March 22: ORD

Today is March 22nd. It's the 81st day of the year. 284 days remain. It's week 12 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 48 and the normal low is 30. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 48 and 29.

On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 64 with a low of 46. Three years later, in 1994, the high was 71 with a low of 37, a 34 degree spread. Two years ago the high was 64 with a low of 44. In 2000 the high was 59 with a low of 43. Other warm highs were 69 in 1979, 64 in 1988 and 60 in 1987. The record high of 79 and the record warmest low of 59 were set on the same day back in 1938. 13 of the last 30 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, 11 highs were: 50s (5), 60s (5) and 70s (1). On the colder side, six highs were: 30s (5) and 20s (1).

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

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

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 28 with a low of 13. In 2002 the high was 37 with a low of 14. In 1992 the high was 34 with a low of 20. Another cold high was 36 in 1984. The record low of -1 and record coldest high of 18 were on the same day way back in 1888. 24 of the last 30 lows were: 20s (14) and 30s (10). Three lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). Three lows were in the warmer 40s.

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

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:25 and sunrise is at 6:53. Sunset is at 19:08 and twilight ends at 19:36. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:23 and sunrise is at 6:51. There's a total of 12 hours, 15 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 19% at midnight, will be 15% at noon and 12% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 4:55. Moonset is at 15:12. Moonrise is at 5:19 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 17 minutes which is 36 minutes longer than yesterday. Spring began two days ago (the vernal equinox) at 6:44.

April Fool's Day is in ten days. -Bernie-

March 21: ORD

Today is March 21st. It's the 80th day of the year. 285 days remain. It's week 12 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 48 and the normal low is 30. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 46 and 29.

On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 71 with a low of 49. Six years later, in 1997, the high was 71 with a low of 36, a 35 degree spread. A decade later, in 2007 (two years ago), the high was 67 with a low of 37, a 30 degree spread. Other warm highs were 63 in 1990 and 60 in 1987. Another warm low was 42 in 2000. The record high of 77 was set back in 1938 and the record warmest low of 54 was set back in 1918. 21 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (12) and 40s (9). On the warmer side, nine highs were: 50s (4), 60s (3) and 70s (2).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1975 the high was 70 with a low of 41, a bonus 70s day. In 1972 the high was 62 with a low of 42, a bonus 60s day. In 1970 the high was 59 with a low of 29, a 30 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1965 the high was 21 with a low of 8, the coldest day ever at O'Hare for March 21st. In 1962 the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 35 with a low of 10, another cold day.

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

On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 37 with a low of 13. Three years before, in 1983, the high was 30 with a low of 21. Five years ago, in 2004, the high was 33 with a low of 22. Another cold low was 17 in 2002. Other cold highs were 33 in 2006, 34 last year, 35 (1984, 1988, 1989), and 36 in 1992. The record low of 9 was set way back in 1888 and record coldest high of 19 was set way back in 1885. 26 of the last 30 lows were: 20s (15) and 30s (11). Two lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). Two lows were in the warmer 40s.

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

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:27 and sunrise is at 6:55. Sunset is at 19:07 and twilight ends at 19:35. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:25 and sunrise is at 6:53. There's a total of 12 hours, 12 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 8 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 27% at midnight, will be 23% at noon and 19% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 4:27. Moonset is at 14:08. Moonrise is at 4:55 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 41 minutes which is 31 minutes longer than yesterday. Spring began yesterday (the vernal equinox) at 6:44.

April Fool's Day is in 11 days. -Bernie-

March 20: ORD

Today is March 20th. It's the 79th day of the year. 286 days remain. It's week 12 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 48 and the normal low is 30. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 47 and 30.

On the warm side, in 2003 the high was 65 with a low of 43. Other warm highs were 62 in 2004, 61 (1991, 1994) and 60 in 1995. Another warm low was 43 in 2000. The record high of 76 was set back in 1921 and the record warmest low of 53 was set back in 1918. Unusual for just three years of separation for these records. 11 of the last 30 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, 11 highs were: 50s (6) and 60s (5). On the colder side, eight highs were: 30s (7) and 20s (1).

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

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

On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 26 with a low of 8. Other cold highs were 32 in 1983, 36 half a decade later in 1988 and 36 a decade after that in 1998. The record low of 4 and record coldest high of 15 were set on the same day way back in 1885. 26 of the last 30 lows were: 20s (14) and 30s (12). One low was in the colder single digits. Three lows were in the warmer 40s. No lows have been in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) over the last 30 years.

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

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:28 and sunrise is at 6:56. Sunset is at 19:06 and twilight ends at 19:34. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:27 and sunrise is at 6:55. There's a total of 12 hours, 10 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 6 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning crescent and reached last quarter two days ago at 12:47. Illumination was 36% at midnight, will be 32% at noon and 27% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 3:55. Moonset is at 13:05. Moonrise is at 4:27 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 10 minutes which is 22 minutes longer than yesterday. Spring begins today (the vernal equinox) at 6:44.

April Fool's Day is in 12 days. -Bernie-

March 19: ORD

Today is March 19th. It's the 78th day of the year. 287 days remain. It's week 12 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 47 and the normal low is 29. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 46 and 30.

On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 63 with a low of 55. Six years later, in 1985, the high was 63 with a low of 37. A decade later, in 1995, the high was 55 with a low of 45. Another warm high was 61 two years ago. The record high of 78 was set back in 1921. The record warmest low of 59 was set way back in 1903. 27 of the last 30 highs were 30s (9), 40s (10) and 50s (8). On the warmer side, three highs were 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 76 with a low of 51, a bonus 70s day. Also in 1976, the temperature fell to 25 degrees on the 21st, a huge 51 degree drop! In 1969 the high was 61 with a low of 36, a bonus 60s day. In 1968 the high was 62 with a low of 44, a bonus 60s day. In 1965 the high was 19 with a low of 7, a cold day. In 1959 the high was 65 with a low of 40, a bonus 60s day.

