October 9: ORD

Today is October 9th. It's the 282nd day of the year. 83 days remain. It's week 41 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 65 and the normal low is 45. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 63 and 45.

On the warm side, there were no days of a mean of at least 11.5 degrees above normal. The warmest highs were in the mid 70s (76 two years ago and 75 in 1997). The record high was 86 in 1949 (at Midway). The warm lows were 57 in both 1982 and 1984. The record warmest low of 68 occurred way back in 1879. Over the last 30 years, 28 highs have been: 50s (9), 60s (11) and 70s (8). There were two highs in the cooler 40s.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 73 with a low of 41, a 32 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 81 with a low of 63, a warm day. In 1969 the high was a warm 79 with a low of 40, a 39 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 48 with a low of 37, a cool day. In 1966 the high was a warm 83 with a low of 49, a 34 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 57 with a low of 50, a seven degree spread. In 1964 the high was a cool 44 (this is the year of the record coolest high) with a low of 24 (cooler than the record low). In 1963 the high was a warm 79 with a low of 41, a 38 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 80 with a low of 56, a warm day.

More recently, there was a large spread of 35 degrees in 1981 (62/32). There were small spreads of three degrees in 1990 (48/45), six degrees in 1983 (56/50) and six degrees in 1984 (63/57).

On the cool side, in 1993 the high was 48 with a low of 32. In 2000 the high was 57 with the record low of 30. Other cool lows were 32 in both 1981 and 1989. Other cool highs were 48 in 1990 and 53 in 1986. The record coolest high stands at 43, which occurred in 1964. 16 of the last 30 lows were 40s. Seven lows were in the cooler 30s and seven lows were in the warmer 50s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:31 and sunrise is at 6:59. Sunset is at 18:21 and twilight ends at 18:49. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:32 and sunrise is at 7:01. There's a total of 11 hours, 22 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 18 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 73% at midnight, will be 68% at noon and 63% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 13:03. Moonrise is at 21:59. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 4 minutes which is two minutes shorter than yesterday. Today and yesterday are the peak of moonlight times for a while, both days just over 15 hours.

Columbus Day is in three days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in four days. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in four days. National Boss Day is in a week days. -Bernie-

October 8: ORD

Today is October 8th. It's the 281st day of the year. 84 days remain. It's week 41 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 66 and the normal low is 45. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 66 and 46.

On the warm side, in 2007 the high was the record high of 87 with a low of 60. The record high was also 87 in 1949 (at Midway). A decade earlier, in 1997, the high was 84 with a low of 62. Other warm highs were 80 in 2003 and 78 a decade earlier in 1993. Other warm lows were 57 in 1984, 1999 and 2004. The record warmest low of 68 occurred in 1939. Over the last 30 years, 20 highs have been: 60s (11) and 70s (9). There were three highs in the warmer 80s. There were seven highs in the cooler: 40s (1) and 50s (6).

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 58 with a low of 31, a cool day. In 1974 the high was 67 with a low of 35, a 32 degree spread. In 1970 the high was 67 with a warm low of 63, a four degree spread. In 1966 the high was 80 with a low of 55, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 75 with a low of 41, a 34 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 76 with a low of 46, a 30 degree spread.

More recently, there were large spreads of 35 degrees in 1982 (75/40), 32 degrees in 2003 (80/48) and 30 degrees in 1993 (78/48). There were small spreads of six degrees in 1990 (53/47) and seven degrees in 1999 (64/57).

On the cool side, in 2000 the high was 46 with a low of 31. In 1987 the high was 56 with the record low of 27. In 1989 the high was 55 with a low of 34. Other cool highs were 50 in 1996, 53 in 1990 and 53 in 2005. The record coolest high stands at 41, which occurred way back in 1895. 18 of the last 30 lows were 40s. Four lows were in the cooler: 20s (1) and 30s (3). Eight lows were in the warmer: 50s (6) and 60s (2).

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 18:23 and twilight ends at 18:51. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:31 and sunrise is at 6:59. There's a total of 11 hours, 25 minutes of daylight today (two minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 21 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 82% at midnight, will be 78% at noon and 73% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 12:02. Moonrise is at 20:56. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 6 minutes which is 18 minutes longer than yesterday. Today is the peak of moonlight time for the next several days but it's only two minutes shorter tomorrow.

Columbus Day is in four days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in five days. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in five days. National Boss Day is in eight days. -Bernie-

October 7: ORD

Today is October 7th. It's the 280th day of the year. 85 days remain. It's week 40 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 66 and the normal low is 45. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 65 and 44.

On the warm side, in 2007 the high was the record high of 87 with the record warmest low of 67. The former record high was 86 in 1947. The former record warmest low was 66 in 1914. A decade earlier, in 1997, the high was 84 with a low of 63. In 1993 the high was 81 with a low of 58. In 1994 the high was 75 with a low of 61. Another warm high was 80 in 2003. Another warm low was 60 in 1984. Over the last 30 years, 24 highs have been: 50s (7), 60s (10) and 70s (7). There were four highs in the warmer 80s. There were two highs in the cooler 40s.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was a cool 54. In 1977 the high was a cool 53. In 1976 the high was a cool 50. In 1975 the high was 76 with a low of 43, a 33 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 54 with a low of 32, a cool day. In 1970 the high was 79 with a low of 63, a warm day. In 1966 the high was a warm 78 with a low of 47, a 31 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 68 with a cool low of 24, a 44 degree spread. That low of 24 is cooler than the record low. In 1963 the high was a warm 81 with a low of 49, a 32 degree spread. In 1962 the low was a warm 60. In 1959 the high was 61 with a warm low of 57, a mere four degree spread.

