: 40s (5) and 50s (1). On the cold side, seven highs (22%) were in the: single digits (2) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (5).

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 30 with a warm low of 27, a three degree spread. In 1976 the high was 34 with a warm low of 27, a seven degree spread. in 1975 the high was 43 with a low of 31, a warm day. In 1974 the high was 43 with a low of 29, another warm day. In 1972 the high was a warm 43 with a low of 9, a 34 degree spread. In 1971 the high was 41 with a warm low of 26, a warm day. In 1967 the high was 61 with a low of 39, a warm day, year of the record high and record warmest low and pre-blizzard day. In 1966 the high was 11 with a low of -11, a cold day. In 1964 the high was a warm 60 with a low of 25, a 35 degree spread and warm day. In 1963 the high was 4 with a low of -12, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 11 with a low of -2, another cold day. In 1959 the high was 38 with a low of 6, a 32 degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of two degrees in 1983 (33/31), four degrees in 1999 (35/31), five degrees in 1985 (27/22), six degrees in 2007 (28/22) and seven degrees in 1998 (31/24).

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was 3 with a low of -3, a six degree spread. Five years later, in 1987, the high was 9 with a low of -5. Three years ago the high was 10 with a low of -4. Two years ago the high was 13 with a low of -1. In 2000 the high was 15 with a low of -3. In 1991 the high was 14 with a low of 2. In 2003 the high was 16 with a low of 2. The record low of -15 was set way back in 1897 and record coldest high of -2 was set way back in 1904. 17 of the last 32 lows (53%) were in the: 20s (9) and 30s (8). 15 lows (47%) were in the cold: negative single digits (5), single digits (5) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (5).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:44 and sunrise is at 7:14. Sunset is at 16:57 and twilight ends at 17:27. There's a total of 9 hours, 43 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 43 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:43 and sunrise is at 7:13. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 75% at midnight, will be 70% at noon and 65% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 9:33 this morning. Moonrise is at 23:17 tonight. Moonset is at 10:04 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 16 minutes which is 46 minutes less than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in eight days and Groundhog Day is in nine days. -Bernie-

Sunday, January 23, 2011

January 23: ORD

Today is January 23rd. It's the 23rd day of the year. 342 days remain. It's week 4 of the year.

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


According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 33 and 18.


On the warm side, in 1989 the high was 50 with a low of 33. In 2002 the high was 48 with a low of 35. In 1990 the high was 50 with a low of 28. Last year the high was 44 with a low of 34. In 1999 the high was 44 with a low of 33. In 1981 the high was 46 with a low of 27. In 1993 the high was 45 with a low of 28. The next year, 1994, the high was 40 with a low of 33, a seven degree spread. Other warm lows were 32 in 1983 and 29 in 1996. The record high of 65 and record warmest low of 56 were set on the same day way back in 1909. 26 of the last 32 highs (81%) were: 20s (6), 30s (13) and 40s (7). On the warmer side, two highs were 50s. On the cold 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 1974 the high was 35 with a warm low of 30, a five degree spread. In 1969 the high was a warm 52 with a low of 19, a 33 degree spread and a warm day. In 1967 the high was 60 with a low of 45, a warm, pre-blizzard day. In 1966 the high was 20 with a cold low of -4, a cold day. In 1965 the high was 34 with a warm low of 30, a four degree spread. In 1964 the high was 48 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1963 the high was -6 with a low of -19, a cold day. 1963 was the year of the record low and record coldest high. In 1962 the high was 20 with a cold low of 0, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 21 with a cold low of -5, a cold day. In 1959 the high was 6 with a low of -12, another cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of two degrees in 1983 (34/32), four degrees in 2007 (26/22), seven degrees in 1996 (36/29) seven degrees in 2006 (30/23) and a big 36 degree spread in 1982 (38/2).

