Saturday, April 30, 2011

April 30: ORD

Today is April 30th. It's the 120th day of the year. 245 days remain. It's week 18 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 64 and the normal low is 42. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 62 and 43.


On the warm side, last year (in 2010) the high was 81 with a low of 62. In 2001 the high was 85 with a low of 50, a 35 degree spread. The only other 80s high in O'Hare's history was 84 in 1962. Other warm lows were 57 in 1986 and 54 two years ago (in 2009). The record high of 91 and record warmest low of 68 were set on the same hot day in 1942.
26 of the last 32 highs (81%) were in the: 50s (10) and 60s (16). On the warmer side, four highs were in the: 70s (2) and 80s (2). On the cold side, two highs were in the 40s. Last year was the warmest April 30 of the past 32 years. Here's a rundown: O'Hare: 81/62, Midway: 82/62, McHenry: 79/53, DeKalb: 79/56, Barrington: 78/58 and at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe: 84/60.

In looking back through the years to the first April at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was a cold 48 with a low of 35, a cold day. In 1977 the high was 71 with a low of 39, a 32 degree spread. In 1970 the high was 71 with a warm low of 66, a five degree spread and warm day. In 1968 the high was 72 with a low of 42, a 30 degree spread. In 1964 the high was a cold 49 with a low of 45, a four degree spread. In 1963 the high was a cold 51 degrees. In 1962 the high was a warm 84 with a low of 49, a 35 degree spread and warm day. In 1961 the high was 67 with a low of 36, a 31 degree spread.

More recently, we had a small spread of seven degrees in 2006 (59/52). The large spreads were 35 degrees in 1985 (75/40), 34 degrees in 2000 (71/37) and 31 degrees in 1988 (69/38).

On the cold side, in 1994 the high was 43 with a low of 34. In 1979 the high was 47 with a low of 35. Other cool highs were 50 in 1995 and 52 a year later in 1996. The record low of 30 was set way back in 1873. Three years ago (in 2008) the low was a near-record 31 degrees. The record coldest high of 39 occurred way back in 1907. 24 of the last 32 lows (75%) were in the: 30s (12) and 40s (12). Eight lows (25%) were in the warmer: 50s (7) and 60s (1). The first 60s low (of the past 32 years) occurred last year (in 2010) at 62 degrees. This was just the second 60s low in O'Hare's history (the other was 66 in 1970).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight is at 5:20 and sunrise is at 5:51. Sunset is at 19:51 and twilight ends at 20:22. There's a total of 14 hours of daylight today and 15 hours, 2 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:19 and sunrise is at 5:49. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 8% at midnight, will be 6% at noon and 4% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 4:14 this morning. Moonset is at 17:42 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 4:39 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 28 minutes which is 37 minutes longer than yesterday.

The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. National Teacher Day is in three days. Mother's Day is in eight days. -Bernie-

April 29: ORD

Today is April 29th. It's the 119th day of the year. 246 days remain. It's week 17 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 63 and the normal low is 42. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 64 and 43.


On the warm side, in 2004 the high was 78 with a low of 59. In 1987 the high was 83 with a low of 45, a 38 degree spread. Other warm highs were 82 in 2007, 79 last year (in 2010) and 75 in 2001. Another warm low was 54 in 1991. The record-tying high of 88 and record warmest low of 68 were set on the same day at Midway in 1970.
The co-record high of 88 occurred way back in 1899. 27 of the last 32 highs (84%) were in the: 50s (8), 60s (11) and 70s (8). On the warmer side, two highs were in the 80s. On the cold side, three highs were in the 40s. We've seen all five categories of high temperatures in the past five years: 44 in 2008, 55 in 2009, 61 in 2006, 79 in 2010 and 82 in 2007.