More recently, there were large spreads of 39 degrees in 2003 (80/41), 35 degrees in 1985 (71/36), 33 degrees in 2004 (76/43), 33 degrees in 1980 (74/41) and 32 degrees in 1983 (77/45). There were small spreads of five degrees in 1984 (65/60), seven degrees in 1995 (53/46) and seven degrees last year (63/56).

On the cool side, in 2000 the high was 49 with a low of 30. In 1987 the high was also 49 with a low of 30. In 2001 the high was 52 with the record low of 29. The former record low of 30 occurred in both 1987 and 2000. Another cool low was 33 in 1991. Other cool highs were 53 in 1995 and 54 in 2005. The record coolest high stands at 47, which occurred way back in 1896. 21 of the last 30 lows were: 30s (9) and 40s (12). One low was in the cooler 20s. Eight lows were in the warmer: 50s (4) and 60s (4).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:29 and sunrise is at 6:57. Sunset is at 18:24 and twilight ends at 18:52. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:30 and sunrise is at 6:58. There's a total of 11 hours, 27 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 23 minutes between twilights. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 90% at midnight, will be 86% at noon and 82% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 10:53. Moonrise is at 20:05. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 48 minutes which is 28 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in five days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in six days. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in six days. National Boss Day is in nine days. -Bernie-

October 6: ORD

Today is October 6th. It's the 279th day of the year. 86 days remain. It's week 40 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 67 and the normal low is 46. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 67 and 45.

On the warm side, in 2007 the high was 87 with a low of 69. In 1982 the high was 87 with a low of 61. In 1990 the high was 84 with a low of 60. In 1997 the high was 84 with a low of 56. The record high of 94 was set in 1963. The record warmest low of 70 occurred way back in 1879. Over the last 30 years, 25 highs have been: 50s (9), 60s (8) and 70s (8). There were four highs in the warmer 80s. There was one high in the cooler 40s.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1970 the high was 79 with a low of 60, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 52 with a low of 48, a four degree spead. In 1966 the high was 67 with a cool low of 28, a 39 degree spread. That low of 28 is equal to the record low. In 1964 the high was 52 with a low of 25, a cool day. That low of 25 is cooler than the record low. In 1963 the high was a hot 91 degrees with a low of 58, a 33 degree spread. 1963 was the year of the record high of 94, set at Midway. In 1959 the low was a warm 58 degrees.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees in 1993 (78/44), 34 degrees in 1992 (70/36) and 33 degrees in 1980 (70/37). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 2001 the high was 50 with a low of 30. A year earlier, in 2000, the high was 48 with a low of 34. In 1988 the high was 56 with a low of 30. In 1991 the high was 53 with a low of 35. Another cool low was 32 in 1985. Another cool high was 54 in 1987. 27 of the last 30 lows were: 30s (11), 40s (9) and 50s (7). Three lows were in the warmer 60s.

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 18:26 and twilight ends at 18:54. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:29 and sunrise is at 6:57. There's a total of 11 hours, 30 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 26 minutes between twilights. The moon reached full two days ago (the full Harvest moon), and is now waning gibbous. Illumination was 95% at midnight, will be 93% at noon and 90% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 9:42. Moonrise is at 19:22. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 20 minutes which is 36 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in six days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in a week. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in a week. National Boss Day is in ten days. -Bernie-

October 5: ORD

Today is October 5th. It's the 278th day of the year. 87 days remain. It's week 40 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 67 and the normal low is 46. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 66 and 44.

On the warm side, in 2005 the high was 84 with the record warmest low of 69. The former record warmest low of 68 occurred in 1922. Two years ago the high was 84 with a low of 62. In 1982 the high was 86 with a low of 54, a 32 degree spread. In 1997 the high was the record high of 88 with a low of 52, a 36 degree spread. Another warm high was 85 in 1990. Another warm low was 58 in 1998. Over the last 30 years, 23 highs have been: 50s (8) and 60s (15). There were seven highs in the warmer: 70s (2) and 80s (5).

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1975 the high was 75 with a low of 42, a 33 degree spread. In 1972 the high was 64 with a low of 59, a five degree spread. In 1970 the high was a warm 79 degrees. In 1969 the low was a warm 58 degrees. In 1968 the low was a cool 32 degrees. In 1966 the high was 61 with a low of 31, a 30 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 60 with a low of 30, a 30 degree spread and a cool day. In 1963 the high was a warm 86 degrees with a low of 45, a 41 degree spread. In 1960 the high was a warm 79 degrees. In 1959 the low was a warm 58 degrees.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees in 1990 (85/51), 30 degrees in 1996 (69/39) and 30 degrees in 1993 (64/34). There was a small spread of four degrees in 1995 (60/56).

On the cool side, in 1980 the high was 54 with the record low of 28. In 1988 the high was 54 with a low of 32. In 2004 the high was 60 with a low of 31. Another cool low was 34 in 1993. Another cool high was 51 in 2001. 21 of the last 30 lows were: 30s (9) and 40s (12). One low was in the cooler 20s. Eight lows were in the warmer: 50s (6) and 60s (2).