On the cold side, in 1987 the high was 8 with a low of -4. In 2003 the high was 12 with a low of -4. Five years later (and three years ago) the high was 14 with a low of 5. In 1980 the high was 15 with a low of 4. Another cold low was 2 in 1982. The record low of -18 and record coldest high of -4 were both set in 1963. 30 of the last 32 lows (94%) were in the: single digits (6), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (7), 20s (11) and 30s (6). On the cold side, two lows were in the negative single digits.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 2005, 0.2 inches fell. This was the fourth day of a four day, 12.7 inch period of snow. Along with the 9.8 inches that fell earlier on January 4-6, this comprised 22.5 inches or 81% of the month's total of 27.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:44 and sunrise is at 7:15. Sunset is at 16:56 and twilight ends at 17:26. There's a total of 9 hours, 41 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 42 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:44 and sunrise is at 7:14. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 85% at midnight, will be 80% at noon and 75% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 9:05 this morning. Moonrise is at 22:03 tonight. Moonset is at 9:33 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 2 minutes which is 45 minutes less than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in nine days and Groundhog Day is in ten days. -Bernie-

Saturday, January 22, 2011

January 22: ORD

Today is January 22nd. It's the 22nd day of the year. 343 days remain. It's week 4 of the year.

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


According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 34 and 19.


On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 55 with a low of 32. Three years earlier, in 1999, the high was 46 with a low of 38. A decade earlier, in 1989, the high was 50 with a low of 30. In 1996 the high was 43 with a low of 31. In 1990 the high was 42 with a low of 31. In 1981 the high was 47 with a low of 24. In 1992 the high was 41 with a low of 30. Five years later, in 1997, the high was 46 with a low of 25. Last year the high was 35 with a low of 33, a two degree spread. In 1983 the high was 35 with a low of 32, a three degree spread. A decade later, in 1993, the high was 39 with a low of 28. Another warm low was 31 in 1998. The record high of 59 and record warmest low of 51 were set on the same day way back in 1909. 22 of the last 32 highs (69%) were: 20s (11) and 30s (11). On the warm side, eight highs were in the: 40s (6) and 50s (2). On the cold side, two highs were in the 10s (a.k.a. teens).

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 21 with a cold low of -6, a cold day. In 1977 the low was a cold -1. In 1974 the high was 36 with a warm low of 34, a two degree spread and warm day. In 1973 the high was 42 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1972 the high was 41 with a warm low of 29, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 19 with a cold low of -12, a cold day. In 1969 the high was 46 with a low of 37, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 39 with a warm low of 29, another warm day. In 1967 the high was 58 with a low of 36, another warm day. The warmth of 1967 was pre-blizzard warmth as Winter would soon come back in dramatic fashion. The high of 58 was just a degree short of the record high. In 1965 the high was 42 with a low of 34, a warm day also. In 1964 the high was 55 with a low of 37, yet another warm day. In 1963 the high was 19 with a cold low of -6, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 10 with a low of -7, another cold day. In 1959 the high was 8 with a low of -5, yet another cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of two degrees in 1998 (33/31), four degrees in 1988 (29/25), six degrees in 1995 (22/16) and six degrees in 2007 (31/25).

On the cold side, in 2003 the high was 14 with a low of 3. In the following year, 2004, the high was 19 with a low of 3. In 1991 the high was 26 with a low of -3. The record low of -17 was most recently set back in 1936 (also way back in 1883) and the record coldest high of -4 was set way back in 1883. 31 of the last 32 lows (97%) have been: single digits (6), 10s (a.k.a. teens)(9), 20s (7) and 30s (9). Even colder, one low was in the negative single digits (the -3 in 1991).

A note about yesterday: it was very cold in the morning. Lows were: Marengo: -12, DeKalb: -11, McHenry: -10, Aurora: -9, Rockford: -9, Barrington: -8, Elgin: -7, West Chicago: -7, Waukeegan: -6, O'Hare: -4, Wheeling: -3 and Midway: -1. Marengo and McHenry are not far from Crystal Lake.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 2005, 6.2 inches fell. This was the third day of a four day, 12.7 inch period of snow. Along with the 9.8 inches that fell earlier on January 4-6, this comprised 22.5 inches or 81% of the month's total of 27.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:16. Sunset is at 16:55 and twilight ends at 17:25. There's a total of 9 hours, 39 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 40 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:44 and sunrise is at 7:15. The moon reached the full Wolf or Old moon three days ago at 15:21 and is waning gibbous. Illumination was 92% at midnight, will be 89% at noon and 85% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 8:36 this morning. Moonrise is at 20:49 tonight. Moonset is at 9:05 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 47 minutes which is 46 minutes less than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in ten days and Groundhog Day is in 11 days. -Bernie-

Friday, January 21, 2011

January 21: ORD

Today is January 21st. It's the 21st day of the year. 344 days remain. It's week 3 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 29 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 30 and 17.