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

On the cold side, in 1990 the high was 31 with a low of 21. A year before, in 1989, the high was 37 with a low of 15. In 1981 the high was 32 with a low of 20. Other cold highs were 33 in 1984, 33 in 1993 and 35 in 1983. The record low of 0 and record coldest high of 17 were set on the same day back in 1923. 26 of the last 30 lows were: 20s (12) and 30s (14). Two lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). Two lows were in the warmer: 40s (1) and 50s (1).

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

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:30 and sunrise is at 6:58. Sunset is at 19:05 and twilight ends at 19:33. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:28 and sunrise is at 6:56. There's a total of 12 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 3 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning crescent and reached last quarter yesterday at 12:47. Illumination was 45% at midnight, will be 41% at noon and 36% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 3:16. Moonset is at 12:04. Moonrise is at 3:55 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 48 minutes which is 10 minutes longer than yesterday.

My brother and his wife celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary today. -Bernie-

March 18: ORD

Today is March 18th. It's the 77th day of the year. 288 days remain. It's week 11 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 47 and the normal low is 29. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 44 and 28.

On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 70 with a low of 43. In 1995 the high was 66 with a low of 34, a 32 degree spread. Another warm high was 59 in 1986. The record high of 74 was set in 1969. The record warmest low of 59 was set way back in 1894. 18 of the last 30 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, five highs were: 50s (3), 60s (1) and 70s (1). On the colder side, seven highs were: 30s (6) and 20s (1).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 69 with a low of 34, a 35 degree spread and bonus 60s day. In 1971 the high was 39 with a low of 34, a five degree spread. In 1969 the high was 74 with a low of 38, a 36 degree spread and bonus 70s day. That high of 74 is also the record high, although it was set at Midway. In 1968 the high was 65 with a low of 40, a bonus 60s day. In 1967 the high was 33 with a low of 11, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 61 with a low of 43, a bonus 60s day. In 1965 the high was 24 with a low of 10, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 37 with a low of 9, another cold day. In 1960 the high was 31 with a low of 17, yet another cold day.

Yesterday was quite a day. The following are highs and lows at various stations: O'Hare: the high of 74 at 15:13 tied the record set in 1894. The low was 41 at 4:15, a 33 degree spread. Northerly Island: 73/50, Romeoville: 73/42, DeKalb: 71/37, Joliet: 74/38, West Chicago: 75/41, Aurora: 73/38, Madison: 71/42, South Bend: 72/39, St. Louis: 79/50, Springfield, Il.: 76/47, Champaign: 74/38. In Fort Wayne, the high of 71 tied the record high set in 1945, 1966 and 2003. The low was 34. In Milwaukee, the high of 75 at 16:02 established a new record, breaking 73 set in 1966. The low was 38 at 2:29. In Rockford, the high of 75 at 16:45 broke the old record of 74 set in 2003. The low was 40 at 3:53, a 35 degree spread. At Midway, the high of 74 broke the old record of 73 set in 1966. The low was 47.

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

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

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

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:32 and sunrise is at 7:00. Sunset is at 19:04 and twilight ends at 19:32. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:30 and sunrise is at 6:58. There's a total of 12 hours, 4 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours between twilights. The moon is waning gibbous and reaches last quarter today at 12:47. Illumination was 55% at midnight, will be 50% at noon and 45% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 2:29. Moonset is at 11:07. Moonrise is at 3:16 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 38 minutes which is 3 minutes shorter than yesterday.

My brother and his wife will celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary tomorrow. -Bernie-

March 17: ORD

Today is March 17th. It's the 76th day of the year. 289 days remain. It's week 11 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 47 and the normal low is 29. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 43 and 29.

On the warm side, in 2003 the high was 73 with a low of 40, a 33 degree spread. In 1999 the high was 59 with a low of 41. The record high of 74 and record warmest low of 49 were set on the same day way back in 1894. 25 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (14) and 40s (11). On the warmer side, four highs were: 50s (3) and 70s (1). There have been no highs in the 60s over the past 30 years. The most recent 60s high was in 1969 (see next section). On the colder side, one high was in the 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1969 the high was 69 with a low of 36, a 33 degree spread and bonus 60s high. In 1968 the high was 66 with a low of 26, a 40 degree spread and bonus 60s high. In 1967 the high was 25 with a low of 11, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 76 with a low of 43, a 33 degree spread and bonus 70s day. And although this high of 76 beats the record of 74, O'Hare was not the official station of record in 1966. In 1964 the high was 31 with a low of 14, a cold day. In 1960 the high was 30 with a low of 23, a seven degree spread. In 1959 the high was 27 with a low of 15, another cold day.

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

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

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

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

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:34 and sunrise is at 7:01. Sunset is at 19:02 and twilight ends at 19:30. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:32 and sunrise is at 7:00. There's a total of 12 hours, 1 minute of daylight today and 12 hours, 56 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning gibbous, heading towards last quarter tomorrow at 12:47. Illumination was 64% at midnight, will be 59% at noon and 55% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 1:35. Moonset is at 10:16. Moonrise is at 2:29 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 41 minutes which is 17 minutes shorter than yesterday.

St. Patrick's Day is today. My brother and his wife will celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary in two days. -Bernie-

March 16: ORD

Today is March 16th. It's the 75th day of the year. 290 days remain. It's week 11 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 46 and the normal low is 28. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 46 and 28.

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

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1972 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. In 1971 the high was 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1969 the high was 53 with a low of 22, a 31 degree spread. In 1968 the high was 63 with a low of 33, a 30 degree spread and bonus 60s day. In 1964 the high was 66 with a low of 27, a 39 degree spread and bonus 60s day. In 1960 the high was 31 with a low of 24, a seven degree spread.

