January 4: ORD

Today is January 4th. It's the 4th day of the year. 361 days remain. It's week 1 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 15. The 31-year averages are 33 and 17.

On the warm side, in 1997 the high was the record high of 64 with a near-record warmest low of 39. A decade later (and three years ago), in 2007, the high was 52 with a near-record warmest low of 39. The record warmest low remains 41 degrees, set back in 1909. In 1998 the high was 56 with a low of 34. In 2006 the high was 43 with a low of 36, a seven degree spread. In 1993 the high was 47 with a low of 31. In 1990 the high was 46 with a low of 25. Two years after that, in 1992, the high was 38 with a low of 32, a six degree spread. Other warm lows were 30 in 2005 and 29 in 2004. 16 of the last 31 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, six highs were: 40s (3), 50s (2) and 60s (1). On the colder side, nine highs were: single digits (4), 10s (aka teens) (1) and 20s (4).

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 10 with a low of 1, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 19 with a cold low of -1, a cold day. In 1972 the high was 14 with low of 2, a cold day. In 1971 the high was a warm 43 degrees with a low of 12, a 31 degree spread. In 1970 the low was a cold 3 degrees. In 1969 the high was 3 with a low of -8, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 6 with a low of -7, another cold day. In 1967 the low was a cold 2 degrees. In 1966 high was a warm 45 degrees with a low of 26, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 34 with a warm low of 27, a seven degree spread. in 1962 the high was 42 with a low of 31, a warm day. In 1961 the high was 32 with a low of 1, a 31 degree spread. In 1959 the high was 0 with a low of -10, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees: 1980 (30/26) and 2004 (33/29). Another small spread was five degrees in 2005 (35/30).

On the cold side, in 1981 the high was 5 with a low of -9. In 1999 the high was 5 with a low of -9 as well. In 1979 the high was 4 with a low of -7. In 1995 the high was 7 with a low of -1. In 1988 the high was 19 with a low of -9. Other cold lows were 1 in 1985 and 3 in 1991. 23 of the last 31 lows were: 10s (aka teens) (9), 20s (7) and 30s (7). Eight lows were colder: five lows were negative single digits and three lows were single digits.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:51 and sunrise is at 7:22. Sunset is at 16:35 and twilight ends at 17:06. There's a total of 9 hours, 13 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 15 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:51 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 83% at midnight, will be 79% at noon and 74% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 9:47 and moonrise is at 21:47. Moonlight time is 12 hours which is 47 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Four years ago, in 2005, 1.2 inches fell. This was the first day of a three day, 9.8 inch storm.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in two weeks. My brother will be celebrating a birthday in two weeks, six days. -Bernie-

January 3: ORD

Today is January 3rd. It's the 3rd day of the year. 362 days remain. It's week 1 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 15. The 31-year averages are 33 and 19.

On the warm side, in 1998 the high was the near-record high of 58 with a low of 35. The record high of 60 was set in 1950. In 2004 the high was 52 with a low of 30. In 1993 the high was 46 with a low of 35. In 2006 the high was 42 with a low of 39, a three degree spread. Three years ago the high was 48 with a low of 33. Ten years before that, in 1997, the high was 45 with a low of 35. In 1990 the high was 44 with a low of 33. In 1992 the high was 41 with a low of 36, a five degree spread. In 2000 the high was 38 with a low of 32, a six degree spread. Other warm lows were 32 in 2005, 30 in 1982 and 28 (1980, 1994). The record warmest low of 46 was set way back in 1874. 26 of the last 31 highs were: 20s (8), 30s (11) and 40s (7). On the warmer side, two highs were 50s. On the colder side, two highs were 10s (aka teens) and one high was in the single digits.

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 18 with a low of 2, a cold day. In 1975 the high was 36 with a low of 31, a five degree spread. In 1974 the low was a cold 3 degrees. In 1970 the high was a cold 18 degrees. In 1969 the high was 20 with a cold low of -5, a cold day. In 1968 the low was a cold 3 degrees. In 1967 the low was also a cold 3 degrees. In 1964 the high was 38 with a warm low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1963 the high was 32 with a low of 26, a six degree spread. In 1962 the high was 42 with a low of 30, a warm day. In 1961 the low was a cold 1 degree. In 1959 the high was 21 with a cold low of -1, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1980 (31/28), four degrees in 1994 (32/28), four degrees in 2005 (36/32) and five degrees in 1982 (35/30).

On the cold side, in 1979 the high was 4 with a low of -15. In 1991 the high was 16 with a low of -2. In 1985 the high was 20 with a low of -6. In 1981 the high was 22 with a low of -5. In 1995 the high was 18 with a low of 3. Two years ago the high was 23 with a low of 0. 11 of the last 31 lows were 30s. Everything else is on the colder side. One low was in the negative 10s, three lows were negative zeros, four lows were zeros, seven lows were 10s (aka teens) and five lows were 20s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:51 and sunrise is at 7:22. Sunset is at 16:34 and twilight ends at 17:05. There's a total of 9 hours, 12 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 14 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:51 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 91% at midnight, will be 88% at noon and 83% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 9:19 and moonrise is at 20:32. Moonset is at 9:47 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 47 minutes which is 46 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Ten years ago, in 1999, 1.0 inches fell. This was the third day of a three day, 21.6 inch storm. This storm comprised 73% of the month's total of 29.6 inches.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in two weeks, one day and my brother will be celebrating a birthday in three weeks. -Bernie-

January 2: ORD

Today is January 2nd. It's the 2nd day of the year. 363 days remain. It's week 1 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 15. The 31-year averages are 34 and 20.

On the warm side, in 2004 the high was the record high of 61 with a low of 37. Four years before, in 2000, the high was the former record high of 60 with a low of 35. Before this, the record high was 58 in 1950. In 1997 the high was 53 with a low of 37. A year later, in 1998, the high was 50 with a low of 37. In 2005 the high was 54 with a low of 33. A year later, in 2006, the high was 42 with a low of 40, a two degree spread. In 1992 the high was 43 with a low of 36, a seven degree spread. In 2007 the high was 43 with a low of 26. Other warm lows were 29 in 1987 and 28 (1980, 1994, 2003). The record warmest low of 47 was set way back in 1897. 20 of the last 31 highs were: 20s (7) and 30s (13). On the warmer side, three highs were 40s, three highs were 50s and two highs were 60s. On the colder side, two highs were 10s (aka teens) and one high was in the single-digits.

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 13 with a low of -4, a cold day. In 1977 the high was 19 with a low of 2, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 15 with a low of 1, yet another cold day. In 1969 the high was 22 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 20 with a low of 16, a four degree spread. In 1966 the high was 44 with a low of 27, a warm day. In 1965 the low was a warm 29 degrees. In 1963 the high was 31 with a low of 26, a five degree spread. In 1961 the high was 31 with a low of 24, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 43 with a low of 31, a warm day.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 2003 (31/28), four degrees in 1994 (32/28), five degrees in 1980 (33/28) and seven degrees in 1987 (36/29).