In looking back through the years to the first April at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 70 with a low of 40, a 30 degree spread. In 1977 the high was 64 with a cold low of 30, a 34 degree spread. That low of 30 was lower than the record low. In 1975 the high was a warm 76 with a low of 39, a 37 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 69 with a warm low of 60, a warm day. In 1971 the high was a cold 51degrees. In 1970 the high was 86 with a low of 69, a hot day (the day of the records). In 1969 the high was a cold 51 degrees. In 1966 the high was 67 with a low of 36, a 31 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 70 with a low of 35, a 35 degree spread. In 1961 the low was a cold 30 degrees (lower than the record low).

More recently, we had large spreads of 37 degrees in 2007 (82/45), 33 degrees in 1985 (69/36), 33 degrees last year (in 2010) (79/46), 32 degrees in 1988 (65/33) and 31 degrees in 1986 (74/43).

On the cold side, three years ago (in 2008) the high was 44 with a record-tying low of 31. In 1996 the high was 45 with a low of 36. Another cold high was 48 in 1979. The co-record low of 31 occurred in 1958. O'Hare had lows of 30 degrees in both 1977 and 1961 but in these years O'Hare was not the official station of record for Chicago. The record coldest high of 39 was set way back in 1893. 21 of the last 32 lows (66%) were in the 40s. Eight low were in the cold 30s. Three lows were in the warmer 50s. Yesterday, April 28, 2011, was the second coldest April 28 as the high was 45 with a low of 40, mean of 42.5. Only 2008 was colder (46/35). Yesterday was also only half a degree colder than three other days that had means of 43 degrees: 1979 (50/36), 1994 (51/35) and 1996 (50/36).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight is at 5:22 and sunrise is at 5:52. Sunset is at 19:50 and twilight ends at 20:21. There's a total of 13 hours, 58 minutes of daylight today and 14 hours, 59 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:20 and sunrise is at 5:51. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 14% at midnight, will be 11% at noon and 8% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 3:51 this morning. Moonset is at 16:42 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 4:14 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 51 minutes which is 36 minutes longer than yesterday.

The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Arbor Day is today. National Teacher Day is in four days. Mother's Day is in nine days. -Bernie-



Thursday, April 28, 2011

April 28: ORD

Today is April 28th. It's the 118th day of the year. 247 days remain. It's week 17 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 63 and the normal low is 42. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 62 and 40.


On the warm side, in 2003 the high was 77 with a low of 54. In 1993 the high was 73 with a low of 55. Another warm high was 79 in 2004. The record high of 86 was set back in 1915 and the record warmest low of 66 occurred in 1974. Another warm low was 63 in 1914.
13 of the last 32 highs (41%) were in the 50s. On the warmer side, 17 highs (53%) were in the: 60s (8) and 70s (9). On the cold side, two highs were in the 40s. The last four years have featured each category of high temperature: 73 in 2007, 46 in 2008, 51 in 2009 and 64 in 2010.

In looking back through the years to the first April at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 71 with a low of 37, a 34 degree spread. In 1977 the high was a cold 47 with a low of 32, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 76 with a low of 64, a warm day and day of the record warmest low of 66 at Midway. In 1971 the high was a cold 49 with a low of 42, a seven degree spread. In 1970 the high was 79 with a low of 60, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 69 with a low of 36, a 33 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 62 with a cold low of 30, a 32 degree spread. In 1963 the low was a warm 54 degrees. In 1962 the high was 72 with a low of 41, a 31 degree spread.

More recently, we had a small spread of four degrees in 1980 (46/42). We had large spreads of 34 degrees in 2007 (73/39), 33 degrees in 2000 (70/37), 31 degrees in 1981 (73/42), 31 degrees in 1992 (59/28), 31 degrees in 1997 (66/35), 31 degrees in 2004 (79/48), 31 degrees in 2006 (68/37) and 31 degrees last year in 2010 (64/33).