On the warm side, in 1986 the high was 54 with a low of 30. In 1999 the high was 41 with a low of 32. Six years earlier, in 1993, the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. Four years later, in 1997, the high was 45 with a low of 24. Other warm lows were 30 last year, 29 in 1998, 27 in 1983 and 26 in 2007. The record high of 62 was set way back in 1906 and the record warmest low of 43 was set back in 1916. 23 of the last 32 highs (72%) were: 20s (9) and 30s (14). On the warmer side, three highs were 40s and one was in the 50s. On the cold side, four highs were in the 10s (aka teens) and one was in the single digits. The most recent 10s high (aka teens) was 18 in 2003.

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 26 with a low of 19, a seven degree spread. In 1975 the low was a warm 27. In 1974 the high was 37 with a warm low of 35, a two degree spread and warm day. In 1973 and 1971 the lows were warm, at 27 degrees. In 1970 the high was 3 with a low of -15, a cold day. In 1969 the high was 40 with a warm low of 36, a four degree spread and warm day. In 1968 the high was a warm 43 with a low of 25, a warm day. In 1967 the high was 50 with a low of 35, another warm day and part of the pre-blizzard warm-up. In 1966 the high was 30 with a low of 25, a five degree spread. In 1964 the high was 50 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 11 with a low of -17, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 12 with a low of -1, another cold day. In 1960 the high was a cold 17 degrees. In fact, the back-to-back days of yesterday and today in 1960 had the same high and low of 17 and 6.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1998 (32/29) and 2007 (29/26). The spreads were five degrees in 1995 (26/21), five degrees last year (35/30), six degrees in 1988 (31/25), seven degrees in 1981 (32/25) and seven degrees in 2005 (24/17).

On the cold side, in 1984 the high was 6 (the only single digit high) with the record low of -22. In 2000 the high was 13 with a low of -3. In 1985 the high was 18 with a low of -6. In 1994 the high was 21 with a low of -5. Three years earlier, in 1991, the high was 17 with a low of 3. The record coldest high of -4 was set way back in 1883. 20 of the last 32 lows (62%) have been: 10s (8) and 20s (12). On the cold side, eight lows were: negative 20s (1), negative single digits (3) and single digits (4). The most recent negative single digit low was -3 in 2000. Four lows were in the warmer 30s. There have been no lows in the negative 10s.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 2005, 4.8 inches fell. This was the second day of a four day, 12.7 inch period of snow. Along with the 9.8 inches that fell earlier on January 4-6, this comprised 22.5 inches or 81% of the month's total of 27.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:16. Sunset is at 16:53 and twilight ends at 17:24. There's a total of 9 hours, 37 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 38 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:16. The moon reached the full Wolf or Old moon two days ago at 15:21 and is waning gibbous. Illumination was 97% at midnight, will be 95% at noon and 92% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 8:06 this morning. Moonrise is at 19:33 tonight. Moonset is at 8:36 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 33 minutes which is 45 minutes less than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in 11 days and Groundhog Day is in 12 days. -Bernie-

Thursday, January 20, 2011

January 20: ORD

Today is January 20th. It's the 20th day of the year. 345 days remain. It's week 3 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 29 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 29 and 14.


On the warm side, in 2006 the high was 46 with a low of 32. In 1990 the high was 39 with a low of 33, a six degree spread. Two years earlier, in 1988, the high was 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1979 the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread. Two years later, in 1981, the high was 44 with a low of 24. Another warm high was 41 in 1999. Other warm lows were 26 in both 1986 and 1995. The record high of 63 was set way back in 1906 and the record warmest low of 45 was set back in 1921. 24 of the last 32 highs (75%) were: 20s (9) and 30s (15). On the warmer side, three highs were 40s. On the cold side, three highs were in the 10s (aka teens). Even colder, one high was in the single digits and one high was in the negative single digits.