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 18:28 and twilight ends at 18:56. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:28 and sunrise is at 6:56. There's a total of 11 hours, 33 minutes of daylight today (two minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 29 minutes between twilights. The moon reached full yesterday (the full Harvest moon) at 1:10, so it's now waning gibbous. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 97% at noon and 95% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 8:32. Moonrise is at 18:48. Moonset is at 9:42 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 44 minutes which is 41 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in a week. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in eight days. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in eight days. National Boss Day is in 11 days. -Bernie-

October 4: ORD

Today is October 4th. It's the 277th day of the year. 88 days remain. It's week 40 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 67 and the normal low is 47. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 65 and 45.

On the warm side, in 2005 the high was 87 with the record warmest low of 71. The former record warmest low of 69 occurred in 1922. That low of 71 tied October 1, 1971 as the warmest October low ever. Another warm high was 82 two years ago. The record high of 90 was set in 1951. Over the last 30 years, 23 highs have been: 50s (8) and 60s (15). There were seven highs in the warmer: 70s (5) and 80s (2).

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was a warm 82. In 1975 the high was 75 with a low of 44, a 31 degree spread. In 1969 the high was 80 with a low of 61, a warm day. In 1968 the low was a cool 35 degrees. In 1967 the high was 87 with a low of 66, a hot day. In 1965 the high was 57 with a low of 33, a cool day. In 1963 the high was 73 with a low of 41, a 32 degree spread. In 1959 the high was 60 with a low of 55, a five degree spread.

More recently, there were large spreads of 36 degrees in 1982 (77/41), 33 degrees in 1987 (69/36), 32 degrees in 1984 (70/38), 31 degrees in 2007 (82/51) and 31 degrees in 1993 (65/34). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1980 the high was 51 with the co-record low of 32. In 1988 the high was 52 with a low of 36. Other cool lows were the co-record low of 32 in 1989, 34 in 1993 and 35 in 1996. Another cool high was 54 in 1999. 29 of the last 30 lows were: 30s (11), 40s (8) and 50s (10). One low was in the warmer 70s. There have been no lows in the 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:26 and sunrise is at 6:54. Sunset is at 18:29 and twilight ends at 18:57. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:27 and sunrise is at 6:55. There's a total of 11 hours, 35 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 31 minutes between twilights. The moon has reached full today; the full Harvest moon was at 1:10 this morning. Illumination was 100% at midnight, will be 100% at noon and 99% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 7:23. Moonrise is at 18:20. Moonset is at 8:32 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 3 minutes which is 42 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in eight days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in nine days. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in nine days. National Boss Day is in 12 days. -Bernie-

October 3: ORD

Today is October 3rd. It's the 276th day of the year. 89 days remain. It's week 40 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 68 and the normal low is 47. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 68 and 47.

On the warm side, in 2005 the high was 85 with the record warmest low of 70. The former record warmest low of 69 occurred in 1922. In 1997 the high was 87 with a low of 60. In 1983 the high was 80 with a low of 61. Other warm highs were 82 in 1992, 82 in 2006 and 81 in 1990. Another warm low was 61 in 1986. The record high of 91 was set in 1954. Over the last 30 years, four of the five categories of highs have been almost equal: 50s (5), 60s (7), 70s (10) and 80s (6). There were two highs in the cooler 40s .

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was a warm 83 with a low of 51, a 32 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 71 with a low of 38, a 33 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 60 with a low of 28, a 32 degree spread and cool day. That low of 28 was cooler than the record low. In 1967 the high was 81 with a low of 61, a warm day. In 1964 the high was 76 with a low of 44 degrees, a 32 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 60 with a low of 30, a 30 degree spread and cool day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 38 degrees in 1993 (71/33), 34 degrees in 2004 (70/36), 32 degrees in 1984 (75/43), 31 degrees in 1992 (82/51), 31 degrees in 1985 (68/37), 30 degrees in 1990 (81/51) and 30 degrees in 1982 (75/45). There was a small spread of seven degrees in 1998 (58/51).

On the cool side, in 1987 the high was 54 with a low of 31. In 1980 the high was 49 with a low of 37. In 1999 the high was the record coolest high of 47 with a low of 41, a six degree spread. In 1989 the high was 53 with a low of 35. In 1981 the high was 61 with the record low of 29, a 32 degree spread. In 1996 the high was 55 with a low of 38. Another cool low was 33 in 1993. Another cool high was 53 in 2003. 25 of the last 30 lows were: 30s (7), 40s (8) and 50s (10). Four lows were in the warmer: 60s (3) and 70s (1). One low was in cooler 20s.

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 18:31 and twilight ends at 18:59. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:26 and sunrise is at 6:54. There's a total of 11 hours, 38 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 34 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous, heading towards the full Harvest moon tomorrow. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 100% at noon and 100% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 6:17. Moonrise is at 17:56. Moonset is at 7:23 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 21 minutes which is 42 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in nine days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in ten days. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in ten days. National Boss Day is in 13 days. -Bernie-

October 2: ORD

Today is October 2nd. It's the 275th day of the year. 90 days remain. It's week 40 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 69 and the normal low is 48. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 69 and 46.