On the cold side, three years ago (in 2008) the high was 46 with a low of 35. In 1996 the high was 50 with a low of 36. Two years prior, in 1994, the high was 51 with a low of 35. In 1979 the high was 50 with a low of 36. Another cold low was the record low of 28 in 1992. Other cold highs were 46 in 1980 and 51 two years ago in 2009. The record coldest high of 39 occurred way back in 1874. 28 of the last 32 lows (88%) were in the: 30s (14) and 40s (14). One low was in the cold 20s (the record low). Three lows were in the warmer 50s. Back-to-back years had radically different lows. The record low of 28 in 1992 was followed by our warmest low of 55 in 1993. Still, that low of 55 is 11 degrees cooler than the record warmest low of 66, set in 1974.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight is at 5:23 and sunrise is at 5:53. Sunset is at 19:49 and twilight ends at 20:19. There's a total of 13 hours, 56 minutes of daylight today and 14 hours, 56 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:22 and sunrise is at 5:52. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 22% at midnight, will be 18% at noon and 14% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 3:28 this morning. Moonset is at 15:43 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 3:51 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 15 minutes which is 36 minutes longer than yesterday.

The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Arbor Day is tomorrow. -Bernie-

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

April 27: ORD

Today is April 27th. It's the 117th day of the year. 248 days remain. It's week 17 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 63 and the normal low is 41. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 61 and 41.


On the warm side, in 1986 the high was the record high of 87 with a low of 61. Four years later, in 1990, the high was 84 with a low of 62. In 1984 the high was 80 with a low of 56. In 1991 the high was 71 with a low of 58. Other warm highs were 79 in 1981 and 75 in 2003. The record warmest low of 67 occurred back in 1915.
12 of the last 32 highs (37%) were in the 50s. On the warmer side, 15 highs (47%) were in the: 60s (6), 70s (6) and 80s (3). Our most recent 60s high was 63 in 2001. On the cold side, five highs (16%) were in the 40s. Our most recent 40s high was 47 in 1992. In the last nine years (2002-10), six highs were in the 50s and three were in the 70s.

In looking back through the years to the first April at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 66 with a low of 35, a 31 degree spread. In 1977 the high was a warm 81 with a low of 44, a 37 degree spread. In 1976 the high was a cold 49 with a low of 32, a cold day. In 1974 the high was a warm 82 with a low of 55, a warm day. In 1971 the high was a cold 48 degrees. In 1970 the high was 77 with a low of 60, a warm day. In 1969 the low was a warm 55 degrees. In 1966 the high was a cold 43 with a low of 37, a six degree spread and cold day. In 1965 the high was 63 with a low of 32, a 31 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 63 with a warm low of 58, a five degree spread. In 1962 the high was 84 with a low of 66, a warm day. In 1959 the high was a cold 47 with a low of 40, a seven degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of five degrees in 1980 (45/40) and seven degrees in 1999 (53/46). We had large spreads of 40 degrees in 1981 (79/39), 39 degrees in 2003 (75/36), 33 degrees in 2006 (71/38), 32 degrees in 1994 (69/37), 32 degrees in 1993 (66/34) and 30 degrees in 2000 (68/38).

On the cold side, in 1992 the high was 47 (our most recent 40s high) with a low of 31. Four years earlier, in 1988, the high was 42 with a low of 36, a six degree spread. Other cold highs were 45 in 1980, 47 in 1979, 48 in 1985, 50 in 1982 and 51 last year (in 2010). The record low of 29 was set in 1945 and the record coldest high of 39 occurred in 1934. 27 of the last 32 lows (84%) were in the: 30s (17) and 40s (10). Five lows were in the warmer: 50s (3) and 60s (2).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight is at 5:25 and sunrise is at 5:55. Sunset is at 19:48 and twilight ends at 20:18. There's a total of 13 hours, 53 minutes of daylight today and 14 hours, 53 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:23 and sunrise is at 5:53. The moon is waning crescent, having reached last quarter three nights ago at 21:47. Illumination was 30% at midnight, will be 26% at noon and 22% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 3:05 this morning. Moonset is at 14:44 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 3:28 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 39 minutes which is 34 minutes longer than yesterday.