On the cold side, in 1979 the high was the near-record coldest high of 4 with the near-record low of -13. The record low of -16 was set way back in 1879 and the record coldest high of 2 was set back in 1920. In 1985 the high was 14 with a low of -3. Two years ago the high was 20 with a low of 2. Another cold low was 2 in 1988. 28 of the last 31 lows were: single digits (5), 10s (9), 20s (8) and 30s (6). On the colder side, one low was in the negative 10s and one low was in the negative single digits. On the warmer side, one low was in the 40s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:51 and sunrise is at 7:22. Sunset is at 16:33 and twilight ends at 17:04. There's a total of 9 hours, 11 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 13 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:51 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waning gibbous and was full two days ago at 13:13. Illumination was 97% at midnight, will be 94% at noon and 91% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 8:46 and moonrise is at 19:13. Moonset is at 9:19 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 33 minutes which is 42 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Ten years ago, in 1999, 18.6 inches fell. This was the second day of a three day, 21.6 inch storm. This 18.6 inches was the most snow ever recorded in a calendar day in Chicago. This storm comprised 73% of the month's total of 29.6 inches.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in two weeks, two days and my brother will be celebrating a birthday in three weeks, one day. -Bernie-

January 1: ORD

Today is January 1st. It's the 1st day of the year. 364 days remain. It's week 1 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 15. The 31-year averages are 32 and 19.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was 48 with a low of 35. Three years before, in 1997, the high was 39 with a low of 33, a six degree spread. Three years ago the high was 43 with a low of 29. In 1994 the high was 41 with a low of 30. In 2006 the high was 45 with a low of 26. A decade earlier, in 1996, the high was 38 with a low of 32, a six degree spread. In 2004 the high was 49 with a low of 21. Other warm lows were 31 in 1992, 30 in 1987 and 27 in 2003. The record high of 65 was set way back in 1876. The record warmest low of 43 was set back in 1950. 23 of the last 31 highs were: 20s (9) and 30s (14). On the warmer side, seven highs were 40s. On the colder side, one high was in the single-digits. No highs were in the 10s (aka teens).

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 32 with a low of -1, a 33 degree spread. In 1977 the high was 13 with a low of 1, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread and warm day. In 1974 the high was 8 with a low of -3, a cold day. In 1972 the high was 41 with a warm low of 33, a warm day. In 1971 the high was 39 with a warm low of 31, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 29 with a low of 22, a seven degree spread. In 1969 the high was 5 with a low of -7, a cold day. 1969 was the year of the record coldest high and record low. In 1968 the high was 16 with a low of -11, a cold day. In 1966 the high was a warm 42 degrees. In 1965 the high was 38 with a low of 34, a four degree spread and warm day. In 1964 the high was 25 with a low of -13, a 35 degree spread and cold. In 1960 the low was a warm 27 degrees.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1987 (33/30), five degrees in 1990 (30/25), five degrees in 1992 (36/31), six degrees in 2003 (33/27), seven degrees in 1981 (33/26) and seven degrees in 1982 (21/14).

On the cold side, in 1988 the high was 8 with a low of -1. The record low of -10 and the record coldest high of 5 were set in 1969. 19 of the last 31 lows were: 10s (10) and 20s (9). On the colder side, six lows were: negative single digits (1) and single digits (5). On the warmer side, six lows were in the 30s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. Sunset is at 16:32 and twilight ends at 17:04. There's a total of 9 hours, 10 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 14 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:51 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waning gibbous, having reached full yesterday at 13:13. Illumination was 100% at midnight, will be 99% at noon and 97% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 8:07 and moonrise is at 17:52. Moonset is at 8:46 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 15 minutes which is 31 minutes less than yesterday.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1999, 2.0 inches fell. This was the first day of a three day, 21.6 inch storm. This storm comprised 73% of the month's total of 29.6 inches.

New Year's Day is today. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in two weeks, three days and my brother will be celebrating a birthday in three weeks, two days. -Bernie-

December 31: ORD

Today is December 31st. It's the 365th day of the year. No days remain. It's week 53 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 16. The 31-year averages are 34 and 21.

On the warm side, in 2006 the high was 56 with the record warmest low of 43. In 2004 the high was 56 with a low of 29. These two highs of 56 were the warmest at O'Hare since 1965 when the high was 58. In 2002 the high was 41 with a low of 28. In 2005 the high was 37 with a low of 32, a five degree spread. Other warm highs were 44 in 1979, 42 in 2003 and 41 in 1999. Other warm lows were 32 (1980, 1995), 31 (1984, 1991), 30 in 1986 and 28 in 1989. The record high of 68 was set way back in 1875. 18 of the last 31 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, six highs were: 40s (4) and 50s (2). On the colder side, seven highs were: 10s (2) and 20s (5).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 33 with a low of 30, a three degree spread. In 1976 the high was 6 with a low of -8, a cold day. 1976 had the record coolest high (5 at Midway). In 1974 the high was 36 with a low of 34, a two degree spread. In 1973 the high was 14 with a low of 2, a cold day. In 1970 the low was a warm 28. In 1968 the high was 15 with a low of -9, a cold day. In 1967 the high was 25 with a low of -11, a 36 degree spread, a cold day. That low of -11 was colder than the record low. In 1965 the high was 58 with a low of 31, a warmer day than most. In 1963 the high was 17 with a low of -14, a 31 degree spread and cold. That low of -14 was also colder than the record low. In 1961 the low was a cold 1 degree. In 1958 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of two degrees in 1980 (34/32), three degrees in 1991 (34/31), four degrees in 1995 (36/32), five degrees in 1984 (36/31), five degrees in 1989 (33/28) and six degrees in 1986 (36/30). We've had one large spread. It turned out to be a normal day. In 1987 the spread was 32 degrees as the high was 39 with a low of 7.

Before last year, six years in a row were above normal (2002-2007). Three years ago (2006) was the warmest ever of the past 30 years, peaking at 56 degrees. This tied the same high of 56 in 2004. In 2004 that high of 56 occurred at 47 minutes past midnight.

On the cold side, in 1990 the high was 16 with a low of 1. Another cold high was 17 in 1998. The record low of -10 was set in 1967 at Midway (it was -11 at O'Hare). It was also -14 at O'Hare in 1963. The record coldest high of 5 was set in 1976 at Midway (it was 6 at O'Hare). 13 of the last 31 lows were 20s. On the colder side, seven lows were single digits and four lows were 10s. On the warmer side, six lows were 30s and one low was in the 40s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. Sunset is at 16:31 and twilight ends at 17:03. There's a total of 9 hours, 9 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 13 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is full today. It's the full Long Nights moon and also a Blue moon, meaning the second full moon within a calendar month. Illumination was 100% at midnight, will be 100% at noon and 100% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 7:19 and moonrise is at 16:33. Moonset is at 8:07 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 46 minutes which is 15 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Back in 1978, 10.1 inches fell. This was day four of a four day, 16.8 inch storm. The total snowfall of December 1978 was 35.1 inches at O'Hare.