On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 80 with a low of 59. Other warm highs were 88 in 1983, 84 in 2005, 81 in 2000 and 81 in 1982. Other warm lows were 61 in 2006, 60 in 2002 and 60 in 1986. In 1971 the record high of 91 and record warmest low of 69 were established. Over the last 30 years, the four categories of highs have been almost equal: 50s (7), 60s (10), 70s (7) and 80s (6). Interestingly, although the 60s are most represented, only one 60 degree high has occurred in the last dozen years. This was 61 last year. Of the 11 other highs, four have been 50s, four have been 70s and three have been 80s. The 60s were most in vogue from 1984 to 1989 when five of those six years had one.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was a warm 80 with a low of 49, a 31 degree spread. in 1975 the high was a cool 57 degrees. In 1974 the high was 50 with a low of 27, a cool day. 1974 was the year of the record low of 28 at Midway. In 1972 the high was 78 with a low of 46, a 32 degree spread. In 1971 the high was 89 with a low of 69, a hot day. 1971 was the year of the record high of 91 and record warmest low of 69, both set at Midway. In 1967 the high was 84 with a low of 61, a hot day. In 1966 the high was 69 with a cool low of 33 degrees, a 36 degree spread. In 1963 the high was a warm 82. In 1961 the high was 52 with a low of 30, a cool day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 39 degrees in 1983 (88/49), 37 degrees in 1997 (79/42), 34 degrees in 1990 (73/39), 32 degrees in 1982 (81/49), 32 degrees in 2001 (80/48), 31 degrees in 1984 (68/37), 30 degrees in 1992 (78/48) and 30 degrees in 2005 (84/54). There was a small spread of seven degrees in 1986 (67/60).

On the cool side, in 2003 the high was 53 with a low of 31. In 1981 the high was 52 with a low of 32. In 1993 the high was 55 with a low of 33. In 1999 the high was 55 with a low of 36. In 1987 the high was 58 with a low of 33. Another cool low was 34 in 1985. Another cool high was 57 in 1998. The record low of 28 was set in 1974 and the record coolest high of 48 was set way back in 1888. 27 of the last 30 lows were: 30s (9), 40s (11) and 50s (7). Three lows were in the warmer 60s. The tallies of lows over the last eight years has been an even mix: two 30s, two 40s, two 50s and two 60s. There was a 16 year drought of a low in the 60s between the low of 60 in 1986 to the low, also 60, in 2002.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:24 and sunrise is at 6:52. Sunset is at 18:33 and twilight ends at 19:01. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:25 and sunrise is at 6:53. There's a total of 11 hours, 41 minutes of daylight today (two minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 37 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous, heading towards the full Harvest moon in two days. Illumination was 96% at midnight, will be 98% at noon and 99% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 5:12. Moonrise is at 17:33. Moonset is at 6:17 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 39 minutes which is 42 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in ten days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in 11 days. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in 11 days. National Boss Day is in two weeks. -Bernie-

October 1: ORD

Today is October 1st. It's the 274th day of the year. 91 days remain. It's week 40 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 69 and the normal low is 48. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 71 and 47.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 82 with a low of 67. In 2000 the high was 83 with a low of 61. Another warm high is 81 in 1983. In 1971 the record high of 92 and record warmest low of 71 were established. Over the last 30 years, 24 highs were: 60s (9) and 70s (15). Four highs were in the warmer 80s. Two of these happened between 1980 and 1983 and two of them occurred between 2000 and 2002. There were two highs in the cooler 50s. These happened far apart, one in 1985 and the other in 2003.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 60 with a low of 55, a five degree spread. In 1976 the high was a warm 82 with a low of 46, a 36 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 52 with a low of 33, a cool day. 1974 was the year of the record low of 32, set at Midway. In 1971 the high was 90 with a low of 71, a hot day. 1971 was the year of the record high of 92 and record warmest low of 71, both set at Midway. In 1969 the high was 85 with a low of 58, a hot day. In 1968 the high was 80 with a low of 61, a warm day. In 1967 the high was 77 with a low of 42, a 35 degree spread. In 1966 the low was a cool 34 degrees. In 1963 the high was a warm 82 with a low of 51, a 31 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 51 with a low of 34, a cool day. 1961 was the year of the record coolest high of 49, set at Midway.

More recently, there were large spreads of 38 degrees in 1981 (76/38), 36 degrees in 1987 (73/37), 35 degrees in 1983 (81/46), 34 degrees in 1979 (77/43), 33 degrees in 1992 (74/41), 32 degrees in 1984 (65/33) and 30 degrees in 2006 (74/44). There was a small spread of four degrees in 1986 (61/57).

On the cool side, in 2003 the high was 53 with a low of 34. In 1985 the high was 55 with a low of 34. An interesting fact was that highs in the back to back to back years of 1997, 1998 and 1999 were 60, some of the coolest highs of October 1st. Another cool low was 33 in 1984. We had a 15 year reprieve from lows in the 30s from 1988 to 2002. The record low of 32 was set in 1974 and the record coolest high of 49 was set in 1961. 23 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (14) and 50s (9). Five lows were in the cooler 30s. Four of these five occurred between 1981 and 1987 with a lone one in 2003. Two lows were in the warmer 60s, just two years apart (2000 and 2002).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:23 and sunrise is at 6:51. Sunset is at 18:34 and twilight ends at 19:02. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:24 and sunrise is at 6:52. There's a total of 11 hours, 43 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 39 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous, heading towards the full Harvest moon in three days. Illumination was 91% at midnight, will be 94% at noon and 96% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 4:09. Moonrise is at 17:12. Moonset is at 5:12 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 57 minutes which is 40 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in 11 days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in 12 days. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in 12 days. National Boss Day is in 15 days. -Bernie-