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1974 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread and warm day. In 1971 the high was 29 with a cold low of -2, a 31 degree spread. In 1970 the high was 1 with a low of -10, a cold day. In 1969 the high was a warm 45 with a low of 24, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 42 with a low of 27, a warm day. In 1967 the high was a warm 46 with a low of 25, a warm day and part of the pre-blizzard of '67 warm-up. In 1964 the high was 44 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 5 with a low of -10, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 20 with a cold low of -3, a cold day. In 1960 the high was a cold 17 degrees.

More recently, we had small spreads of 5 degrees in 2005 (28/23) and 7 degrees in 1995 (33/26).

On the cold side, in 1985 the high was the record coldest high of -4 with the record low of -27. That low of -27 was the coldest reading ever at O'Hare/Chicago. A year earlier, in 1984, the high was 0 with a low of -20. A decade later, in 1994, the high was 15 with a low of -12. Three years ago the high was 10 with a low of -5. In 2000 the high was 19 with a low of 0. 21 of the last 32 lows (66%) were: 10s (aka teens) (13) and 20s (8). On the cold side, seven lows were: negative 20s (2), negative 10s (1), negative single digits (1) and single digits (3). Four lows were in the warmer 30s. Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average fourth coldest day of the year.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 2005, 1.5 inches fell. This was the first day of a four day, 12.7 inch period of snow. Along with the 9.8 inches that fell earlier on January 4-6, this comprised 22.5 inches or 81% of the month's total of 27.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:17. Sunset is at 16:52 and twilight ends at 17:23. There's a total of 9 hours, 35 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 37 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:16. The moon reached the full Wolf or Old moon yesterday at 15:21 and is waning gibbous. Illumination was 100% at midnight, will be 99% at noon and 97% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 7:34 this morning. Moonrise is at 18:16 tonight. Moonset is at 8:06 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 18 minutes which is 39 minutes shorter than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in 12 days and Groundhog Day is in 13 days. -Bernie-

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

January 19: ORD

Today is January 19th. It's the 19th day of the year. 346 days remain. It's week 3 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 29 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 29 and 13.


On the warm side, in 2006 the high was 55 with a low of 27. In 1989 the high was 49 with a low of 25. Two years later, in 1991, the high was 44 with a low of 29. A decade earlier, in 1981, the high was 43 with a low of 28. Seven years later, in 1988, the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1995 the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread. Other warm lows were 28 in 1986 and 27 last year. The record high of 57 was set back in 1933 and the record warmest low of 38 was set way back in 1880. 22 of the last 32 highs (69%) were: 20s (10) and 30s (12). On the warmer side, three highs were 40s and one was in the 50s. On the cold side, three highs were in the 10s (aka teens) and three were 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 28 with a low of 21, a seven degree spread. In 1977 the high was 16 with a low of 1, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 36 with a warm low of 35, a single degree spread and warm day. In 1973 the high was 48 with a low of 26, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 3 with a low of -11, cold day. In 1969 the high was 32 with a warm low of 26, a six degree spread. In 1968 the high was 36 with a warm low of 32, a four degree spread and warm day. In 1966 the high was 22 with a cold low of -7, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 45 with a low of 32, a warm day. In 1963 the high was a cold 10 degrees with a low of 3, a seven degree spread and cold day. In 1962 the high was 17 with a low of -2, a cold day.

More recently, we had a large spread of 38 degrees in 1992 as the high was 33 and the low was -5.