The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Administrative Professionals Day is today. Arbor Day is in two days. -Bernie-

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

April 26: ORD

Today is April 26th. It's the 116th day of the year. 249 days remain. It's week 17 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 62 and the normal low is 41. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 65 and 42.


On the warm side, in 1990 the high was 85 with a low of 66. Four years later, in 1994, the high was 87 with a low of 63. In 1986 the high was the record high of 89 with a low of 55, a 34 degree spread. Two years earlier, in 1984, the high was 83 with a low of 51, a 32 degree spread. Other warm highs were 82 in 1983, 78 two years ago (in 2009) and 76 in 2001. The record warmest low of 69 occurred back in 1915.
22 of the last 32 highs (69%) were in the: 50s (11) and 60s (11). On the warmer side, nine highs were: 70s (4) and 80s (5). On the cold side, one high was in the 40s.

In looking back through the years to the first April at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 65 with a low of 35, a 30 degree spread. In 1976 the high was a cold 49 degrees. In 1974 the high was a warm 79 with a low of 45, a 34 degree spread. In 1972 the high was 62 with a low of 30, a 32 degree spread. In 1970 the high was a warm 78 with a low of 50, a warm day. In 1969 the high was a warm 79 with a low of 51, a warm day. In 1967 the high was a cold 47 with a low of 33, a cold day. In 1965 the high was a cold 44 with a low of 37, a seven degree spread and cold day. In 1963 the high was 69 with a low of 37, a 32 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 85 with a low of 57, a warm day. In 1959 the high was a cold 48 degrees.

More recently, we had a small spread of six degrees in 1995 (53/47). We had large spreads of 41 degrees in 1983 (82/41), 37 degrees in 2006 (64/27), 35 degrees two years ago (in 2009) (78/43), 30 degrees in 1997 (65/35) and 30 degrees in 2001 (76/46).

On the cool side, in 1980 the high was 50 with a low of 30 (the previous record low). In 1993 the high was 47 with a low of 34. In 2006 the low was the record low of 27. The record coldest high of 38 occurred back in 1907. 27 of the last 32 lows (84%) were in the: 30s (11) and 40s (16). One low was in the cold 20s. Four lows were in the warmer: 50s (2) and 60s (2).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight is at 5:26 and sunrise is at 5:56. Sunset is at 19:47 and twilight ends at 20:17. There's a total of 13 hours, 51 minutes of daylight today and 14 hours, 51 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:25 and sunrise is at 5:55. The moon is waning crescent, having reached last quarter two nights ago at 21:47. Illumination was 39% at midnight, will be 34% at noon and 30% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 2:40 this morning. Moonset is at 13:45 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 3:05 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 5 minutes which is 35 minutes longer than yesterday.

The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Administrative Professionals Day is tomorrow. Arbor Day is in three days. -Bernie-

Monday, April 25, 2011

April 25: ORD

Today is April 25th. It's the 115th day of the year. 250 days remain. It's week 17 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 62 and the normal low is 41. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 65 and 42.


On the warm side, in 1990 the high was the record high of 87 with a low of 66. You are seeing double! The high and low temperatures in 1990 were the same for the 24th and the 25th. Four years later, in 1994, the high was 85 with a low of 59. In 1979 the high was 73 with a low of 61. In 1986 the high was 75 with a low of 56. Other warm highs were 82 three years ago (in 2008) and 77 two years ago (in 2009). Another warm low was 54 in 1996. The record warmest low of 68 occurred back in 1915.
20 of the last 32 highs (63%) were in the: 60s (12) and 70s (8). On the warmer side, three highs (9%) were in the 80s. On the cold side, nine highs (28%) were in the: 40s (4) and 50s (5). Our most recent 50s high was 57 in 2003.