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

On the cold side, in 1997 the high was 37 with a low of 11. Other cold highs were 33 in 2004 and 34 in 2001. The record low of -1 and record coldest high of 13 were set on the same day back in 1900. 26 of the last 30 lows were: 20s (15) and 30s (11). Two lows were in the colder 10s (a.k.a. teens). Two lows were in the warmer 40s.

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

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:35 and sunrise is at 7:03. Sunset is at 19:01 and twilight ends at 19:29. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:34 and sunrise is at 7:01. There's a total of 11 hours, 58 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 54 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning gibbous, heading towards last quarter in two days at 12:47. Illumination was 73% at midnight, will be 69% at noon and 64% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 0:34. Moonset is at 9:32. Moonrise is at 1:35 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 58 minutes which is 3 minutes longer than yesterday.

St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow. My brother and his wife will celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary in three days. -Bernie-

March 15: ORD

Today is March 15th. It's the 74th day of the year. 291 days remain. It's week 11 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 46 and the normal low is 28. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 46 and 27.

On the warm side, in 1995 the high was the record high of 74 with a low of 43, a 31 degree spread. Five years earlier, in 1990, the high was 68 with a low of 45. In 2000 the high was 65 with a low of 34, a 31 degree spread. Other warm highs were 62 in 1981 and 59 in 2002. The record warmest low of 49 was set back in 1945. 12 of the last 30 highs were 40s. On the warmer side, nine high were: 50s (5), 60s (3) and 70s (1). On the colder side, nine highs were: 30s (7) and 20s (2).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 36 with a low of 31, a five degree spread. In 1977 the high was 71 with a low of 44, a bonus 70s day. In 1968 the high was 60 with a low of 39, a bonus 60s day. In 1962 the high was 28 with a low of 21, a seven degree spread.

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

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

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

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:37 and sunrise was at 7:05. Sunset is at 19:00 and twilight ends at 19:28. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:35 and sunrise is at 7:03. There's a total of 11 hours, 55 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 51 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 81% at midnight, will be 77% at noon and 73% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 8:55. Tomorrow moonrise is at 0:34 and moonset is at 9:32. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 55 minutes which was 1 minute longer than yesterday.

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

March 14: ORD

Today is March 14th. It's the 73rd day of the year. 292 days remain. It's week 11 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 45 and the normal low is 28. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 47 and 28.

On the warm side, in 1990 the high was 69 with the record warmest low of 60. Five years later, in 1995, the high was the record high of 77 with a low of 43, a 34 degree spread. In 2002 the high was 63 with a low of 37. Other warm highs were 62 in 1989, 61 two years ago, 60 in 1996, 58 in 2000 and 57 last year. 27 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (8), 40s (8), 50s (6) and 60s (5). On the warmer side, one high was in the 70s. On the colder side, two highs were in the 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 38 with a low of 34, a four degree spread. In 1977 the high was 66 with a low of 46, a bonus 60s day. In 1973 the high was 70 with a low of 49, a bonus 70s day. In 1971 the high was 63 with a low of 50, a bonus 60s day. In 1967 the high was 37 with a low of 34, a three degree spread. In 1962 the high was 29 with a low of 23, a six degree spread. In 1960 the high was 32 with a low of 10, a cold day.

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

On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 23 with the record low of 7. The record low of 7 also occurred way back in 1891. In 1988 the high was 28 with a low of 20. In 1979 the high was 32 with a low of 18. Other cold highs were 33 (1997,1998), 35 (1992) and 36 (2005). The record coldest high of 18 was set way back in 1895. 26 of the last 30 lows were: 20s (15) and 30s (11). Two lows were on the colder side: single digits (1) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (1). On the warmer side, two lows were: 40s (1) and 60s (1). There haven't been any lows in the 50s in the last 30 years. The low was 50 in 1971.

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

A word about yesterday's low temperature. O'Hare had a low of 19 at 5:20, so it was one of those days in the 10s (a.k.a. teens).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:39 and sunrise was at 7:07. Sunset is at 18:59 and twilight ends at 19:27. There's a total of 11 hours, 52 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 48 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:37 and sunrise is at 7:05. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 89% at midnight, will be 85% at noon and 81% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 8:23. Moonrise is at 23:29 and moonset is at 8:55 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 54 minutes which is 41 minutes shorter than yesterday.

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

March 13: ORD

Today is March 13th. It's the 72nd day of the year. 293 days remain. It's week 11 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 44 and the normal low is 28. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 46 and 30.

On the warm side, in 1990 the high was 72 (a former record high) with the record warmest low of 62. Five years later, in 1995, the high was 72 (also a former record high) with a low of 51. Two years ago the high was the record high of 73 with a low of 48. Five years before that, in 2002, the high was 59 with a low of 36. Other warm highs were 63 three years ago, 58 in 1996, 57 last year and 56 in 1986. 25 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (11), 40s (6) and 50s (8). On the warmer side, four highs were: 60s (1) and 70s (3). On the colder side, one high was in the 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 37 with a low of 31, a six degree spread. In 1977 the high was 50 with a low of 43, a seven degree spread. In 1973 the high was 62 with a low of 34, a bonus 60s day. In 1972 the high was 37 with a low of 30, a seven degree spread. In 1967 the high was 40 with a low of 35, a five degree spread. In 1962 the high was 34 with a low of 29, a five degree spread. In 1961 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 28 with a low of 17, a cold day.

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

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

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

A word about today's predicted temperatures. Lows in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) as is happening today, many times occur in sets of back to back years. The last time it happened was in 2004/2005. Then before that in 1998/1999 and then in 1992/1993. Looking further back, 1975 was a stand alone year as the low was 16. 1968/1969 were also back to back years in which the lows were 13 and 17 respectively. So it might be easy to predict that a low in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) will occur again next year on March 13. This morning the low at O'Hare was at 20 for a couple of hours, but indications are that it bottomed out at 19 degrees. The National Weather Service will release information about this later this afternoon. It was a lot colder in the 'burbs this morning: Streamwood: 7, McHenry: 10, Elgin: 11, Barrington: 11 and DeKalb: 11. Midway dipped to 16 this morning. Yesterday was the third coldest March 12th at O'Hare of the last 31 years. The high of 26 and low of 14 were beaten only by 1998 (26/10) and 1984 (24/13).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:40 and sunrise is at 7:08. Sunset is at 18:58 and twilight ends at 19:26. There's a total of 11 hours, 50 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 46 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:39 and sunrise is at 7:07. The moon is waning gibbous and was full three days ago (the full Worm moon) at 21:38. Illumination was 94% at midnight, will be 92% at noon and 89% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 7:56. Moonrise is at 22:21 and moonset is at 8:23 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 35 minutes which is 45 minutes shorter than yesterday.