New Year's Eve is today (as is my best friend Christopher's birthday) and New Year's Day is tomorrow. -Bernie-

December 30: ORD

Today is December 30th. It's the 364th day of the year. One day remains. It's week 52 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 30 and the normal low is 16. The 31-year averages are 35 and 20.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was the near-record high of 60 with a low of 37. The record high of 61 was set way back in 1884. A decade earlier, in 1992, the high was 51 with a low of 39. Three years ago the high was 50 with a low of 40. Two years before that, in 2004, the high was 57 with a low of 31. In 1986 the high was 42 with a low of 30. In 2005 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1979 the high was 47 with a low of 23. Another warm high was 42 in 2003. Other warm lows were 32 in 1989, 30 in 1980 and 30 in 1991. The record warmest low of 51 was set way back in 1884. 14 of the last 31 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, nine highs were: 40s (5), 50s (3) and 60s (1). On the colder side, eight highs were: 20s (6) and 10s (2).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 10 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1973 the high was a cold 14 degrees with a low of 7, a seven degree spread. In 1972 the high was 48 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1967 the high was 31 with a low of 25, a six degree spread. In 1965 the high was 57 with a low of 39, one of the warmer days. In 1963 the high was 7 with a low of -12, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 15 with a low of 8, a seven degree spread, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 18 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1959 the high was 27 with a low of 21, a six degree spread. In 1958 the high was 30 with a low of 23, a seven degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of one degree in 1989 (33/32), two degrees in 1980 (32/30) and seven degrees in 1991 (37/30). We've had a couple of large spreads. They are both on the colder side of things. In 1981 the spread was 31 degrees (29/-2) and in 1985 it was 34 degrees (37/3).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the near-record coldest high of 10 with the near-record low of -6. The record coldest high of 9 was set back in 1938 and the record low of -7 was set way back in 1909. In 1998 the high was 13 with a low of 1. Other cold lows were -2 in 1981, 3 in 1985, 3 in 1993, 5 in 1990 and 5 in 2001. 18 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (10) and 30s (8). On the colder side, 12 lows were: negative single digits (2), single digits (5) and 10s (5). On the warmer side, one low was in the 40s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. Sunset is at 16:30 and twilight ends at 17:02. There's a total of 9 hours, 8 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 12 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waxing gibbous and will be full tomorrow at 13:13. Illumination was 97% at midnight, will be 98% at noon and 100% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 6:20 and moonrise is at 15:19. Moonset is at 7:19 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 1 minute which is three minutes longer than yesterday and is the longest amount of time for the near future.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Back in 1978, 1.6 inches fell. This was day three of a four day, 16.8 inch storm. The total snowfall of December 1978 was 35.1 inches at O'Hare.

New Year's Eve is tomorrow (as is my best friend Christopher's birthday) and New Year's Day is in two days. -Bernie-

December 29: ORD

Today is December 29th. It's the 363rd day of the year. Two days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 16. The 31-year averages are 35 and 21.

On the warm side, in 1984 the high was the record high of 63 with a low of 28, a 35 degree spread. Three years ago the high was 50 with a low of 40. In 1992 the high was 44 with a low of 39, a five degree spread. In 2003 the high was 47 with a low of 30. In 1979 the high was 52 with a low of 22, a thirty degree spread. Last year the high was 43 with a low of 29. In 1999 the high was 45 with a low of 26. Other warm lows were 32 in 1989, 32 in 2005, 31 in 1994 and 30 in 1991. The record warmest low of 42 was set way back in 1884. 13 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, seven highs were 40s, two highs were 50s and one high was in the 60s. On the colder side, four highs were 20s, three highs were 10s and one high was in the single digits.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 7 with a low of -7, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 38 with a low of 34, a four degree spread. In 1972 the high was 44 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1969 the high was 30 with a low of 27, a three degree spread. In 1967 the low was a cold 4 degrees. In 1965 the high was 41 with a low of 33, a warm day. In 1964 the high was 44 with a low of 31, another warm day. In 1963 the high was 8 with a low of -8, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 34 with a low of 2, a 32 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 14 with a low of 1, a cold day. In 1958 the low was a warm 28 degrees.

More recently, we had a small spread of four degrees in 1986 (33/29), five degrees in 1991 (35/30), five degrees in 2005 (37/32), six degrees in 1989 (38/32), seven degrees in 1980 (36/29), seven degrees in 1982 (24/17) and seven degrees in 1994 (38/31).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the record coldest high of 2 with a low of -8. A couple of years earlier, in 1981, the high was 18 with a low of -1. Four years later, in 1985, the high was 18 with a low of 7. Another cold high was 19 in 2001. The record low of -15 was set way back in 1880. 19 of the last 30 lows were: 20s (13) and 30s (6). On the colder side, four lows were 10s, five lows were single digits and two lows were in the negative single digits. On the warmer side, one low was in the 40s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. Sunset is at 16:29 and twilight ends at 17:01. There's a total of 9 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waxing gibbous, heading towards full in two days. Illumination was 91% at midnight, will be 94% at noon and 97% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 5:13 and moonrise is at 14:15. Moonset is at 6:20 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 58 minutes which is 20 minutes longer than yesterday.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Back in 1978, 2.3 inches fell. This was day two of a four day, 16.8 inch storm.

New Year's Eve is in two days and New Year's Day is in three days. -Bernie-

December 28: ORD

Today is December 28th. It's the 362nd day of the year. Three days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 17. The 31-year averages are 36 and 22.

On the warm side, in 1984 the high was the record high of 69 with the record warmest low of 49. In 2003 the high was 49 with a low of 41. In 1982 the high was 65 with a low of 21, a 44 degree spread. Three years ago the high was 48 with a low of 36. In 1992 the high was 44 with a low of 34. A couple of years later, in 1994, the high was 42 with a low of 34. A couple of years after that, in 1996, the high was 39 with a low of 34, a spread of five degrees. In 2005 the temperatures were the same, a high of 39 with a low of 34 and a spread of just five degrees. Another warmer high was 43 in 1986. Other warm lows were 32 in 1991, 30 in 1987 and 30 two years ago. 15 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, seven highs were 40s, no highs were 50s and two highs were 60s. On the colder side, four highs were 20s and three highs were 10s.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the low was a cold 5 degrees. In 1976 the high was 23 with a cold low of 0, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 35 with a warm low of 33, a mere two degree spread. In 1969 the high was 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1963 the high was 18 with a low of -4, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 34 with a cold low of 1, a 33 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 10 with a low of -4, a cold day. In 1959 the high was a warm 50 degrees with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1958 the high was a warm 49 degrees with a low of 28, a warm day.