In looking back through the years to the first April at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was a cold 45 with a low of 36, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 66 with a low of 36, a 30 degree spread. In 1972 the high was a cold 50 with a low of 31, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 68 with a low of 37, a 31 degree spread. In 1970 the high was 76 with a low of 54, a warm day. In 1969 the high was 72 with a low of 41, a 31 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 52 with a cold low of 28, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 73 with a low of 39, a 34 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 84 with a low of 56, a warm day. 1962 is also the year of the former record high of 86 at Midway. In 1961 the high was a cold 45 with a low of 40, a five degree spread.

More recently, we had a small spread of four degrees in 2007 (49/45). We had large spreads of 43 degrees in 1983 (71/28), 38 degrees in 2008 (82/44), 36 degrees in 2009 (77/41), 32 degrees in 1988 (70/38), 31 degrees in 1984 (70/39), 30 degrees in 1985 (71/41) and 30 degrees in 1999 (63/33).

On the cold side, in 1980 the high was 46 with a low of 30. In 2006 the high was 46 with a low of 32. Another cold low was 28 in 1983. Other cold highs were 47 in 1992 and 49 in 2007. That low of 28 in 1983 was the low point of a day which saw a high of 71. The record low of 27 was set way back in 1887. The record coldest high of 40 occurred back in 1910. 25 of the last 32 lows (78%) were in the: 30s (13) and 40s (12). One low was in the cold 20s. Six lows were in the warmer: 50s (4) and 60s (2).

The recent cold of April 2011: Monday, April 18: high of 41, low of 32. The second coldest April 18 of the past 33 years. Only 1983 (37/23) was colder. Tuesday, April 19: high of 38, low of 34. The second coldest April 19 of the past 33 years. Only 1983 (44/22) was colder. Wednesday, April 20: high of 43, low of 32. The second coldest April 20 of the past 33 years. Only 1981 (41/30) was colder.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 5:28 and sunrise was at 5:58. Sunset is at 19:46 and twilight ends at 20:16. There's a total of 13 hours, 48 minutes of daylight today and 14 hours, 48 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:26 and sunrise is at 5:56. The moon is waning crescent, having reached last quarter last night at 21:47. Illumination was 49% at midnight, will be 44% at noon and 39% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 2:13 this morning. Moonset is at 12:43 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 2:40 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 30 minutes which is 30 minutes longer than yesterday.

The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Administrative Professionals Day is in two days. Arbor Day is in four days. -Bernie-

Sunday, April 24, 2011

April 24: ORD

Today is April 24th. It's the 114th day of the year. 251 days remain. It's week 17 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 61 and the normal low is 40. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 64 and 42.


On the warm side, in 1990 the high was the record high of 87 with a low of 66. Four years later, in 1994, the high was 83 with a low of 54. Two years ago, in 2009, the high was 84 with a low of 49, a 35 degree spread. In 1986 the high was 81 with a low of 47, a 34 degree spread. In 1993 the high was 76 with a low of 52. Three years ago, in 2008, the high was 74 with a low of 54. Other warm highs were 75 in 1998, 73 in 1982, 73 in 2002 and 73 in 2006. Another warm low was 55 in 1979. The record warmest low of 68 was set in 1915.
The record high of 87 originally occurred in 1915, making 1915 the overall warmest day. 26 of the last 32 highs were in the: 50s (9), 60s (10) and 70s (7). Our most recent 50s high was 54 in 2005. On the warmer side, four highs were in the 80s. On the cold side, two highs were in the 40s (44 in 1980 and 48 in 1992). The past five years produced two 60s highs, two 70s highs and one 80s high.

In looking back through the years to the first April at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1972 the high was a cold 45 with a low of 34, a cold day. In 1968 the high was a cold 41 with a low of 36, a five degree spread and cold day. In 1967 the high was 40 with a low of 25, a cold day. In 1965 the high was a cold 45 with a low of 40, a five degree spread. In 1962 the high was a warm 78 with a low of 44, a 34 degree spread. In 1961 the high was a warm 76 with a low of 40, a 36 degree spread. In 1960 the high was 85 with a low of 65, a hot day.