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

March 12: ORD

Today is March 12th. It's the 71st day of the year. 294 days remain. It's week 11 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 44 and the normal low is 27. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 46 and 26.

On the warm side, in 1990 the high was the record high of 81 with the record warmest low of 59. Five years later, in 1995, the high was 71 with a low of 41, a 30 degree spread. In 1982 the high was 60 with a low of 36. Three years ago the high was 56 with a low of 40. Other warm highs were 63 two years ago, 60 in 1981, 57 in 1994 and 56 in 1988. 17 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (9) and 40s (8) . On the warmer side, ten highs were: 50s (5), 60s (3), 70s (1) and 80s (1). On the colder side, three highs were 20s.

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

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

On the cold side, in 1998 the high was 26 with a low of 10. In 1984 the high was 24 with a low of 13. In 1993 the high was 31 with a low of 11. A year earlier, in 1992, the high was 29 with a low of 15. A dozen years later, in 2004, the high was 33 with a low of 16. In 1980 the high was 30 with a low of 19. Another cold low was 15 in 1979. The record low of 1 was set in 1948. The record coldest high of 14 was set way back in 1896. 27 of the last 30 lows were 10s (a.k.a. teens) (10), 20s (7) and 30s (10). On the warmer side, two lows were 40s and one low was in the 50s.

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

A word about today's predicted temperatures. Lows in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) as is happening today, occur in sets of back to back years. The last time it happened was in 2004/2005. Then before that in 1998/1999, 1992/1993, 1983/1984 and 1979/1980. So it might be easy to predict it will occur again next year on March 12. A high in the 20s, as is predicted for today, is even more of a rarity. This did not occur at O'Hare until 1984 (24 degrees). Then again in 1992 (29 degrees) and in 1998 (26 degrees).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:42 and sunrise is at 7:10. Sunset is at 18:57 and twilight ends at 19:25. There's a total of 11 hours, 47 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 43 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:40 and sunrise is at 7:08. The moon is waning gibbous and was full two days ago (the full Worm moon) at 21:38. Illumination was 98% at midnight, will be 97% at noon and 94% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 7:31. Moonrise is at 21:11 and moonset is at 7:56 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 20 minutes which is 48 minutes shorter than yesterday.

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

March 11: ORD

Today is March 11th. It's the 70th day of the year. 295 days remain. It's week 10 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 44 and the normal low is 27. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 43 and 24.

On the warm side, in 1990 the high was the record high of 74 with a low of 42, a 32 degree spread. Three years ago the high was 67 with a low of 43. In 1995 the high was 62 with a low of 40. Other warm highs were 60 in 1988 and 59 in 1989. The record warmest low of 55 was set in 1902. 19 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (9) and 40s (10) . On the warmer side, seven highs were: 50s (3), 60s (3) and 70s (1). On the colder side, four highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 39 with a low of 33, a six degree spread. In 1977 the high was 68 with a low of 50, a bonus 60s day. That low of 50 was also five degrees short of the record warmest low. In 1975 the high was 35 with a low of 28, a seven degree spread. In 1974 the high was 41 with a low of 36, a five degree spread. In 1973 the high was 65 with a low of 44, a bonus 60s day. In 1972 the high was 70 with a low of 33, a spread of 37 degrees and also a bonus 70s day. In 1969 the high was 31 with a low of 11, a cold day. In 1967 the high was 39 with a low of 33, a six degree spread. In 1965 the high was 32 with a low of 18, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 36 with a low of 29, a seven degree spread. In 1962 the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 25 with a low of 20, a five degree spread and cold day.

More recently, we had no small or large spreads (except in 1990 as already indicated).

On the cold side, in 1979 the high was 27 with a low of 4. In 1998 the high was 22 with a low of 13. In 1984 the high was 25 with a low of 12. In 1992 the high was 29 with a low of 11. In 1980 the high was 31 with a low of 13. Another cold high was 31 in 1993. The record low of 3 was set at Midway in 1979. The record coldest high of 20 was set in 1948. 15 of the last 30 lows were 20s. On the colder side, seven lows were: single digits (1) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6). On the warmer side, eight lows were: 30s (5) and 40s (3).

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

A word about yesterday's high of 61 at O'Hare at 19:03 hrs. It was just the sixth high of 60 degrees or more at O'Hare ever. The last one occurred in 1990 when it hit 62. The only other one of the last 31 years was in 1985 when it hit 64. The warmest temperature at O'Hare so far for March 10 has been 67 degrees, occurring in 1977. This was three degrees short of the record high. Rockford yesterday had a high of 61 at 18:39 hrs. Other area highs were: West Chicago: 63, Midway: 62, Streamwood: 61, Northerly Island: 61, Romeoville: 61, McHenry: 60, Elgin: 60, Barrington: 58 and DeKalb: 57. Winds were strong from the west. Both O'Hare and Rockford recorded gusts of 45 MPH. Directions: ORD: 290 degrees; RFD: 260 degrees.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:44 and sunrise was at 7:12. Sunset is at 18:55 and twilight ends at 19:23. There's a total of 11 hours, 43 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 39 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:42 and sunrise is at 7:10. The moon is waning gibbous and was full yesterday (the full Worm moon) at 21:38. Illumination was 100% at midnight, will be 99% at noon and 98% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 7:08. Moonrise is at 20:00 and moonset is at 7:31 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 8 minutes which is 48 minutes shorter than yesterday.

