January 17: ORD

Today is January 17th. It's the 17th day of the year. 348 days remain. It's week 3 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 29 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 30 and 15.

On the warm side, in 1996 the high was 56 with a low of 37. A decade earlier, in 1986, the high was 54 with a low of 37. Four years later, in 1990, the high was 55 with a low of 35. A decade before, in 1980, the high was 44 with a low of 35. In 1989 the high was 45 with a low of 30. A year earlier, in 1988, the high was 41 with a low of 33. In 1995 the high was 43 with a low of 30. In 2006 the high was 43 with a low of 27. The record high of 60 was set way back in 1894 and the record warmest low of 42 occurred in 1973. Another warm high was 41 in 1999. Another warm low was 28 in 2004. 24 of the last 32 highs (75%) were: 20s (12), 30s (6) and 40s (6). On the warmer side, three highs were 50s. On the cold side, five highs were: 10s (aka teens) (3) and single digits (2).

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 4 with a low of -12, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 15 with a low of 1, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 36 with a warm low of 31, a five degree spread and warm day. In 1973 the high was 57 with a low of 43, a warm day and year of the record warmest low. In 1969 the high was 37 with a warm low of 35, a two degree spread and warm day. In 1967 the high was 14 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1966 high was 10 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1965 the low was a cold 2 degrees. In 1963 the high was 26 with a cold low of -12, a 38 degree spread and cold day. In 1962 the high was 2 with a low of -4, a six degree spread and cold day. In 1961 the high was 49 with a low of 28, a warm day. In 1959 the high was 11 with a low of -1, a cold one.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1987 (29/25), six degrees in 2000 (25/19), six degrees in 2004 (34/28) and seven degrees in 2001 (26/19).

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was the former record coldest high of 4 with the record low of -23. Other lows in 1982 were as follows: Rockford: -25, Barrington and Marengo: -22, Elgin: -20, Wheaton, DeKalb and Waukegan: -18 and Midway: -17. In 1997 the high was the record coldest high of 3 with a low of -9. Three years earlier, in 1994, the high was 10 with a low of -13. In 2005 the high was 11 with a low of 2. In 1984 the high was 12 with a low of 2. 29 of the last 32 lows (91%) were: single digits (10), 10s (aka teens) (7), 20s (5) and 30s (7). Three lows were colder: negative 20s (1), negative tens (aka negative teens) (1) and negative single digits (1).

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 1979, 1.2 inches fell. This was the seventh day of a 21.7 inch, seven day stretch of snow. This storm changed Chicago politics. The slow response that the city had to cleaning up after the storm was blamed on Mayor Michael Bilandic and his administration. This caused him to lose in the primary election to the eventual new mayor, Jayne Byrne. At O'Hare on the 13th, 15.3 inches fell while at Midway, 16.5 inches fell. This blizzard closed down the city for several days.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:19. Sunset is at 16:48 and twilight ends at 17:19. There's a total of 9 hours, 29 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 31 minutes between twilights. We gained a minute of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:18. The moon is waxing gibbous and will be full in two days. Illumination was 91% at midnight, will be 94% at noon and 96% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 5:21 this morning. Moonrise is at 14:36 this afternoon. Moonset is at 6:12 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 45 minutes which is only four minutes shorter than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is today. -Bernie-

January 16: ORD

Today is January 16th. It's the 16th day of the year. 349 days remain. It's week 3 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 29 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 31 and 14.

On the warm side, in 1980 the high was 56 with a low of 42. The record warmest low is 42, set back in 1913. Since the official station in 1980 was Midway and not O'Hare, this low of 42 in 1980 is not considered the official record warmest low. It actually missed being the record by a single day! A decade later, in 1990, the high was the record high of 57 with a low of 36. A couple of years earlier, in 1988, the high was 46 with a low of 32. In 2006 the high was 47 with a low of 30. Two decades earlier, in 1986, the high was 50 with a low of 18, a 32 degree spread. In 1995 the high was 36 with a low of 31, a five degree spread. A year later, in 1996, the high was 43 with a low of 22. Another warm high was 42 in 1989. Other warm lows were 26 in both 1998 and 2001. 24 of the last 32 highs (75%) were: 20s (10), 30s (8) and 40s (6). On the warmer side, three highs were 50s. On the cold side, three highs were 10s (aka teens) and two highs were in the single digits (3 two years ago and 8 in 1982).