September 30: ORD

Today is September 30th. It's the 273rd day of the year. 92 days remain. It's week 39 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 69 and the normal low is 48. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 73 and 48.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 85 with the near-record warmest low of 68. The record warmest low remains 69 degrees, set in 1971. In 1995 the high was 84 with a low of 65. In 1982 the high was 85 with a low of 58. Two years ago the high was 83 with a low of 59. Other warm highs were 83 in both 1981 and 1994. It was 82 in 1991 and 81 in 1983. The record high of 92 was set in 1971. Over the last 30 years, 28 highs were: 60s (9), 70s (11) and 80s (8). Last year we had just the second 50s high of the last 30 years. It was also the second 50s high of the last six years.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 77 with a low of 47, a 30 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 65 with a warm low of 60, a five degree spread. In 1973, 0.04 inches of rain fell. This followed nearly an inch (0.93") the previous day. In 1972 the high was 53 with a low of 36, a cool day. In 1971 the high was 92 with a low of 65, a hot day. 1971 was the year of the record high and record warmest low. In 1968 the high was 80 with a low of 50, a 30 degree spread. In 1964 the low was a cool 36 degrees. In 1963 the high was 77 with a low of 45, a 32 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 70 with a cool low of 36, a 34 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 75 with a cool low of 44, a 31 degree spread. In 1960 the high was a cool 57 degrees.

More recently, there were large spreads of 36 degrees in 2004 (72/36), 34 degrees in 1989 (77/43), 33 degrees in 1983 (81/48) 31 degrees in 1994 (83/52), 31 degrees in 1996 (78/47) and 30 degrees in 1990 (82/52). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1984 the high was 60 with the record low of 29, a 31 degree spread. In 1993 the high was 61 with a low of 31, a 30 degree spread. In 2003 the high was 56 with a low of 39. Another cool low was 36 in 2004. The record coolest high of 44 was set way back in 1899, a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 23 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (12) and 50s (11). Five lows were in the cooler: 20s (1) and 30s (4). Two lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:22 and sunrise is at 6:50. Sunset is at 18:36 and twilight ends at 19:04. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:23 and sunrise is at 6:51. There's a total of 11 hours, 46 minutes of daylight today (four minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 42 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 85% at midnight, will be 88% at noon and 91% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 3:07. Moonrise is at 16:50. Moonset is at 4:09 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 17 minutes which is 39 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in 12 days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in 13 days. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in 13 days. National Boss Day is in 16 days. -Bernie-

September 29: ORD

Today is September 29th. It's the 272nd day of the year. 93 days remain. It's week 39 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 69 and the normal low is 49. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 70 and 49.

On the warm side, in 1982 the high was 83 with a low of 63. In 2002 the high was 84 with a low of 60. In 1979 the high was 85 with a low of 58. In 1986 the high was 77 with a low of 64. Another warm high was 81 in 1983. The record high of 99 was set in 1953 and the record warmest low of 69 occurred in 1904, a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. Over the last 30 years, 26 highs were: 60s (11), 70s (9) and 80s (6). Four highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1971 the high was 80 with a low of 65, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 72 with a low of 39, a 33 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 47 with a low of 41, a six degree spread. In 1964 the high was 67 with a low of 32, a 35 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 66 with a cool low of 36, a 30 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 66 with a cool low of 32, a 34 degree spread. The lows of 32 in 1964 and 1961 are equal to the record.

More recently, there were large spreads of 31 degrees in 1983 (81/50) and 30 degrees two years ago (80/50). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1984 the high was 55 with the record low of 32. In 1993 the high was 54 with a low of 37. Other cool lows were 36 in 1992 and 37 three years ago. The record coolest high of 44 was set way back in 1899, a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 22 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (9) and 50s (13). Five lows were in the cooler 30s and three were in the warmer 60s. Today is also the runner-up date of the earliest first freeze which occurred in 1984. The earliest first freeze was on September 22, 1995.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:20 and sunrise is at 6:48. Sunset is at 18:38 and twilight ends at 19:06. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:22 and sunrise is at 6:50. There's a total of 11 hours, 50 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 46 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 77% at midnight, will be 81% at noon and 85% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 2:05. Moonrise is at 16:27. Moonset is at 3:07 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 38 minutes which is 38 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in 13 days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in two weeks. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in two weeks. National Boss Day is in 17 days. -Bernie-

September 28: ORD

Today is September 28th. It's the 271st day of the year. 94 days remain. It's week 39 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 69 and the normal low is 49. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 69 and 49.

On the warm side, in 1986 the high was 82 with the only 60s low of 65. Other warm highs were 83 in 1979, 82 in 1987, 81 in 1983 and 81 in 1995. There have been no 80s highs since 1995. The record high of 92 was set in 1953 and the record warmest low of 71 occurred in 1971. Over the last 30 years, the following is the distribution of highs: 50s (6), 60s (11), 70s (8) and 80s (5). The last decade has been a microcosm of the day: three in the 50s, three in the 70s and four in the 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1975 the high was 73 with a low of 40, a 33 degree spread. In 1973 the low was a warm 64 degrees. In 1971 the high was 89 with a low of 73, a hot day. In 1967 the high was a cool 53 with a low of 41. In 1964 the high was 62 with a low of 32, a 30 degree spread and cool day. In 1963 the high was a warm 87 with a low of 53, a 34 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 56 with a low of 33, a cool day. In 1959 the high was 77 with a low of 64, a warm day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 32 degrees in 1979 (83/51), 32 degrees in 1989 (74/42) and 31 degrees in 1985 (76/45). There were small spreads of four degrees in 2001 (56/52) and seven degrees in 1988 (65/58).