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

March 10: ORD

Today is March 10th. It's the 69th day of the year. 296 days remain. It's week 10 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 44 and the normal low is 27. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 41 and 23.

On the warm side, in 1990 the high was 62 with a low of 39. Five years before that, in 1985, the high was 64 with a low of 32, a 32 degree spread. Other warm highs were 58 in 1986 and 57 in 1997. The highs are fairly evenly distributed. 28 of the last 30 highs were: 20s (6), 30s (9), 40s (5) and 50s (8) . On the warmer side, two highs were 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 67 with a low of 41, a bonus 60s day. In 1974 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. In 1973 the high was 62 with a low of 39, a bonus 60s day. In 1967 the high was 60 with a low of 37, a bonus 60s day. In 1962 the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread.

More recently, we had a small spread of six degrees in 1983 (30/24). There was another large spread of 32 degrees in 2001 (50/18).

On the cold side, in 2003 the high was 20 with the record low of 2. In 1979 the high was 22 with a low of 9. Five years later, in 1984, the high was 28 with a low of 6. In 1998 the high was 23 with a low of 13. Six years earlier, in 1992, the high was 24 with a low of 15. A decade later, in 2002, the high was 28 with a low of 14. Other cold highs were 30 in both 1983 and 1987. Another cold low was 14 in 1996. 21 of the last 30 lows were: 20s (12) and 30s (9). On the colder side, nine lows were: single digits (3) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1999, 1.0 inches fell. This was the sixth of six days in which a total of 18.2 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:45 and sunrise was at 7:13. Sunset is at 18:54 and twilight ends at 19:22. There's a total of 11 hours, 41 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 37 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:44 and sunrise is at 7:12. The moon is waxing gibbous and is full today (the full Worm moon) at 21:38. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 100% at noon and 100% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 6:45. Moonrise is at 18:49 and moonset is at 7:08 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 56 minutes which is 48 minutes shorter than yesterday.

A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday today. St. Patrick's Day is in a week. -Bernie-

March 9: ORD

Today is March 9th. It's the 68th day of the year. 297 days remain. It's week 10 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 43 and the normal low is 26. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 41 and 23.

On the warm side, in 1986 the high was 62 with a low of 38. Three years ago the high was 58 with a low of 38. Other warm highs were 63 in both 1992 and 2000, 62 in 2002 and 56 two years ago. Another warm low was 39 in 1990. 13 of the last 30 highs were 30s . On the warmer side, 13 highs were: 40s (5), 50s (4) and 60s (4). On the colder side, four highs were: 20s (3) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (1).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 37 with a low of 9, a cold day. In 1977 the high was 68 with a low of 50, a bonus 60s day. In 1974 the high was 68 with a low of 39, a bonus 60s day. In 1973 the high was 40 with a low of 37, a three degree spread. In 1964 the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread. In 1962 the high was 36 with a low of 33, a three degree spread. In 1960 the high was 25 with a low of 22, a three degree spread and cold. In 1959 the high was 32 with a low of 28, a four degree spread and cold.

More recently, we had a small spread of four degrees in 1999 (31/27). There were three days of large spreads: 35 degrees in 2000 (63/28), 40 degrees in 1992 (63/23) and 41 degrees in 2002 (62/21).

On the cold side, in 2003 the high was the record coldest high of 13 with a low of 6, a seven degree spread. In 1984 the high was 25 with the record low of 5. A couple years earlier, in 1982, the high was 27 with a low of 7. In 1996 the high was 26 with a low of 9. Another cold low was 13 in 1995. Other cold highs were 30 in 2005 and 31 in 1999. 19 of the last 30 lows were 20s. On the colder side, seven lows were: single digits (4) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (3). Four lows were in the warmer 40s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1999, 5.0 inches fell. This was the fifth of six days in which a total of 18.2 inches fell. In 1998, 10.9 inches fell at Midway and 7.0 inches fell at O'Hare.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:47 and sunrise was at 7:15. Sunset is at 18:53 and twilight ends at 19:21. There's a total of 11 hours, 38 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 34 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:13. The moon is waxing gibbous and will be full tomorrow (the full Worm moon) at 21:38. Illumination was 96% at midnight, will be 98% at noon and 99% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 6:19. Moonrise is at 17:35 and moonset is at 6:45 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 44 minutes which is 48 minutes shorter than yesterday.

A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday tomorrow. St. Patrick's Day is in a week and a day. -Bernie-

March 8: ORD

Today is March 8th. It's the 67th day of the year. 298 days remain. It's week 10 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 42 and the normal low is 26. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 42 and 25.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was the record high of 78 with the record warmest low of 56. In 1987 the high was 73 with a low of 36, a 37 degree spread. In 1992 the high was 63 with a low of 43. A decade later, in 2002 the high was 64 with a low of 37. In 1988 the high was 55 with a low of 39. Three years ago the high was 53 with a low of 39. 18 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (9) and 40s (9) . On the warmer side, seven highs were: 50s (3), 60s (2) and 70s (2). On the colder side, five highs were: 20s (4) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (1).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 70 with a low of 35, a 35 degree spread and bonus 70s day. In 1974 the high was 48 with a low of 41, a seven degree spread. In 1967 the high was 26 with a low of 7, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. In 1962 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread.

More recently, we had a small spread of three degrees in 1998 (39/36).