More recently, we had large spreads of 34 degrees in 2006 (73/39), 32 degrees in 1996 (68/36), 31 degrees in 2002 (73/42) and 30 degrees in 1995 (62/32).

On the cold side, in 1980 the high was 44 with a low of 32. In 1983 the high was 54 with a low of 32. Another cold high was 48 in 1992. The record low of 29 was set way back in 1910. The record coldest high of 36 was set way back in 1892. 26 of the last 32 lows (81%) were in the: 30s (14) and 40s (12). Six lows were in the warmer: 50s (5) and 60s (1).

The recent cold of April 2011: Monday, April 18: high of 41, low of 32. The second coldest April 18 of the past 33 years. Only 1983 (37/23) was colder. Tuesday, April 19: high of 38, low of 34. The second coldest April 19 of the past 33 years. Only 1983 (44/22) was colder. Wednesday, April 20: high of 43, low of 32. The second coldest April 20 of the past 33 years. Only 1981 (41/30) was colder.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 5:29 and sunrise was at 5:59. Sunset is at 19:45 and twilight ends at 20:15. There's a total of 13 hours, 46 minutes of daylight today and 14 hours, 46 minutes between twilights. We gained four minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:28 and sunrise is at 5:58. The moon reaches last quarter tonight at 21:47. Illumination was 59% at midnight, will be 54% at noon and 49% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 1:40 this morning. Moonset was at 11:40 this morning. Moonrise is at 2:13 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours which is 25 minutes longer than yesterday.

The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Easter is today. Administrative Professionals Day is in three days. Arbor Day is in five days. -Bernie-

Saturday, April 23, 2011

April 23: ORD

Today is April 23rd. It's the 113th day of the year. 252 days remain. It's week 17 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 61 and the normal low is 40. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 62 and 40.


On the warm side, in 1985 the high was 77 with a low of 59. Five years later, in 1990, the high was 80 with a low of 49, a 31 degree spread. Three years ago, in 2008, the high was 74 with a low of 53. Another warm high was 75 in 1979. The record high of 88 and record warmest low of 66 were set on the same hot day in 1960 at Midway.
27 of the last 32 highs (84%) were in the: 50s (7), 60s (12) and 70s (8). Our most recent 50s high was 56 in 2003. On the warmer side, one high was in the 80s. On the cold side, four highs were in the 40s. Highs over the past five years (2006-10) have been in the 60s and 70s.

In looking back through the years to the first April at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1975 the high was a warm 74 degrees. In 1974 the high was a cold 44 with a low of 37, a seven degree spread. In 1971 the high was 68 with a low of 32, a 36 degree spread. In 1969 the high was a cold 49 degrees. In 1967 the high was 43 with a low of 26, a cold day. In 1963 the high was a cold 45 degrees. In 1960 the high was 86 with a low of 66, a hot day and year of the record high and record warmest low, both at Midway.

More recently, we had a small spread of seven degrees in 1988 (47/40). The large spreads were 38 degrees in 1986 (63/25), 34 degrees in 1994 (69/35), 33 degrees in 1979 (75/42), 32 degrees in 1998 (72/40), 31 degrees in 1980 (72/41), 31 degrees in 2006 (72/41), 30 degrees in 1982 (67/37) and 30 degrees in 2009 (67/37).

On the cold side, in 2005 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. In 1984 the high was 41 with a low of 37, a four degree spread. The other cold low was the record low of 25 in 1986. That record low of 25 was originally set way back in 1873. Other cold highs were 47 in 1988 and 48 in 1999. The record coldest high of 35 was set way back in 1910. 28 of the last 32 lows (88%) were in the: 30s (15) and 40s (13). One low was in the cold 20s (the record low) and three lows were in the warmer 50s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1967, 3.4 inches fell at O'Hare. Midway had 3.1 inches and Rockford had 3.8 inches.