More recently, we had a small spread of four degrees two years ago (high of 34, low of 30). The spreads were five degrees in 1987 (35/30) and in 1991 (37/32). There was a spread of seven degrees in 1979 (31/24).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 19 with a low of -1. A couple of years later, in 1985, the high was 19 with a low of 0. Another cold low was 3 in 1993. Another cold high was 19 in 1988. The record low of -13 was set back in 1924 and the record coldest high of -1 was set way back in 1880. 24 of the last 30 lows were: 10s (7), 20s (9) and 30s (8). On the colder side, five lows were in the: negative single digits (1) and single digits (4). On the warmer side, two lows were 40s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. Sunset is at 16:29 and twilight ends at 17:01. There's a total of 9 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 84% at midnight, 87% at noon and 91% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 4:02 and moonrise is at 13:24. Moonset is at 5:13 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 38 minutes which is 31 minutes longer than yesterday.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Back in 1978 , 2.8 inches fell. This was part of 16.8 inches that fell over four days.

New Year's Eve is in three days and New Year's Day is in four days. -Bernie-

December 27: ORD

Today is December 27th. It's the 361st day of the year. Four days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 17. The 31-year averages are 35 and 20.

On the warm side, in 1982 the high was the record high of 61 with a low of 40. Last year the high tied the record at 61 degrees with a low of 32. Also last year, I wrote the following: As I write this, we are experiencing a thunderstorm (heavy rain and lots of wind). In 1994 the high was 51 with a low of 29. A decade before that, in 1984, the high was 49 with a low of 30. In 2005 the high was 47 with a low of 32. Two years before that, in 2003, the high was 49 with a low of 28. A dozen years earlier, in 1991, the high was 37 with a low of 34, a three degree spread. Seven years later, in 1998, the high was 45 with a low of 26. Another warm low was 30 two years ago. The record warmest low of 51 was set in 1959. 20 of the last 31 highs were: 20s (9) and 30s (11). On the warmer side, eight highs were: 40s (5), 50s (1) and 60s (2). On the colder side, three highs were 10s (aka teens).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 9 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1975 the high was 26 with a low of 22, a four degree spread. In 1974 the high was 34 with a low of 29, a five degree spread. In 1973 the high was 35 with a low of 30, a five degree spread. In 1971 the high was a warm 47 degrees. In 1968 the high was 43 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1963 the low was a cold 3 degrees. In 1962 the high was 25 with a low of -1, a cold day. In 1959 the high was 57 with a low of 50, a seven degree spread and warm day. In 1958 the high was 44 with a low of 32, a warm day.

More recently, we haven't had any spreads of seven degrees or less (except for 1991 (see above)) or anything 30 degrees or more.

On the cold side, in 2000 the high was 17 with a low of 6. 15 years earlier, in 1985, the high was 22 with a low of 3. Seven years before, in 1978, the high was 22 with a low of 3. Other cold highs were 18 in 1993 and 19 in 1983. The record low of -10 was set in 1950 and the record coldest high of 3 was set in 1925. 18 of the last 31 lows were: 10s (aka teens) (10) and 20s (8). On the colder side, seven lows were in the single digits. On the warmer side, six lows were: 30s (5) and 40s (1).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. Sunset is at 16:28 and twilight ends at 17:00. There's a total of 9 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 75% at midnight, will be 79% at noon and 84% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 2:51 and moonrise is at 12:44. Moonset is at 4:02 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 7 minutes which is 37 minutes more than yesterday.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Back in 1894 in Chicago at the Auditorium Tower, which was the official reporting site for Chicago, 10.1 inches of snow fell. Back in 1978 tomorrow a major four-day snow of 16.8 inches began. But more on that tomorrow.

December 26: ORD

Today is December 26th. It's the 360th day of the year. Five days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 17. The 30-year averages are 30 and 16.

On the warm side, last year the high was 52 with a low of 24. In 1982 the high was 40 with a low of 33, a seven degree spread. A dozen years later, in 1994, the high was 47 with a low of 24. Other warm highs were 45 in 1991, 45 two years ago and 44 in 2003. Other warm lows were 32 in 2005, 29 in 1986 and 28 three years ago. The record high of 55 was set in 1971 and the record warmest low of 45 was set back in 1936. 12 of the last 31 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, six highs were: 40s (5) and 50s (1). On the colder side, 13 highs were: 10s (7) and 20s (6).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 13 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1976 the low was a cold 5 degrees. In 1973 the high was 38 with a low of 35, a three degree spread and warm day. In 1971 the high was 44 with a low of 33, a warm day. In 1967 the high was 15 with a low of 0, another cold day. In 1966 the low was a cold 5 degrees. In 1964 the low was a cold 4 degrees. In 1962 the high was 8 with a low of -13, still another cold one. That low of -13 is colder than the record low. In 1961 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread. In 1959 the high was 52 with a low of 42, a warm day.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1986 (33/29), five degrees in 2005 (37/32), six degrees three years ago (34/28), seven degrees in 1979 (33/26) and seven degrees in 1997 (32/25).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 11 with the record low of -11. Seven years later, in 1990, the high was 12 with a low of -6. Three years later, in 1993, the high was 13 with a low of 6. Seven years after that, in 2000, the high was 19 with a low of 3. In 1989 the high was 18 with a low of 5. Another cold low was 2 in 1985. Other cold highs were 18 in 2001 and 19 in 1996. The record coldest high of 5 was set back in 1925. 27 of the last 31 lows were: single digits (7), 10s (aka teens) (8) and 20s (12). On the colder side, one low each was a negative single digit and negative ten (aka negative teen). On the warmer side, two lows were in the 30s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. Sunset is at 16:27 and twilight ends at 16:59. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. The moon is waxing gibbous, having reached first quarter two days ago at 11:36. Illumination was 65% at midnight, will be 70% at noon and 75% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 1:42 and moonrise is at 12:12. Moonset is at 2:51 early tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 30 minutes which is 39 minutes longer than yesterday.

Today is not a major snow day in O'Hare's history. The next one is tomorrow and it occurred way back in 1894!

New Year's Eve is in five days and New Year's Day is in six days. -Bernie-

December 25: ORD

Today is December 25th. It's the 359th day of the year. Six days remain. It's week 52 of the year. Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service,Chicago,at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 32 and the normal low is 17. The 31-year averages are 29 and 13.