On the cold side, in 1996 the high was 15 with a low of 1. In 1982 the high was 29 with a low of -1. A couple years later, in 1984, the high was 24 with a low of 9. Last year the high was 25 with a low of 14. Other cold lows were 12 in 1986, 13 in 2003 and 13 two years ago. Other cold highs were 29 in 1995, 30 in 1999 and 30 in 2005. The record low of -7 was set in 1943 and the record coldest high of 10 was set in 1932. 25 of the last 30 lows were: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (9), 20s (7) and 30s (9). Three lows were in the colder: single digits (2) and negative single digits (1). Two lows were in the warmer: 40s (1) and 50s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1999, 4.0 inches fell. This was the fourth of six days in which a total of 18.2 inches fell. Today 1.67 inches of rain fell. This broke the old record of 1.41 inches set in 1990.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:49 and sunrise was at 7:17. Sunset is at 18:52 and twilight ends at 19:20. There's a total of 11 hours, 35 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 31 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:15. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 90% at midnight, will be 93% at noon and 96% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 5:51. Moonrise is at 16:19 and moonset is at 6:19 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 32 minutes which is 44 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Daylight Saving Time began today. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two days. St. Patrick's Day is in a week and two days. -Bernie-

March 7: ORD

Today is March 7th. It's the 66th day of the year. 299 days remain. It's week 10 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 42 and the normal low is 26. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 40 and 25.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was the record high of 78 with the record warmest low of 53. In 1987 the high was 74 with a low of 45. In 1983 the high was 60 with a low of 44. In 1992 the high was 51 with a low of 44, a seven degree spread. Other warm highs were 57 in both 1988 and 2005. 22 of the last 30 highs were: 20s (6), 30s (9) and 40s (7) . On the warmer side, six highs were: 50s (3), 60s (1) and 70s (2). On the colder side, two highs were 10s (a.k.a. teens). A note about yesterday: it was just the 7th high of 60 degrees or more in O'Hare's history and also the 3rd warmest of the last 31 years. Highs were 65 at O'Hare (at 15:18), 64 at Rockford (at 14:27), 67 at Northerly Island, 67 at Midway, 65 at the NWS in Romeoville and 66 in West Chicago.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 30 with a low of 25, a five degree spread. In 1975 the high was 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1973 the high was 62 with a low of 44, a bonus 60s day. In 1968 the high was 54 with a low of 19, a 35 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 34 with a low of 30, a four degree spread. In 1960 the high was 24 with a low of 3, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1979 (37/33), five degrees in 2002 (38/33) and seven degrees two years ago (28/21). Large spreads were 30 degrees in 1997 (49/19) and 30 degrees in 2005 (57/27).

On the cold side, in 1996 the high was 17 with a low of 5. A decade earlier, in 1986, the high was 18 with a low of 7. Four years before that, in 1982, the high was 20 with a low of 6. Two years later, in 1984, the high was 25 with a low of 11. Last year the high was 26 with a low of 14. In 1999 the high was 26 with a low of 15. A decade before that, in 1989, the high was 28 with a low of 17. Another cold high was 28 two years ago. The record low of -2 and record coldest high of 14 were set on the same day in 1943. 12 of the last 30 lows were 30s. Nine lows were in the colder: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6) and single digits (3). Nine lows were in the warmer: 30s (5), 40s (3) and 50s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1999, 2.8 inches fell. This was the third of six days in which a total of 18.2 inches fell. Back in 1931 at the University of Chicago, where official stats for Chicago used to be kept, 10.9 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 5:50 and sunrise was at 6:18. Sunset is at 17:51 and twilight ends at 18:19. There's a total of 11 hours, 33 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 29 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:17. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 81% at midnight, will be 86% at noon and 90% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 4:17. Moonrise is at 14:01 and moonset is at 5:51 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 16 minutes which is 34 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is today. Daylight Saving Time begins tomorrow. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in three days. St. Patrick's Day is in a week and three days. -Bernie-

March 6: ORD

Today is March 6th. It's the 65th day of the year. 300 days remain. It's week 10 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 42 and the normal low is 25. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 41 and 24.

On the warm side, in 1983 the high was the co-record high of 70 with the record warmest low of 53. In 1992 the high was 62 with a low of 47. In 2000 the high was the co-record high of 70 with a low of 32, a 38 degree spread. Five years later, in 2005, the high was 64 with a low of 35. In 1994 the high was 58 with a low of 39. In 1987 the high was 67 with a low of 29, a 38 degree spread. Another warm low was 37 in 2004. 14 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, 11 highs were: 40s (3), 50s (3), 60s (3) and 70s (2). On the colder side, five highs were 20s. A note about yesterday: it was just the 5th high of 60 degrees or more in O'Hare's history and also the 3rd warmest. Highs were 65 at O'Hare (at 15:08), 64 at Rockford (at 15:09), 64 at Northerly Island, 64 at Midway, 65 at the NWS in Romeoville and 65 in West Chicago. Peak wind gusts were 43 MPH from the south at O'Hare and 40 MPH from the southwest at Rockford.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1973 the high was 64 with a low of 39, a bonus 60s day. In 1972 the high was 49 with a low of 12, a 37 degree spread. In 1969 the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. In 1966 the high was 27 with a low of 21, a six degree spread. In 1965 the high was 33 with a low of 31, a two degree spread. In 1964 the high was 55 with a low of 22, a 33 degree spread. In 1960 the high was 20 with a low of -1, the date of the record low.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1995 (35/31) and six degrees in 1990 (32/26). Another large spread was 30 degrees in 1988 (51/21).

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was 24 with a low of 4. Two years earlier, in 1980, the high was 28 with a low of 6. In 2003 the high was 28 with a low of 11. Four years later, in 2007, the high was 24 with a low of 16. In 1996 the high was 30 with a low of 11. A dozen years earlier, in 1984, the high was 27 with a low of 14. Other cold highs were 30 in both 1989 and 1999. The record low of 2 was set in 1960 and the record coldest high of 15 was set back in 1932. 15 of the last 30 lows have been 20s. Eight lows were in the colder: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6) and single digits (2). Seven lows were in the warmer: 30s (5), 40s (1) and 50s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1999, 1.6 inches fell. This was the second of six days in which a total of 18.2 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 5:52 and sunrise is at 6:20. Sunset is at 17:50 and twilight ends at 18:18. Chicago's sunset is at 17:47 and twilight ends at 18:15. There's a total of 11 hours, 30 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 26 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:50 and sunrise is at 6:18. The moon reached first quarter two days ago at 1:46. Illumination was 72% at midnight, will be 77% at noon and 81% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 3:34. Moonrise is at 12:44 and moonset is at 4:17 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 50 minutes which is 22 minutes shorter than yesterday.