On the cool side, in 1984 the high was 56 with a low of 36. Another cool high was 56 in 2001. Another cool low was 36 in 1991. The record low of 29 was set in 1942. The record coolest high of 50 was set way back in 1893. 26 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (10) and 50s (16). Three lows were in the cooler 30s and one was in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:19 and sunrise is at 6:47. Sunset is at 18:40 and twilight ends at 19:08. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:20 and sunrise is at 6:48. There's a total of 11 hours, 53 minutes of daylight today (two minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 49 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 69% at midnight, will be 73% at noon and 77% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 1:02. Moonrise is at 16:02. Moonset is at 2:05 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours which is 31 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in two weeks. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in 15 days. A brother-in-law, Buddy, celebrates a birthday in 15 days. National Boss Day is in 18 days. -Bernie-

September 27: ORD

Today is September 27th. It's the 270th day of the year. 95 days remain. It's week 39 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 70 and the normal low is 49. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 71 and 50.

On the warm side, in 1986 the high was 86 with a low of 68. In 1987 the high was 89 with a low of 61. In 1998 the high was 86 with a low of 60. Other warm highs were 84 in 1990 and 83 in 1979. The record high of 91 and record warmest low of 71 were set on the same day in 1971. Over the last 30 years, 26 highs were: 60s (11) and 70s (7) and 80s (8). Four highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1975 the high was 70 with a low of 40, a 30 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 80 with a low of 63, a warm day. In 1971 the high was 86 with a low of 69, a hot day. In 1967 the high was a cool 55. In 1964 the high was 61 with a low of 35, a cool day. In 1963 the high was a warm 85 with a low of 52, a 33 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 71 with a low of 40, a 31 degree spread.

More recently, there were large spreads of 37 degrees in 1990 (84/47), 31 degrees in 1985 (68/37), 31 degrees in 2004 (76/45) and 30 degrees in 1983 (79/49). There were small spreads of seven degrees in 1993 (53/46) and 1994 (58/51).

On the cool side, in 1984 the high was the near-record coolest high of 50 (the record is 49, set in 1942) with a low of 36. In 1991 the high was 58 with a low of 34. Other cool highs were 53 in 1993 and 58 in 1994. Other cool lows were 37 in both 1985 and 1989. There have been no lows below 45 for 17 years running (since 34 degrees in 1991). The record low of 31 was set in 1942. 22 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (13) and 50s (9). Four lows were in the cooler 30s and four lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:18 and sunrise is at 6:46. Sunset is at 18:41 and twilight ends at 19:09. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:19 and sunrise is at 6:47. There's a total of 11 hours, 55 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 51 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous, having just reached first quarter two nights ago at 23:50. Illumination was 60% at midnight, will be 65% at noon and 69% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at a minute past midnight. Moonrise is at 15:32. Moonset is at 1:02 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 29 minutes which is 35 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in 15 days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in 16 days. National Boss Day is in 19 days. -Bernie-

September 26: ORD

Today is September 26th. It's the 269th day of the year. 96 days remain. It's week 39 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 70 and the normal low is 50. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 70 and 50.

On the warm side, in 1998 the high was the record high of 90 with a low of 68. In 1986 the high was 78 with a low of 69. In 1999 the high was 86 with a low of 57. Other warm highs were 85 in 1987 and 83 in 1979. For 14 years running, there have been no highs failing to reach at least 65 degrees. The last time the high was below 65 was in 1994 when it was 58. The record warmest low of 71 was set in 1973. Over the last 30 years, 22 highs were: 60s (13) and 70s (9). Four highs were in the warmer: 80s (3) and 90s (1). Four highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 76 with a low of 46, a 30 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 82 with a low of 50, a 32 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 82 with a low of 71, a warm day. In 1966 the low was a cold 36. In 1965 the high was 53 with a low of 42, a cool day. In 1963 the high was a warm 83 with a low of 50, a 33 degree spread.

More recently, there were large spreads of 39 degrees in 1987 (85/46), 32 degrees in 1979 (83/51) and 31 degrees in 1995 (76/45). There was a small spread of seven degrees in 1994 (58/51).

On the cool side, in 1984 the high was 53 with the near-record low of 36 (the record low of 35 was set in 1928). The other cool highs were all 58 degrees in: 1980, 1989 and 1994. The record coolest high of 47 was set in 1942. 27 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (12) and 50s (15). One low was in the cooler 30s. Two lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:17 and sunrise is at 6:45. Sunset is at 18:43 and twilight ends at 19:11. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:18 and sunrise is at 6:46. There's a total of 11 hours, 58 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 54 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing gibbous, having just reached first quarter last night at 23:50. Illumination was 51% at midnight, will be 55% at noon and 60% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 14:56. Moonset is at a minute past midnight tonight. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 4 minutes which is 15 minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in 16 days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in 17 days. National Boss Day is in 20 days. -Bernie-

September 25: ORD

Today is September 25th. It's the 268th day of the year. 97 days remain. It's week 39 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 71 and the normal low is 50. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 71 and 49.

On the warm side, in 1986 the high was 88 with a low of 68. Two years ago the high was 85 with a low of 63. Other warm lows were 67 in 2005 and 63 last year. The record high of 90 was set back in 1933 and the record warmest low of 72 occurred in 1920, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 12 highs were in the 70s. Six highs were in the warmer 80s. 12 highs were in the cooler: 50s (5) and 60s (7).