On the warm side, in 1982 the high was the record high of 64 with a low of 36. In 1994 the high was 52 with a low of 24. Other warm lows were 33 in 2005, 30 three years ago, 29 in 1987 and 28 in 1979. The record warmest low of 46 occurred in 1936. 24 of the last 31 highs were 10s (5), 20s (7) and 30s (12). On the warmer side, two highs were 40s, one was in the 50s and one was in the 60s. On the colder side, two highs were single digits and one high was in the negative single digits.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 14 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1975 the high was 36 with a low of 31, a five degree spread. In 1973 the high was 40 with a low of 37, a three degree spread and warm day. In 1972 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1971 the high was 45 with a low of 30, a warm day. In 1969 the high was 28 with a low of 21, a seven degree spread. In 1968 the high was 18 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 27 with a low of 23, a four degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 2005 (36/33), six degrees in 1986 (32/26), six degrees in 2002 (29/23), seven degrees in 1987 (36/29) and seven degrees three years ago (37/30).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the record coldest high of -5 with the record low of -17. Two years later, in 1985, the high was 2 with a low of -11. Five years earlier, in 1980, the high was 17 with a low of -8. Two decades later, in 2000, the high was 17 with a low of -7. Four years before that, in 1996, the high was 9 with a low of 1. A dozen years before that, in 1984, the high was 19 with a low of -3. In 1993 the high was 18 with a low of 5. Last year the high was 24 with a low of 0. In 1990 the high was 28 with a low of -1. Another cold high was 19 in 2004. 18 of the last 31 lows were: 10s (11) and 20s (7). On the colder side, four lows were single digits, four lows were negative single digits and two lows were negative 10s (aka negative teens). On the warmer side, three lows were in the 30s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. Sunset is at 16:27 and twilight ends at 16:59. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. The moon is waxing gibbous, having reached first quarter yesterday at 11:36. Illumination was 55% at midnight, will be 60% at noon and 65% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 36 minutes past midnight. Moonrise is at 12:12. Moonset is at 1:42 early tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 51 minutes which is 13 minutes longer than yesterday.

Today is not a major snow day in O'Hare's history. The next one is in a couple of days and it occurred way back in 1894! Christmas Day is today, New Year's Eve is in six days and New Year's Day is in seven days. -Bernie-

December 24: ORD

Today is December 24th. It's the 358th day of the year. Seven days remain. It's week 52 of the year. Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 32 and the normal low is 18. The 31-year averages are 30 and 14.

On the warmer side, in 1982 the high was the near-record high of 62 with the record warmest low of 51. The record high of 64 remains, having being set way back in 1889. Three years earlier, in 1979, the high was 51 with a low of 37. In 1987 the high was 48 with a low of 34. In 2005 the high was 39 with a low of 34, a five degree spread. Three years ago, in 2006, the high was 44 with a low of 29. Another warm low was 33 in 1997. 28 of the last 31 highs were: 10s (5), 20s (10), 30s (8) and 40s (5). On the warmer side, one high was in the 50s and one highs was in the 60s. On the colder side, one high was in the negative 10s (aka negative teens).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1976 the high was 40 with a low of 7, a 33 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 34 with a low of 28, a six degree spread. In 1973 the high was 38 with a low of 32, a six degree spread. In 1972 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1971 the high was a warm high of 45 with a low of 28, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 16 with a low of 5, a cold day. In 1966 the low was a cold 5 degrees. In 1965 the high was 50 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1964 the high was a warm 47 degrees. In 1963 the low was a cold 4 degrees. In 1962 the high was 19 with a low of -4, a very cold day.

More recently, we had a large spread of 30 degrees in 1980 (32/2). We also had small spreads of two degrees in 1997 (35/33), six degrees in 1993 (18/12), six degrees in 1995 (28/22), six degrees in 2001 (21/15) and six degrees two years ago in 2007 (26/20).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the record coldest high of -11 with the record low of -25. Six years later, in 1989, the high was 14 with a low of -6. In 2000 the high was 11 with a low of -2. Four years later, in 2004, the high was 12 with a low of -2. In 1985 the high was 22 with a low of -8. Five years later, in 1990, the high was 16 with a low of 1. Two years later, in 1992, the high was 22 with a low of -3. Other cold lows were 0 in 1984, 2 in 1980 and 6 last year. Other cold highs were 18 in 1993 and 20 in 1999. 29 of the last 31 lows were negative zeros (5), zeros (6), 10s (6), 20s (8) and 30s (4). On the colder side, one low was in the negative 20s. On the warmer side, one low was in the 50s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:20. Sunset is at 16:26 and twilight ends at 16:58. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. The moon reaches first quarter today at 11:36. Illumination was 45% at midnight, will be 50% at noon and 55% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 11:22 and moonset is early tomorrow morning at 0:36. Moonrise is at 11:45 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 38 minutes today which is five minutes longer than yesterday. The Winter Solstice was three days ago at 11:47.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1969, 2.1 inches fell. This was the fourth of four days of measurable snowfall, part of a total of 13.5 inches during the period.

Last year during December, Tom Skilling of the WGN-TV weather center, wrote the following in response to a question about Christmas '65: "Your recall is perfect. Christmas Eve, 1965, was mild and rainy with a high of 51 degrees. In fact it was Chicago's wettest Christmas Eve, with precipitation totaling 2.61 inches, accompanied by thunder and flooding. However, colder air moved in during the evening as a cold front passed through the area and temperatures plunged into the 30s. Rain turned to sleet and then snow with half an inch falling before midnight. At 6 a.m. on Christmas, 2 inches of snow covered the ground at the then official site at Midway Airport, and 1965 was officially declared a white Christmas. The snow cover remained through Dec. 29 then vanished as the mercury climbed to 56 degrees on Dec. 30 and to 60 degrees on New Year's Eve."

Christmas Eve is today and Christmas Day is tomorrow. New Year's Eve is in seven days and New Year's Day is in eight days. -Bernie-

December 23: ORD

Today is December 23rd. It's the 357th day of the year. Eight days remain. It's week 51 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 32 and the normal low is 18. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 34 and 19.

On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 62 with a low of 46. That high of 62 ties the record, but O'Hare was not the official station of record in 1979. In 1982 the high was the record high of 62 with a low of 42. In 1996 the high was 52 with a low of 32. In 1988 the high was 48 with a low of 33. In 2005 the high was 44 with a low of 37, a seven degree spread. In 1994 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. In 2006 the high was 40 with a low of 33, a seven degree spread. Another warm high was 52 in 2007, just two years ago. Of course, the low that day was a cold 14 degrees, evidence of a cold front. Other warm lows were 32 in 1997, 31 in 1980 and 30 in 1987. The record warmest low of 49 occurred way back in 1877. Over the last 31 years, 19 highs were in the: 30s (12) and 40s (7). Four highs were in the warmer: 50s (2) and 60s (2). Eight highs were in the cooler: negative single digits (1), 0s (aka single digits) (1), 10s (aka teens) (3) and 20s (3).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the low was a cold 6 degrees. In 1975 the high was 34 with a low of 27, a seven degree spread. In 1972 the high was 32 with a low of 30, a mere two degree spread. In 1971 the high was 46 with a low of 33, a warm day. In 1969 the high was 28 with a low of 24, a four degree spread. In 1965 the high was 55 with a low of 41, a warm day. In 1964 the high was 48 with a low of 37, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 22 with a low of -8, a 30 degree spread and cold day. In 1962 the high was 24 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 31 with a low of 24, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 11 with a low of -17, a very cold day. In 1959 the high was 29 with a low of 25, a four degree spread.