My birthday is tomorrow. Daylight Saving Time begins in two days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in four days. St. Patrick's Day is in three days short of two weeks. -Bernie-

March 5: ORD

Today is March 5th. It's the 64th day of the year. 301 days remain. It's week 10 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 41 and the normal low is 25. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 41 and 26.

On the warm side, in 1983 the high was the record high of 75 with the record warmest low of 56. In 1992 the high was 63 with a low of 43. In 2000 the high was 69 with a low of 34, a 35 degree spread. Four years later, in 2004, the high was 61 with a low of 39. Another warm low was 37 in 1987. 15 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, 11 highs were: 40s (4), 50s (3), 60s (3) and 70s (1). On the colder side, four highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 23 with a low of -3, a cold day and day of the record low (0 at Midway). In 1977 the high was 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1972 the high was 22 with a low of 7, another cold day. In 1967 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 34 with a low of 32, a two degree spread. In 1962 the high was 26 with a low of 19, a seven degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1979 (32/29), four degrees in 1996 (33/29), six degrees in 1990 (36/30), six degrees in 2005 (41/35), seven degrees in 1995 (38/31) and seven degrees in 1998 (39/32).

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was 34 with a low of 7. In 2003 the high was 24 with a low of 19, a five degree spread. Other cold lows were 12 in 2002 and 15 in 1980. Other cold highs were 27 in 1989, 28 in 2001 and 29 in 1985. The record low of 0 was set in 1978, tying 0 way back in 1873. The record coldest high of 12 was set back in 1901. 27 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8), 20s (11) and 30s (8). One low was in the colder single digits. Two lows were in the warmer: 40s (1) and 50s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1999, 3.8 inches fell. This was the first of six days in which a total of 18.2 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 5:54 and sunrise is at 6:22. Sunset is at 17:48 and twilight ends at 18:16. Chicago's sunset is at 17:46 and twilight ends at 18:14. There's a total of 11 hours, 26 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 22 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:52 and sunrise is at 6:20. The moon reached first quarter yesterday at 1:46. Illumination was 61% at midnight, will be 66% at noon and 72% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 2:42. Moonrise is at 11:30 and moonset is tomorrow at 3:34. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 12 minutes which is 3 minutes shorter than yesterday.

My birthday is in two days. Daylight Saving Time begins in three days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in five days. St. Patrick's Day is in two days short of two weeks. -Bernie-

March 4: ORD

Today is March 4th. It's the 63rd day of the year. 302 days remain. It's week 9 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 41 and the normal low is 25. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 42 and 25.

On the warm side, in 1983 the high was the record high of 73 with the record warmest low of 50. In 1992 the high was 64 with a low of 35. In 2000 the high was 62 with a low of 29, a 33 degree spread. Another warm low was 38 in 2004. 24 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (12) and 40s (12). On the warmer side, four highs were: 50s (1), 60s (2) and 70s (1). On the colder side, two highs have been: 20s (1) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (1).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 18 with a low of 3, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 60 with a low of 27, a 33 degree spread and bonus 60s day. In 1967 the high was 32 with a low of 26, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1960 the high was 19 with a low of 7, another cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1993 (36/33), five degrees in 1981 (37/32) and six degrees in 2004 (44/38).

On the cold side, in 2002 the high was 19 with a low of -7. Another cold low was 10 in 1996. Another cold high was 27 in 1982. The record low of -12 was set way back in 1873. The record coldest high of 17 was set way back in 1890. 17 of the last 30 lows have been 20s. Five lows were in the colder: negative single digits (1) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (4). Eight lows were in the warmer: 30s (7) and 50s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 2002, 0.3 inches fell. This was the fourth of four days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. This comprised 91% of the month's total of 11.2 inches. In 1982, 8.5 inches fell. This was the third of three days in which 12.1 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 5:55 and sunrise is at 6:23. Sunset is at 17:47 and twilight ends at 18:15. Chicago's sunset is at 17:45 and twilight ends at 18:13. There's a total of 11 hours, 24 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 20 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:54 and sunrise is at 6:22. The moon reached first quarter today at 1:46. Illumination was 49% at midnight, will be 55% at noon and 61% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 1:40. Moonrise is at 10:25 and moonset is tomorrow at 2:42. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 15 minutes which is 16 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is in three days. Daylight Saving Time begins in four days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in six days. St. Patrick's Day is in a day short of two weeks. -Bernie-

March 3: ORD

Today is March 3rd. It's the 62nd day of the year. 303 days remain. It's week 9 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 41 and the normal low is 24. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 39 and 22.

On the warm side, in 1983 the high was 73 with a low of 37, a 36 degree spread. Another warm high was 56 last year. Other warm lows were 38 in 2004 and 36 in 1992. The record high of 80 was set in 1974 and the record warmest low of 48 was set way back in 1880. 15 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, 11 highs were: 40s (9), 50s (1) and 70s (1). Remarkably, there have been no highs in the 60s at O'Hare on this date ever. On the colder side, four highs have been 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 46 with a low of 39, a seven degree spread. In 1974 the high was 76 with a low of 42, a 34 degree spread, bonus 70s day and also the day of the record high. In 1968 the high was 46 with a low of 10, a 36 degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1992 (40/36), seven degrees on three days: 1985 (36/29), 1998 (37/30) and two years ago (27/20). There was one large spread of 32 degrees last year (56/24).