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1975 the high was a cool 59 with a low of 52, a seven degree spread. In 1973 the high was 80 with a cool low of 69, a warm day. In 1972 the high was 74 with a low of 68, a six degree spread. in 1971 the high was a cool 58 with a low of 51, a seven degree spread. In 1967 the high was 73 with a low of 40, a 33 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 74 with a cool low of 40, a 34 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 83 with a low of 52, a 31 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 56 with a low of 42, a cool day. In 1959 the high was 85 with a low of 63, a hot day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 37 degrees in 1999 (80/43), 34 degrees in 1984 (74/40), 32 degrees in 1988 (77/45), 31 degrees in 1989 (70/39), 31 degrees in 2002 (74/43) and 30 degrees in 1998 (81/51). There was a small spread of three degrees in 1983 (58/55).

On the cool side, in 1985 the high was 58 with a low of 35. In 2000 the high was 55 with a low of 43. In 2001 the high was 58 with a low of 40. in 1982 the high was 52 with a low of 47, a five degree spread. Another cool high was 58 in 1983. The record low of 30 and record coolest high of 46 were set on the same day in 1942. 15 of the last 30 lows were 40s. Two lows were in the cooler 30s. 13 lows were in the warmer: 50s (9) and 60s (4).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:16 and sunrise is at 6:44. Sunset is at 18:45 and twilight ends at 19:13. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:17 and sunrise is at 6:45. There's a total of 12 hours, 1 minute of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 12 hours, 57 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent, heading towards first quarter tonight at 23:50. Illumination was 41% at midnight, will be 46% at noon and 51% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 14:13. Moonset is at 23:02 tonight. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 49 minutes which is four minutes longer than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in 17 days. My parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in 18 days. National Boss Day is in three weeks. -Bernie-

September 24: ORD

Today is September 24th. It's the 267th day of the year. 98 days remain. It's week 39 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 71 and the normal low is 51. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 69 and 48.

On the hot side, two years ago the high was 90 with a low of 68. In 1984 the high was 84 with a low of 61. Other warm lows were 64 in 1986 and 63 in 2005. The record high of 91 was set way back in 1891. The record warmest low of 71 occurred in 1930, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 16 highs were in the 60s. 11 highs have been in the warmer: 70s (7), 80s (3) and 90s (1). Three highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 79 with a low of 49, a 30 degree spread. In 1976 the high was 69 with a cool low of 34, a 35 degree spread. That low of 34 was cooler than the record low. In 1966 the high was 72 with a cool low of 39, a 33 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 54 with a low of 42, a cool day. In 1960 the high was 84 with a low of 63, a warm day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 31 degrees in 1993 (69/38) and 30 degrees in 1983 (66/36). There was a small spread of seven degrees in 2000 (56/49).

On the cool side, in both 1985 and 1989, highs were 61 with co-record lows of 35. In 1991 the high was 57 with a low of 40. In 1995 the high was 62 with a low of 37. Other cool lows were 36 in 1983 and 38 in 1993. Other cool highs were 55 in 2001 and 56 in 2000. The record coolest high of 51 occurred in 1942. 15 of the last 30 lows were 40s. Five lows were in the cooler 30s. Ten lows were in the warmer: 50s (6) and 60s (4).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:15 and sunrise is at 6:43. Sunset is at 18:47 and twilight ends at 19:15. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:16 and sunrise is at 6:44. There's a total of 12 hours, 4 minutes of daylight today (two minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent, heading towards first quarter tomorrow night at 23:50. Illumination was 32% at midnight, will be 36% at noon and 41% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 13:22. Moonset is at 22:07 tonight. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 45 minutes which is 11 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The autumnal equinox was two afternoon's ago at 16:18. Columbus Day is in 18 days. -Bernie-

September 23: ORD

Today is September 23rd. It's the 266th day of the year. 99 days remain. It's week 38 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 71 and the normal low is 51. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 69 and 48.

On the hot side, there were no days of a mean of at least 11.5 degrees above normal. The hot highs were 85 in 2004 and 84 two years ago. The record high of 91 was set in 1937. Our warm low was 64 in 1986. The record warmest low of 71 occurred in 1891, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 21 highs were in the: 60s (13) and 70s (8). Four highs have been in the warmer 80s. Five highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 68 with a low of 36 (cooler than normal), a 32 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 72 with a low of 42, a 30 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 60 with a low of 28, a 32 degree spread. That low of 28 was cooler than the record low. In 1966 the high was 73 with a low of 42, a 31 degree spread. In 1960 the high was 67 with a low of 61, a six degree spread.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees two years ago (84/50), 31 degrees in 2004 (85/54), 30 degrees in 2002 (69/39) and 30 degrees in 1979 (73/43). There was a small spread of five degrees in 2005 (67/62).

On the cool side, in 1995 the high was 58 with the record low of 29. In 1989 the high was 54 with a low of 37. In 1983 the high was 56 with a low of 35. In 1981 the high was 63 with a low of 35. In 1992 the high was 59 with a low of 40. Another cool low was 39 in 2002. Another cool high was 59 in 1990. The record coolest high of 51 occurred back in 1928, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. 23 of the last 30 lows were: 40s (13) and 50s (10). Five lows were in the cooler: 20s (1) and 30s (4). Two lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:14 and sunrise is at 6:42. Sunset is at 18:48 and twilight ends at 19:16. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:15 and sunrise is at 6:43. There's a total of 12 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 2 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 23% at midnight, will be 27% at noon and 32% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 12:23. Moonset is at 21:19 tonight. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 56 minutes which is 23 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The autumnal equinox was yesterday afternoon at 16:18. -Bernie-

September 22: ORD

Today is September 22nd. It's the 265th day of the year. 100 days remain. It's week 38 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 72 and the normal low is 51. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 71 and 50.