The recent cold of April 2011: Monday, April 18: high of 41, low of 32. The second coldest April 18 of the past 33 years. Only 1983 (37/23) was colder. Tuesday, April 19: high of 38, low of 34. The second coldest April 19 of the past 33 years. Only 1983 (44/22) was colder. Wednesday, April 20: high of 43, low of 32. The second coldest April 20 of the past 33 years. Only 1981 (41/30) was colder.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 5:31 and sunrise is at 6:01. Sunset is at 19:43 and twilight ends at 20:13. There's a total of 13 hours, 42 minutes of daylight today and 14 hours, 42 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:29 and sunrise is at 5:59. The moon is waning gibbous and will reach last quarter tomorrow night at 21:47. Illumination was 69% at midnight, will be 64% at noon and 59% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 1:01 this morning. Moonset is at 10:36 this morning. Moonrise is at 1:40 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 35 minutes which is 16 minutes longer than yesterday.

The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Easter is tomorrow. Administrative Professionals Day is in four days. Arbor Day is in six days. -Bernie-

Friday, April 22, 2011

April 22: ORD

Today is April 22nd. It's the 112th day of the year. 253 days remain. It's week 16 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 61 and the normal low is 40. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 61 and 41.


On the warm side, in 1980 the high was the record high of 91 with a low of 58, a 33 degree spread. Five years later, in 1985, the high was 83 with the record warmest low of 66. The former record warmest low of 62 occurred way back in 1885. In 2007 the high was 83 with a low of 52, a 31 degree spread. Six years before that, in 2001, the high was 78 with a low of 51. Other warm highs were 74 three years ago (in 2008) and 73 in 1990.
21 of the last 32 highs (66%) were in the: 50s (9) and 60s (12). Our most recent 50s high was 54 in 2004. On the warmer side, six highs were in the: 70s (3), 80s (2) and 90s (1). On the cold side, five highs were in the 40s.

In looking back through the years to the first April at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 59 with a cold low of 28, a 31 degree spread. In 1977 the high was 52 with a low of 47, a five degree spread. In 1976 the high was a warm 73 degrees. In 1972 the high was a cold 47 degrees. In 1970 the high was 72 with a low of 40, a 32 degree spread. In 1968 the high was a warm 73 degrees. In 1963 the high was a cold 47 degrees. In 1962 the high was a warm 73 degrees. In 1960 the high was 85 with a low of 57, a warm day. In 1959 the high was 63 with a low of 30, a 33 degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1987 (50/44) and seven degrees in 1999 (51/44). The large spreads were 36 degrees in 1990 (73/37), 34 degrees in 2000 (65/31) and 31 degrees in 1991 (63/32).

On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 47 with the record low of 24. Two years earlier, in 1984, the high was 43 with a low of 36, a seven degree spread. In 2002 the high was 43 with a low of 36, a seven degree spread. Other cold highs were 46 in 2005 (our most recent 40s high) and 49 in 1992. The record coldest high of 38 was set back in 1936. 26 of the last 32 lows (81%) were in the: 30s (15) and 40s (11). One low was in the cold 20s (the record low). Five lows were in the warmer: 50s (4) and 60s (1).

The recent cold of April 2011: Monday, April 18: high of 41, low of 32. The second coldest April 18 of the past 33 years. Only 1983 (37/23) was colder. Tuesd
ay, April 19: high of 38, low of 34. The second coldest April 19 of the past 33 years. Only 1983 (44/22) was colder. Wednesday, April 20: high of 43, low of 32. The second coldest April 20 of the past 33 years. Only 1981 (41/30) was colder.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 5:32 and sunrise is at 6:02. Sunset is at 19:42 and twilight ends at 20:12. There's a total of 13 hours, 40 minutes of daylight today and 14 hours, 40 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:31 and sunrise is at 6:01. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 78% at midnight, will be 74% at noon and 69% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 0:13 this morning. Moonset is at 9:32 this morning. Moonrise is at 1:01 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 19 minutes which is 49 minutes longer than yesterday.

The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Good Friday and Earth Day are today. -Bernie-