On the cold side, in 2002 the high was 21 with a low of 0. In 1996 the high was 25 with a low of 1. In 2003 the high was 31 with a low of 8. In 1980 the high was 35 with a low of 8. Another cold low was 12 in 1995. Other cold highs were 27 in 1982 and 27 two years ago. The record low of -6 and the record coldest high of 8 were set on the same day way back in 1873. 14 of the last 30 lows have been 20s. Ten lows were in the colder: single digits (4) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6). Six lows were in the warmer 30s. Today has been one of our coldest March 3rd days. In Crystal Lake, the temperature at 5:10 is 9 degrees. In Des Plaines (next to O'Hare) the temperature is 18 degrees.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 2002, 0.8 inches fell. This was the third of four days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. This comprised 91% of the month's total of 11.2 inches. In 1982, 0.1 inches fell. This was the second of three days in which 12.1 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 5:57 and sunrise is at 6:25. Sunset is at 17:46 and twilight ends at 18:14. Chicago's sunset is at 17:44 and twilight ends at 18:12. There's a total of 11 hours, 21 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 17 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:55 and sunrise is at 6:23. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 38% at midnight, will be 44% at noon and 49% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 0:30. Moonrise is at 9:31 and moonset is tomorrow at 1:40. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 59 minutes which is 23 minutes shorter than yesterday.

My birthday is in four days. Daylight Saving Time begins in five days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a week. St. Patrick's Day is in two weeks. -Bernie-

March 2: ORD

Today is March 2nd. It's the 61st day of the year. 304 days remain. It's week 9 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 41 and the normal low is 24. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 40 and 23.

On the warm side, in 1983 the high was 65 with a low of 30, a 35 degree spread. In 1992 the high was 58 with a low of 32. Last year the high was 57 with a low of 32. Four years before that, in 2004, the high was 48 with a low of 39. The record high of 71 was set in 1974 and the record warmest low of 44 was set in 1973. In looking at O'Hare's temperatures for 1973, the high was 52 with a low of 41. So as you can read below, O'Hare had a warmer low in 1974 at 45 but the record of 44 was set at Midway in 1973. 20 of the last 30 highs were 30s (10) and 40s (10). On the warmer side, four highs were 50s and one was a 60. On the colder side, five highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 43 with a low of 38, a five degree spread. In 1974 the high was 68 with a low of 45, a bonus 60s day. In 1970 the high was 43 with a low of 36, a seven degree spread. In 1966 the high was 58 with a low of 28, a 30 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 22 with a low of 10, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 63 with a low of 30, a 33 degree spread and bonus 60s day.

More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1979 (37/31) and seven degrees two years ago (32/25).

On the cold side, in 1980 the high was 21 with a low of -1. In 1996 the high was 28 with a low of 2. A year earlier, in 1995, the high was 28 with a low of 7. In 2005 the high was 27 with a low of 13. Another cold high was 27 in 1989. Other cold lows were 10 in 2003 and 11 in 1994. The record low of -4 was set in 1913 and the record coldest high of 10 was set thirty years later in 1943. 21 of the last 30 lows have been: 20s (12) and 30s (9). Nine lows were in the colder: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6), single digits (2) and negative single digits (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 2002, 7.1 inches fell. This was the second of four days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. This was 91% of the month's total of 11.2 inches. In 1982, 3.5 inches fell. This was the first of three days in which 12.1 inches fell. In 1954 at Midway, 11.5 inches fell. In 1948 at Rockford, 13.0 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 5:59 and sunrise is at 6:27. Sunset is at 17:45 and twilight ends at 18:13. Chicago's sunset is at 17:43 and twilight ends at 18:10. There's a total of 11 hours, 18 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 14 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:57 and sunrise is at 6:25. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 28% at midnight, will be 33% at noon and 38% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 8:38 and moonset is tomorrow at 0:30. Moonrise is at 9:31 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 22 minutes which is 19 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is in five days. Daylight Saving Time begins in six days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a week and a day. -Bernie-

March 1: ORD

Today is March 1st. It's the 60th day of the year. 305 days remain. It's week 9 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 41 and the normal low is 24. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 42 and 26.

On the warm side, in 1992 the high was the record high of 71 with a low of 38, a 33-degree spread. In 2004 the high was 62 with the co-record warmest low of 45. In 1991 the high was 51 with the co-record warmest low of 45, a six degree spread. In 2000 the high was 56 with a low of 36. Three years earlier, in 1997, the high was 55 with a low of 33. Another warm high was 56 in 1983. 19 of the last 30 highs were 30s (10) and 40s (9). On the warmer side, five highs were 50s, one was a 60 and one was a 70. On the colder side, three highs were 20s and three were 10s (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 40 with a low of 35, a five degree spread. In 1972 the high was 57 with a low of 19, a 38 degree spread. In 1970 the high was 38 with a low of 32, a six degree spread. In 1968 the high was 51 with a low of 15, a 36 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 35 with a low of 3, a 32 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 34 with a low of 3, a 31 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 17 with a low of -8, a cold day. In 1960 the high was 23 with a low of 0, another cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1981 (35/31) and six degrees in 1998 (38/32). The lone large spread was 33 degrees in 1983 (56/23).

On the cold side, in 1980 the high was 19 with a low of 8. In 1995 the high was 23 with a low of 10. In 1989 the high was 23 with a low of 11. Another cold high was 27 in 2005. The record low of -5 was set in 1962 and the record coldest high of 14 was set way back in 1890. 22 of the last 30 lows have been: 20s (10) and 30s (12). Six lows were in the colder: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (5) and single digits (1). Two lows were in the warmer 40s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 2002, 2.0 inches fell. This was the first of four days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. This was 91% of the month's total of 11.2 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:00 and sunrise was at 6:28. Sunset is at 17:44 and twilight ends at 18:12. There's a total of 11 hours, 16 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 12 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:59 and sunrise is at 6:27. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 18% at midnight, will be 23% at noon and 28% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 8:13 and moonset is at 23:16. Moonrise is at 8:38 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 3 minutes which is 45 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is in six days. Daylight Saving Time begins in a week. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a week and two days. -Bernie-