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was a cold 16 degrees. In 1977 the high was -4 with a low of -17, a cold day. The record coldest high of -7 was set this year (1977). It's unusual that Midway had a lower reading than O'Hare. In 1974 the high was 42 with a low of 31, a warm day. In 1973 the high was 50 with a low of 33, another warm day. In 1972 the high was 15 with a low of -13, a cold day. In 1969 the high was 37 with a low of 34, a three degree spread and warm day. In 1966 the low was a cold 1 degree. In 1965 the low was zero. In 1963 the high was 17 with a low of -12, a very cold day. In 1962 the high was 14 with a low of zero, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 31 with a warm low of 27, a four degree spread. In 1959 the high was 12 with a low of 1, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1998 (30/26), four degrees last year (27/23), five degrees in 2001 (31/26) and five degrees in 2004 (29/24).

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was 8 with the record low of -25, a 33 degree spread. Other lows in 1982 were as follows: Rockford: -24, DeKalb and Marengo: -17, Midway, Elgin and Barrington: -16, Wheaton: -15. Two years ago the high was 3 with a low of -18. That high of 3 was the coldest high of the last 32 years. In 1994 the high was 10 with a low of -16. A decade earlier, in 1984, the high was 18 with a low of -6. In 1992 the high was 27 with a low of -12, a 39 degree spread. In 2005 the high was 14 with a low of 3. In 1979 the high was 24 with a low of -7, a 31 degree spread. A couple of locations in 1979 were a lot colder than Midway's -7. They were -24 at Elgin and -21 at Rockford. In 1997 the high was 22 with a low of -4. The record coldest high of -7 was set in 1977. 12 of the last 32 lows (37%) were 20s. 15 lows (47%) were cold: negative 20s (1), negative 10s (3), negative single digits (3), single digits (3) and 10s (aka teens) (5). Five lows were warmer: 30s (4) and 40s (1). Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average twelfth coldest day of the year.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 1979, 0.2 inches fell. This was the sixth day of a 21.7 inch, seven day stretch of snow. This storm changed Chicago politics. The slow response that the city had to cleaning up after the storm was blamed on Mayor Michael Bilandic and his administration. This caused him to lose in the primary election to the eventual new mayor, Jayne Byrne. At O'Hare on the 13th, 15.3 inches fell while at Midway, 16.5 inches fell. This blizzard closed down the city for several days.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:19. Sunset is at 16:47 and twilight ends at 17:18. There's a total of 9 hours, 28 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 30 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:19. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 84% at midnight, will be 88% at noon and 91% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 4:24 this morning. Moonrise is at 13:35 this afternoon. Moonset is at 5:21 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 49 minutes which is 10 minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is tomorrow. -Bernie-

January 15: ORD

Today is January 15th. It's the 15th day of the year. 350 days remain. It's week 3 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 29 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 28 and 13.

On the warm side, in 1990 the high was 53 with a low of 27. A decade earlier, in 1980, the high was 47 with a low of 32. In 2006 the high was 45 with a low of 27. Six years earlier, in 2000, the high was 42 with a low of 26. Five years before that, in 1995, the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread. Six years after that, in 2001, the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. Other warm lows were 30 in 2002 and 27 in 1987. The record high of 60 was set in 1949 and the record warmest low of 40 was set way back in 1894. 21 of the last 32 highs (66%) were: 20s (9) and 30s (12). On the warmer side, four highs were: 40s (3) and 50s (1). On the cold side, five highs were in the 10s (aka teens) and two were in the negative single digits. Two years ago the high was minus 1, rivaling 1994's minus 4.

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 cold low of -1, a cold day. In 1977 the high was 18 with a cold low of -10, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 37 with a low of 7, a 30 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 40 with a warm low of 28, a warm day. In 1973 the high was 36 with a warm low of 33, a three degree spread and warm day. In 1972 the high was -9 with a low of -17, a very cold day. 1972 was the year of the record coldest high of -5 at Midway. That high of -9 was colder than the record, but O'Hare was not the official station of record for Chicago in 1972. In 1965 the high was 21 with a low of 15, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 0 with a low of -19, another very cold day. That low of -19 at O'Hare equals the record low of -19 set at Midway Airport in 1979. In 1961 the high was 34 with a warm low of 30, a four degree spread. In 1959 the high was 34 with a cold low of 1, a 33 degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 2002 (34/30) and seven degrees in 1998 (31/24). In 1986 the spread was a large 33 degrees (37/4).