More recently, there was a large spread of 38 degrees in 2007 (52/14). There were small spreads of five degrees in 1986 (34/29), five degrees in 1997 (37/32), seven degrees in 1980 (38/31) and seven degrees in 1995 (30/23).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the record coldest high of -6 with the record low of -21. In 1989 the high was 8 with a low of -11. A year later, in 1990, the high was 11 with a low of 0. A decade later, in 2000, the high was 20 with a low of -4. A year earlier, in 1999, the high was 16 with a low of 3. In 2004 the high was 18 with a low of 5. 16 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (8) and 30s (8). 13 lows were in the cooler: negative 20s (1), negative 10s (1), negative single digits (1), single digits (6) and 10s (aka teens) (4). Two lows were in the warmer 40s.

In 1969, O'Hare had 9.9 inches of snow today. This was the third of four days of a total of 13.5 inches of snow. In 1961 Midway had 10.2 inches of snow. O'Hare had 7.4 inches in 1961, part of a 3-day event of 8.2 inches (including half an inch on the 21st and three tenths on the 22nd).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:20. Sunset is at 16:25 and twilight ends at 16:57. Chicago's sunset is at 16:24 and twilight ends at 16:56. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:20. There's a total of 9 hours, 5 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent and will reach first quarter tomorrow at 11:36. Illumination was 36% at midnight, will be 41% at noon and 45% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 11:01. Moonset is at 23:34 late tonight. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 33 minutes which is 40 minutes longer than yesterday. The Winter Solstice was two days ago at 11:47.

Christmas Eve is tomorrow and Christmas Day is in two days. New Year's Eve is in eight days and New Year's Day is in nine days. -Bernie-

December 22: ORD

Today is December 22nd. It's the 356th day of the year. Nine days remain. It's week 51 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 32 and the normal low is 18. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 33 and 19.

On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 50 with a low of 44, a six degree spread. Three years ago, in 2006, the high was 54 with a low of 40. Two years ago, in 2007, the high was 50 with a low of 36. In 2003 the high was 47 with a low of 36. In 2001 the high was 49 with a low of 33. In 1994 the high was 52 with a low of 27. Other warm highs were 48 in 1982 and 45 in 1988. Other warm lows were 30 in 1987, 31 in 1981 and 33 in 1997. The record high of 57 was set in 1957. The record warmest low of 50 occurred back in 1941. Over the last 31 years, 18 highs were in the: 30s (11) and 40s (7). Four highs were in the warmer 50s. Nine highs were in the cooler: 0s (aka single digits) (3), 10s (aka teens) (4) and 20s (2).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1974 the high was 42 with a low of 3, a 39 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 25 with a low of 3, a cold day. In 1972 the high was 33 with a low of 31, a mere two degree spread. In 1970 the high was 36 with a low of 34, a mere two degree spread. In 1965 the high was a warm 46 with a low of 29, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 19 with a low of -13, a 32 degree spread and cold day. In 1961 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1960 the high was 4 with a low of -11, a cold day. That high of 4 is just a degree warmer than the record coldest high of 3 which occurred in 1989.

More recently, there was a large spread of 32 degrees in 2005 (38/6). There were small spreads of two degrees in 1981 (33/31), four degrees in 1997 (37/33), five degrees in 2002 (30/25) and seven degrees in 1991 (36/29).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was the record coldest high of 3 with a low of -12. In 2000 the high was 7 with a low of -9. In 1983 the high was 19 with a low of -18. Last year the high was 7 with a low of -4. In 1998 the high was 14 with a low of 5. In 2004 the high was 14 with a low of 8. In 1999 the high was 17 with a low of 8. Other cold lows were 5 in 1990 and 6 in 2005. 25 of the last 31 lows were: single digits (5), 10s (aka teens) (5), 20s (9) and 30s (6). Four lows were in the cooler: negative 10s (2) and negative single digits (2). Two lows were in the warmer 40s.

In 1969, O'Hare had 1.2 inches of snow today. This was the second of four days of a total of 13.5 inches of snow.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:19. Sunset is at 16:25 and twilight ends at 16:57. Chicago's sunset is at 16:23 and twilight ends at 16:55. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:20. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 27% at midnight, will be 31% at noon and 36% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 10:40 this morning. Moonset is at 22:33. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 53 minutes which is 40 minutes longer than yesterday. The Winter Solstice was yesterday at 11:47.

Christmas Eve is in two days and Christmas Day is in three days. New Year's Eve is in nine days and New Year's Day is in ten days. -Bernie-

December 21: ORD

Today is December 21st. It's the 355th day of the year. 10 days remain. It's week 51 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 33 and the normal low is 19. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 33 and 17.

On the warm side, three years ago the high was 50 with a low of 38. In 1984 the high was 56 with a low of 30. A decade later, in 1994, the high was 51 with a low of 30. In 1979 the high was 48 with a low of 28. Other warm highs were 47 in 2003 and 45 in 1990. Another warm low was 33 two years ago. The record high of 62 was set in 1967. The record warmest low of 49 occurred way back in 1918. Over the last 31 years, 14 highs were in the 30s. Eight highs were in the warmer: 40s (5) and 50s (3). Nine highs were in the cooler: 0s (aka single digits)(1), 10s (aka teens)(4) and 20s (4).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 19 with a low of 4, a cold day. In 1973 the high was 20 with a low of 2, another cold day. In 1972 the high was 35 with a low of 33, a mere two degree spread. In 1967 the high was a warm 61 with a low of 19, a 42 degree spread, a warm day and also the year of the record high. In 1965 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread. In 1964 the high was 40 with a low of 10, a 30 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 13 with a low of -11, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread. 1960 the high was 9 with a low of -7, a cold day.

More recently, there were no large spreads of 30 degrees or more. There were small spreads of five degrees in 1993 (29/24), five degrees in 2007 (38/33), six degrees in 2002 (34/28) and seven degrees in 1983 (23/16).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was the record coldest high of 0 with the record low of -14. Last year the high was 16 with a low of -6. In 2000 the high was 19 with a low of -7. In 1999 the high was 14 with a low of 1. In 1985 the high was 18 with a low of -2. In 2005 the high was 20 with a low of 3. In 1980 the high was 21 with a low of 5. 20 of the last 31 lows were: 10s (aka teens) (8) and 20s (12). Seven lows were in the cooler: negative 10s (1), negative single digits (3) and single digits (3). Four lows were in the warmer 30s.

In 1969, O'Hare had 0.3 inches of snow today. This was the first of four days of a total of 13.5 inches of snow.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:19. Sunset is at 16:24 and twilight ends at 16:56. Chicago's sunset is at 16:23 and twilight ends at 16:55. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:19. There's a total of 9 hours, 5 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 19% at midnight, will be 23% at noon and 27% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 10:19 this morning. Moonset is at 21:32. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 13 minutes which is 37 minutes longer than yesterday. The Winter Solstice is today at 11:47.