On the hot side, in 1986 the high was 90 with a low of 65. In 2005 the high was 87 with a low of 63. Another hot high was 84 in 1980. The record high of 92 was set in 1956. The record warmest low of 76 occurred in 1895, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 23 highs were in the: 60s (11) and 70s (12). Five highs have been in the warmer: 80s (4) and 90s (1). Two highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 71 with a low of 34 degrees, a 37 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 53 with a low of 32, a cool day. That low of 32 is equal to the record low. In 1970 the high was 68 with a low of 61, a seven degree spread and 0.51 inches of rain. In 1968 the high was 83 with a low of 65, a warm day. In 1961 the high was 85 with a low of 63, a hot day. In 1959 the high was a 87 with a low of 65, a hot day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 35 degrees in 1989 (78/43), 32 degrees in 2004 (82/50) and 31 degrees in 1999 (72/41). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1995 the high was 52 with the record low of 32. In 1983 the high was 54 with a low of 37. 22 of the past 30 lows were: 40s (12) and 50s (10). Two lows were in the cooler 30s and six lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:13 and sunrise is at 6:41. Sunset is at 18:50 and twilight ends at 19:18. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:14 and sunrise is at 6:42. There's a total of 12 hours, 9 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 5 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 15% at midnight, will be 19% at noon and 23% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 11:17. Moonset is at 20:36 tonight. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 19 minutes which is 34 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The autumnal equinox is this afternoon at 16:18. -Bernie-

September 21: ORD

Today is September 21st. It's the 264th day of the year. 101 days remain. It's week 38 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 72 and the normal low is 52. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 71 and 51.

On the hot side, in 2007 the high was 88 with a low of 64. In 1980 the high was 79 with a low of 69. Another hot high was 87 in 2005. The record high of 92 was set in 1970. The record warmest low of 76 occurred in 1931, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, 13 highs were in the 60s. 15 highs have been in the warmer: 70s (7) and 80s (8). Two highs were in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the low was a cool 40 degrees. In 1975 the high was 58 with a low of 51, a seven degree spread. In 1971 the high was 72 with a low of 42, a 30 degree spread. In 1970 the high was 88 with a low of 68, a hot day. In 1965 the high was 80 with a low of 68, a warm day. In 1964 the high was 85 with a low of 65, a hot day. In 1962 the high was 71 with a low of 33, a 38 degree spread. In 1959 the high was a 84 with a low of 64, a warm day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees in 2005 (87/53), 32 degrees in 1984 (80/48) and 31 degrees in 2004 (82/51). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1995 the high was the record coolest high of 50 with a low of 41. in 1983 the high was 53, the only other 50s high, with the co-record low of 39. The other co-record low of 39 occurred in 1991. These were the only 30s lows. 16 of the last 30 lows have been 50s. 11 lows were in the cooler: 30s (2) and 40s (9). Three lows were in the warmer 60s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:12 and sunrise is at 6:40. Sunset is at 18:52 and twilight ends at 19:20. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:13 and sunrise is at 6:41. There's a total of 12 hours, 12 minutes of daylight today (three minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 8 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 8% at midnight, will be 11% at noon and 15% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 10:08. Moonset is at 20:01 tonight. Moonrise is at 11:17 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 53 minutes which is 40 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The autumnal equinox is tomorrow at 16:18. -Bernie-

September 20: ORD

Today is September 20th. It's the 263rd day of the year. 102 days remain. It's week 38 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 72 and the normal low is 52. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 72 and 52.

On the hot side, in 1980 the high was 90 with a low of 67. In 1998 the high was 86 with a low of 65. Other hot highs were 85 in 1994 and 84 in 1985. The record high of 91 and record warmest low of 73 were set on the same day back in 1931, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront. Over the last 30 years, there have been 23 highs in the: 60s (12) and 70s (11). Six highs have been in the warmer: 80s (5) and 90s (1). One high was in the cooler 50s.

In looking back through the years to the first September at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 89 with a low of 62, a hot day. In 1975 the high was a cool 60. In 1974 the high was 61 with a low of 55, a six degree spread. In 1970 the high was 85 with a low of 63, a hot day. In 1967 the high was 85 with a low of 66, a hot day. In 1965 the high was 84 with a low of 69, a hot day. In 1962 the high was 60 with a low of 35, a cool day. In 1960 the high was 65 with a low of 58, a seven degree spread. In 1959 the high was a 88 with a low of 64, a hot day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees in 1983 (78/44), 31 degrees in 1979 (79/48) and 30 degrees in 2003 (71/41). There were no small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1991 the high was 60 with the record low of 36. in 1982 the high was 55 with a low of 43. The record coolest high of 52 occurred back in 1901, a time when the official readings were taken on the lakefront.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:11 and sunrise is at 6:39. Sunset is at 18:54 and twilight ends at 19:22. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:12 and sunrise is at 6:40. There's a total of 12 hours, 15 minutes of daylight today (two minutes less than yesterday) and 13 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. The moon is waxing crescent, having reached new two days ago at 13:44. Illumination was 3% at midnight, will be 5% at noon and 8% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 8:56. Moonset is at 19:29 tonight. Moonrise is at 10:08 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 33 minutes which is 46 minutes shorter than yesterday.

The autumnal equinox is in two days. -Bernie-