On the cold side, in 1994 the high was -4 with a low of -17. Fifteen years later, in 2009, the high was -1 with a low of -13. Thirty years earlier, in 1979, the high was 11 with a low of -17. Three years later, in 1982, the high was 14 with a low of -9. Another three years later, in 1985, the high was 13 with a low of -4. In 1992 the high was 20 with a low of -10, a 30 degree spread. In 1984 the high was 17 with a low of 0. In 2005 the high was 15 with a low of 4. The record low of -19 was set at Midway in 1979. The record coldest high of -5 was set in 1972 (also at Midway). Other lows in 1979 were -17 at O'Hare, -20 at Barrington and Wheaton, -21 at NIU in DeKalb, -22 west of Crystal Lake at Marengo and -24 at Rockford and Elgin. 22 of the last 32 lows (69%) were: single digits (5), 10s (6) and 20s (11). Six lows were in the cold: negative 10s (4) and negative single digits (2). Four lows were in the warmer 30s. Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average second coldest day of the year.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 1979, 1.6 inches fell. This was the fifth day of a 21.7 inch, seven day stretch of snow. This storm changed Chicago politics. The slow response that the city had to cleaning up after the storm was blamed on Mayor Michael Bilandic and his administration. This caused him to lose in the primary election to the eventual new mayor, Jayne Byrne. At O'Hare on the 13th, 15.3 inches fell while at Midway, 16.5 inches fell. This blizzard closed down the city for several days.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:20. Sunset is at 16:46 and twilight ends at 17:17. There's a total of 9 hours, 26 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 28 minutes between twilights. We gained a minute of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:19. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 76% at midnight, will be 80% at noon and 84% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 3:23 this morning. Moonrise is at 12:44 this afternoon. Moonset is at 4:24 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 39 minutes which is 21 minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in two days. -Bernie-

January 14: ORD

Today is January 14th. It's the 14th day of the year. 351 days remain. It's week 2 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 29 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 29 and 15.

On the warm side, in 1987 the high was 45 with a low of 30. In 1996 the high was 47 with a low of 28. Six years earlier, in 1990, the high was 45 with a low of 29. Five years later, in 1995, the high was 39 with a low of 35, a four degree spread. Last year, in 2010, the high was 40 with a low of 31. In 2002 the high was 40 with a low of 30. The year before, 2001, the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread. Five years later, in 2006, the high was 37 with a low of 28. Another warm high was 41 in 1980. Other warm lows were 30 in 2007 and 26 in 1983. The record high of 60 was set back in 1928 and the record warmest low of 41 was set in 1953. 21 of the last 32 highs (66%) were: 20s (11) and 30s (10). On the warmer side, six highs were 40s. On the cold side, five highs were: 10s (aka teens) (3) and single digits (2).

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1975 the low was a cold 2 degrees. In 1972 the high was 14 with a low of -10, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 25 with a low of 21, a four degree spread. In 1969 the high was 27 with a low of 23, a four degree spread. In 1968 the high was 35 with a warm low of 31, a four degree spread and warm day. In 1967 the low was a warm 26 degrees. In 1965 the high was 15 with a low of -7, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 7 with a low of -12, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 33 with a low of 28, a five degree spread. In 1960 the high was 38 with a warm low of 34, a four degree spread and warm day. In 1959 the high was 41 with a low of 32, a warm day.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 2007 (33/30) and four degrees in 1999 (20/16). In 1985 the spread was a large 30 degrees (33/3).

On the cold side, in 1994 the high was the record coldest high of 1 with a low of -10. The former record coldest high of 2 occurred way back in 1905. In 1982 the high was 9 with a low of -10. Three years earlier, in 1979, the high was 21 with a low of -12, a large 33 degree spread. The record low of -14 was set this same year (1979) at Midway. Usually the low at O'Hare would be colder than at Midway, so this is a bit unusual. Two years ago, in 2009, the high was 14 with a low of -2. In 1997 the high was 20 with a low of -3. In 2005 the high was 15 with a low of 4. Another cold low was 0 in 1988. 27 of the last 32 lows (84%) were: single digits (6), 10s (aka teens) (7), 20s (8) and 30s (6). Five lows were in the cold: negative 10s (aka negative teens) (3) and negative single digits (2). Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average tenth coldest day of the year.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 1979, 0.6 inches fell. This was the fourth day of a 21.7 inch, seven day stretch of snow.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:20. Sunset is at 16:45 and twilight ends at 17:16. There's a total of 9 hours, 25 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 27 minutes between twilights. We gained a minute of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:20. The moon is waxing gibbous, having reached first quarter two mornings ago at 5:31. Illumination was 67% at midnight, will be 72% at noon and 76% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 2:20 this morning. Moonrise is at 12:02 this afternoon. Moonset is at 3:23 early tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 18 minutes which is 28 minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in three days. -Bernie-

January 13: ORD

Today is January 13th. It's the 13th day of the year. 352 days remain. It's week 2 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 29 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 32 and 17.