Christmas Eve is in three days and Christmas Day is in four days. New Year's Eve is in ten days and New Year's Day is in 11 days. -Bernie-

December 20: ORD

Today is December 20th. It's the 354th day of the year. 11 days remain. It's week 51 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 33 and the normal low is 19. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 32 and 17.

On the warm side, in 1988 the high was 56 with a low of 32. Two years later, in 1990, the high was 49 with a low of 30. Four years after that, in 1994, the high was 42 with a low of 34. The record high of 67 and record warmest low of 55 were set on the same day way back in 1877. Over the last 31 years, 13 highs were in the 30s. Eight highs were in the warmer: 40s (7) and 50s (1). Ten highs were in the cooler: 0s (aka single digits)(1), 10s (aka teens)(4) and 20s (5).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1972 the high was 37 with a warm low of 34, a mere three degree spread. In 1968 the high was 33 with a low of 26, a seven degree spread. In 1967 the high was 55 with a low of 36, a warm day. In 1966 the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread. In 1965 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread. In 1964 the low was a cold 7 degrees. In 1963 the high was 6 with a low of -16, a cold day. That low of -16 was colder than the record low. The high of 6 was near the record coolest high of 4, set way back in 1901. In 1960 the high was 22 with a cold low of 6, a cold day. In 1959 the high was 31 with a low of 28, a mere three degree spread. In 1958 the high was a cold 21 with a low of 8, a cold day.

More recently, there was a large spread of 32 degrees in 1999 (37/5). There were small spreads of five degrees in 1991 (35/30) and six degrees in 2002 (35/29).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was 5 with a low of -6. In 1980 the high was 10 with a low of -1. In 2000 the high was 17 with a low of -5. In 1983 the high was 20 with a low of -1. In 1996 the high was 17 with a low of 3. In 1981 the high was 22 with a low of -1. In 1985 the high was 19 with a low of 3. In 2005 the high was 21 with a low of 5. Another cold low was 5 in 1999. The record low of -9 was set in 1963. The record coolest high of 4 occurred way back in 1901. 13 of the last 31 lows were 20s. 14 lows were in the cooler: negative 0s (5), single digits (4) and 10s (aka teens) (5). Four lows were in the warmer 30s.

In 1973, O'Hare had 0.1 inches of snow today. This was the eighth day of a string of eight days which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches. In 1960, Midway had 11 inches while O'Hare had just 3.1 inches. O'Hare also had 1.1 on the 19th.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:18. Sunset is at 16:24 and twilight ends at 16:56. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:19. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 12% at midnight, will be 16% at noon and 19% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 9:56 this morning. Moonset is at 20:32. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 36 minutes which is 35 minutes longer than yesterday.

Christmas Eve is in four days and Christmas Day is in five days. New Year's Eve is in 11 days and New Year's Day is in 12 days. -Bernie-

December 19: ORD

Today is December 19th. It's the 353rd day of the year. 12 days remain. It's week 51 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 33 and the normal low is 19. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 32 and 18.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 55 with a low of 34. In 1997 the high was 50 with a low of 31. In 1988 the high was 56 with a low of 23, a 33 degree spread. Other warm lows were 33 in 1993, 31 in 1978 and 31 in 1987. The record high of 64 and record warmest low of 57 were set on the same day way back in 1877. Over the last 31 years, 13 highs were in the 30s. Nine highs were in the warmer: 40s (6) and 50s (3). Nine highs were in the cooler: 0s (aka single digits)(1), 10s (aka teens)(7) and 20s (1).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 39 with a warm low of 35, a four degree spread. In 1976 the high was 49 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1973 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread. In 1972 the high was 37 with a low of 35, a mere two degree spread. In 1970 the high was a warm 46 degrees. In 1968 the high was 47 with a low of 31, a warm day. In 1966 the high was 37 with a warm low of 31, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 2 with a low of -14, a cold day. That high of 2 was colder than the record coolest high and the low of -14 equals the record low. In 1962 the high was 45 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1961 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread. In 1960 the high was 24 with a cold low of 5, a cold day.

More recently, there were no other large spreads of 30 degrees or more. There were small spreads of three degrees in 1993 (36/33), six degrees in 1978 (37/31), six degrees in 1982 (35/29) and six degrees in 1987 (37/31).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 6 with the record low of -14. In 2005 the high was 11 with a low of -1. In 1985 the high was 15 with a low of -5. In 1996 the high was 13 with a low of 3. In 1989 the high was 15 with a low of 1. In 1980 the high was 16 with a low of 2. A year later, in 1981, the high was 19 with a low of 1. In 2004 the high was 18 with a low of 4. In 2000 the high was 20 with a low of 7. Another cold low was 6 in 1991. The record coolest high of 5 was set in 1963. 14 of the last 31 lows were 20s. 11 lows were in the cooler: negative 10s (1), negative 0s (2), single digits (7) and 10s (aka teens) (1). Six lows were in the warmer 30s.

In 1973, O'Hare had 3.5 inches of snow today. This was the seventh day of a string of eight days through tomorrow which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:18. Sunset is at 16:23 and twilight ends at 16:55. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:18. There's a total of 9 hours, 5 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 7% at midnight, will be 9% at noon and 12% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 9:29 this morning. Moonset is at 19:30. Moonrise is at 9:56 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 1 minute which is 30 minutes longer than yesterday.

Christmas Eve is in five days and Christmas Day is in six days. New Year's Eve is in 12 days and New Year's Day is in 13 days. -Bernie-

December 18: ORD

Today is December 18th. It's the 352nd day of the year. 13 days remain. It's week 51 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 33 and the normal low is 19. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 32 and 17.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 55 with a low of 37. In 1998 the high was 53 with a low of 32. A year earlier, in 1997, the high was 46 with a low of 32. In 2001 the high was 48 with a low of 29. In 1993 the high was 41 with a low of 35, a six degree spread. In 1982 the high was 43 with a low of 32. Other warm lows were 33 in 1995 and 31 in 1978. The record high of 62 and record warmest low of 43 were set on the same day way back in 1877. Over the last 31 years, 13 highs were in the 30s. Eight highs were in the warmer: 40s (6) and 50s (2). Ten highs were in the cooler: 0s (aka single digits)(1), 10s (aka teens)(5) and 20s (4).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 42 with a low of 36, a six degree spread and warm day. In 1976 the high was a warm 47 degrees. In 1975 the high was 17 with a low of 4, a cold day. In 1973 the high was 26 with a low of 20, a six degree spread. In 1970 the high was 46 with a low of 37, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 37 with a low of 32, a five degree spread. In 1964 the high was 18 with a cold low of 0, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 9 with a low of -9, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 53 with a low of 32, a warm day. In 1961 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread.