On the cold side, in 1994 the high was the record coldest high of 3 with a low of -19. In 1985 the high was 10 with the record low of -23, a 33 degree spread. A year earlier, in 1984, the high was 8 with a low of -13. Three years ago, in 2008, the high was 6 with a low of -3. In 1996 the high was 13 with a low of 4. In 2004 the high was 18 with a low of 3. Other cold lows were -5 in 1992 and -1 in 1997. 24 of the past 32 lows (75%) have been in the: single digits (6), 10s (aka teens) (8) and 20s (10). Six lows were in the cold: negative 20s (1), negative 10s (aka negative teens) (2) and negative single digits (3). Two lows were in the warmer 30s. Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average third coldest day of the year.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:18. Sunset is at 16:51 and twilight ends at 17:22. There's a total of 9 hours, 33 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 35 minutes between twilights. We gained a minute of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:17. The moon reaches the full Wolf or Old moon today at 15:21. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 100% at noon and 100% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 6:56 this morning. Moonrise is at 16:59 this afternoon. Moonset is at 7:34 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 57 minutes which is 30 minutes shorter than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in 13 days and Groundhog Day is in 14 days. -Bernie-

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

January 18: ORD

Today is January 18th. It's the 18th day of the year. 347 days remain. It's week 3 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 29 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 28 and 12.


On the warm side, in 1986 the high was 45 with a low of 34. A decade later, in 1996, the high was the record high of 61 with a low of 13, a 48 degree spread. In 1996 the former record high of 57 (1933) was broken early in the morning before the temperature dropped 48 degrees. It was one of the worst temperature drops in Chicago's history. In 1989 the high was 45 with a low of 28. Six years later, in 1995, the high was 43 with a low of 29. In 1981 the high was 43 with a low of 26. In 1988 the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread. The record warmest low of 47 was set in 1973. Other warm lows were 27 in 1990, 27 last year and 26 in 1980. 21 of the last 32 highs (66%) were: 20s (10) and 30s (11). On the warmer side, four highs were 40s and one high was in the 60s. There's been no highs in the 50s. On the colder side, six highs were: 10s (aka teens) (3), single digits (2) and one negative 10 (aka negative teen). There were no highs in the negative single digits.

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the low was a cold -3. In 1976 the high was 22 with a cold low of -7, a cold day. In 1975 the low was a warm 28. In 1974 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread and warm day. In 1973 the high was 53 with a low of 47, a six degree spread a another warm day. In 1972 the high was 47 with a low of 36, a warm day. In 1971 the high was 18 with a cold low of -1, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 11 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1969 the high was 35 with a warm low of 30, a five degree spread and warm day. In 1968 the high was 38 with a warm low of 32, a six degree spread and warm day. In 1967 the high was 11 with a low of -11, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 11 with a low of -7, a cold day. In 1965 the low was a cold 1 degree. In 1964 the high was 48 with a low of 27, a warm day. In 1962 the high was 6 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1960 the high was 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1959 the low was a cold -1 degree.

On the cold side, in 1994 the high was the record coldest high of -11 with the record low of -21. That high of -11 tied the record for the coldest high ever with December 24, 1983. Other lows in 1994 were: Lake Villa: -26; Aurora, DeKalb and Marengo: -24; Rockford and Elgin: -23; Waukegan and Wheaton: -22; Midway: -20. A decade earlier, in 1984, the high was 8 with a low of -10. In 1997 the high was 6 with a low of -5. Five years earlier, in 1992, the high was 11 with a low of -1. In 1979 the high was 23 with a low of -8. Another cold low was 1 in 2005. 25 of the last 32 lows (78%) were: single digits (10), 10s (aka teens) (6) and 20s (9). Five lows were in the cold: negative 20s (1), negative 10s (aka negative teens) (1) and negative single digits (3). Two lows were in the warmer 30s. Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average coldest day of the year.

And now a note about the consecutive days of measurable snowfall record. The record (until January '09) was eight consecutive days set from December 13-20 in 1973. In January '09 we had nine. The amounts and days were: 6th (1.2), 7th (0.8), 8th (0.1), 9th (3.6), 10th (8.4), 11th (0.1), 12th (1.5), 13th (0.1) and 14th (2.2) for a total of 18 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:18. Sunset is at 16:50 and twilight ends at 17:20. There's a total of 9 hours, 32 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 33 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:18. The moon is waxing gibbous and will be full tomorrow at 15:21. Illumination was 96% at midnight, will be 98% at noon and 99% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 6:12 this morning. Moonrise is at 15:45 this afternoon. Moonset is at 6:56 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 27 minutes which is 18 minutes shorter than yesterday.

National Freedom Day is in 14 days and Groundhog Day is in 15 days. -Bernie-