More recently, there were no large spreads of 30 degrees or more. There were small spreads of four degrees in 1995 (37/33), five degrees in 1986 (34/29) and seven degrees in 1990 (37/30).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 3 with the record low of -11. Two years later, in 1985, the high was 10 with a low of -9. In 2000 the high was 16 with a low of -1. In 1989 the high was 16 with a low of 2. In 2005 the high was 15 with a low of 4. In 1996 the high was 18 with a low of 7. Last year the high was 23 with a low of 3. In 1991 the high was 22 with a low of 7. Other cold lows were 6 in 1999 and 7 in 1981. The record coolest high of 1 was set way back in 1884. 28 of the last 31 lows were: 0s (aka single digits)(7), 10s (aka teens)(7), 20s (6) and 30s (8). Three lows were in the cooler: negative 10s (1) and negative 0s (aka negative single digits)(2).

In 1973, O'Hare had 0.6 inches of snow today. This was the sixth day of a string of eight days through the 20th which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:17. Sunset is at 16:23 and twilight ends at 16:55. Chicago's sunset is at 16:22 and twilight ends at 16:53. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:18. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. The moon is new as of two days ago at 6:02 and is waxing crescent. Illumination was 3% at midnight, will be 5% at noon and 7% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 8:58 this morning. Moonset is at 18:29. Moonrise is at 9:29 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 31 minutes which is 25 minutes longer than yesterday.

Christmas Eve is in six days and Christmas Day is in a week. New Year's Eve is in 13 days and New Year's Day is in two weeks. -Bernie-

December 17: ORD

Today is December 17th. It's the 351st day of the year. 14 days remain. It's week 51 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 34 and the normal low is 20. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 31 and 19.

On the warm side, in 2006 the high was 54 with a low of 41. Five years prior, in 2001, the high was 46 with a low of 33. In 1993 the high was 41 with a low of 36, a five degree spread. Another warm high was 48 in 1997. Other warm lows were 34 in 1990, 33 in 1986 and 32 in 1994. The record high of 60 and record warmest low of 44 were set on the same day in 1977. Over the last 31 years, 13 highs were in the 30s. Seven highs were in the warmer: 40s (6) and 50s (1). 11 highs were in the cooler: 0s (aka single digits)(1), 10s (aka teens)(4) and 20s (6).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 56 with a low of 41, a warm day and year of both the record high and record warmest low. In 1975 the high was 20 with a low of 8, a cold day. In 1973 the low was a cold 7 degrees. In 1972 the high was 23 with a low of -5, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 38 with a low of 36, a mere two degree spread. In 1966 the low was a warm 32 degrees. In 1964 the high was 24 with a cold low of 2, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 15 with a low of -9, a cold day. In 1962 the high was a warm 50 degrees. In 1961 the high was 34 with a low of 31, a three degree spread.

More recently, there were no large spreads of 30 degrees or more. There were small spreads of five degrees in 1990 (39/34), six degrees in 1992 (33/27) and seven degrees in four years: 1982 (32/25), 1986 (40/33), 2002 (37/30) and 2003 (26/19).

On the cold side, in 1985 the high was 13 with a low of -6. Two years prior, in 1983, the high was 9 with a low of 0. In 2000 the high was 16 with a low of -1. In 1989 the high was 16 with a low of 3. In 1979 the high was 19 with a low of 1. Last year the high was 20 with a low of 6. In 2005 the high was 20 with a low of 11. In 1988 the high was 21 with a low of 10. The record low of -7 was set back in 1951. The record coolest high of 8 was set back in 1945. 24 of the last 31 lows were: 10s (aka teens)(11), 20s (7) and 30s (6). Six lows were in the cooler: negative 0s (2) and 0s (aka single digits)(4). One low was in the warmer 40s.

In 1973, O'Hare had 1.4 inches of snow today. This was the fifth day of a string of eight days through the 20th which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:17. Sunset is at 16:23 and twilight ends at 16:54. Chicago's sunset is at 16:21 and twilight ends at 16:53. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:17. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. The moon is new as of yesterday at 6:02 and is waxing crescent. Illumination was 1% at midnight, will be 1% at noon and 3% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 8:21 this morning. Moonset is at 17:27. Moonrise is at 8:58 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 6 minutes which is 14 minutes longer than yesterday.

Christmas Eve is in a week and Christmas Day is in eight days. New Year's Eve is in two weeks and New Year's Day is in 15 days. -Bernie-

December 16: ORD

Today is December 16th. It's the 350th day of the year. 15 days remain. It's week 50 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 34 and the normal low is 20. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 35 and 21.

On the warm side, in 1984 the high was the record high of 60 with a low of 37. Three years ago the high was 55 with a low of 32. In 2001 the high was 45 with a low of 39, a six degree spread. In 1997 the high was 45 with a low of 32. Other warm lows were 35 in 1986, 34 in 1994, 33 in 1990, 33 in 1993 and 32 in 1998. The record warmest low of 43 was set back in 1928. Over the last 31 years, 21 highs were in the: 30s (13) and 40s (8). Two highs were in the warmer: 50s (1) and 60s (1). Eight highs were in the cooler: 0s (aka single digits)(1), 10s (aka teens)(1) and 20s (6).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was a warm 54 with a low of 30, a warm day. In 1974 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread. In 1972 the high was 9 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 39 with a low of 33, a six degree spread. In 1970 the high was 39 with a low of 36, a mere three degree spread. In 1966 the high was 34 with a low of 32, a mere two degree spread. In 1965 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 15 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1959 the high was 51 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1958 the high was 36 with a cold low of 0, a 36 degree spread.

More recently, there was a large spread of 32 degrees in 1979 (37/5). There were small spreads of three degrees in 1980 (33/30), three degrees in 1990 (36/33), three degrees in 2002 (33/30), five degrees in 1986 (40/35), five degrees in 1994 (39/34), six degrees in 1996 (32/26), six degrees in 2005 (24/18) and seven degrees in 1993 (40/33).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was 9 with a low of -5. A year earlier, in 1988, the high was 17 with a low of 4. In 1985 the high was 23 with a low of 3. In 1983 the high was 23 with a low of 3. Last year the high was 22 with a low of 6. In 1981 the high was 22 with a low of 9. Other cold lows were 5 in 1979 and 6 in 1991. The record low of -12 and record coolest high of 2 were set on the same day back in 1951. 19 of the last 31 lows were: 20s (7) and 30s (12). Twelve lows were in the cooler: negative 0s (1), 0s (aka single digits)(7) and 10s (aka teens)(4).

In 1973, O'Hare had 4.5 inches of snow today. This was the fourth day of a string of days through the 20th which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:44 and sunrise is at 7:16. Sunset is at 16:22 and twilight ends at 16:54. Chicago's sunset is at 16:21 and twilight ends at 16:53. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:17. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. The moon is new today at 6:02. Illumination was 0% at midnight, will be 0% at noon and 1% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 7:36 this morning. Moonset is at 16:28. Moonrise is at 8:21 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 52 minutes which is two minutes longer than yesterday.

Christmas Eve is in eight days and Christmas Day is in nine days. New Year's Eve is in 15 days and New Year's Day is in 16 days. -Bernie-