On the warm side, in 2006 the high was 49 with a low of 32. In 1995 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1987 the high was 44 with a low of 24. In 2001 the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread. In 1980 the high was 39 with a low of 28. In 2002 the high was 42 with a low of 24. In 1996 the high was 44 with a low of 21. Another warm high was 47 in 2005. Other warm lows were 29 in 2007 and 27 three years ago in 2008. The record high of 58 and record warmest low of 44 were both set back in 1932. 17 of the last 32 highs (53%) were 30s. On the warmer side, five highs (16%) were 40s. On the cold side, ten highs (31%) were: 10s (aka teens) (2) and 20s (8).

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the low was a cold -2 degrees. In 1975 the high was a cold 12 with a low of 3, a cold day. In 1974 the low was a cold 2 degrees. In 1971 the high was 33 with a warm low of 28, a five degree spread. In 1967 the high was 45 with a low of 29, a warm day. In 1965 the low was a cold 2 degrees. In 1963 the high was 10 with a low of -7, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 52 with a low of 29, a warm day and rare 50s high. In 1960 the high was 53 with a low of 37, a warm day and rare 50s high. In 1959 the high was a warm 41 degrees.

More recently, we had a small spread of four degrees in 2007 (33/29). There were large spreads of 32 degrees in 2005 (47/15) and 31 degrees in 2009 (29/-2).

On the cold side, in 1997 the high was 10 with a low of -4. A year later, in 1998, the high was 15 with a low of -1. Other cold lows were 1 in 1994 and -2 two years ago in 2009. The record low of -9 was set back in 1929 and originally way back in 1888. The record coldest high of -2 was set way back in 1893. 22 of the last 32 lows (69%) were: 10s (13) and 20s (9). Seven lows were in the cold: negative single digits (3) and single digits (4). Three lows were in the warmer 30s.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 1979, 15.3 inches fell. This was the third day of a 21.7 inch, seven day storm. Midway had 16.5 inches on this same day.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:20. Sunset is at 16:44 and twilight ends at 17:15. There's a total of 9 hours, 24 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 26 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:20. The moon is waxing gibbous, having reached first quarter yesterday morning at 5:31. Illumination was 58% at midnight, will be 62% at noon and 67% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 1:17 this morning. Moonrise is at 11:27 later this morning. Moonset is at 2:20 early tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 50 minutes which is 32 minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in four days. -Bernie-

January 12: ORD

Today is January 12th. It's the 12th day of the year. 353 days remain. It's week 2 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 29 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 34 and 18.

On the warm side, in 2005 the high was the record high of 62 with a low of 34. The record high of 62 was originally set way back in 1890. In 2006 the high was 57 (one of just two 50s highs in the history of O'Hare) with a low of 34. In 1995 the high was 47 with a low of 37. In 2007 the high was 48 with a low of 33. In 1992 the high was 40 with a low of 34, a six degree spread. A decade later, in 2002, the high was 41 with a low of 29. In 1987 the high was 44 with a low of 25. In 2004 the high was 39 with a low of 30. Other warm highs were 42 in 1989 and 41 three years ago. Other warm lows were 27 in 2000 and 26 in 1996. The record warmest low of 42 was set back in 1932 and originally way back in 1890. 27 of the last 32 highs (84%) were: 20s (8), 30s (11) and 40s (8). On the warmer side, one high was in the 50s and one high was in the 60s. On the cold 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 1977 the high was 4 with a low of -7, a cold day. In 1975 the high was a cold 12 with a low of 5, a cold day. In 1974 the high was 4 with a low of -13, another cold day. In 1972 the high was a warm 43. In 1969 the high was 16 with a low of -5, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 26 with a low of 20, a six degree spread and the exact same temperatures as the previous day. In 1967 the low was a warm 28. In 1964 the high was 23 with a low of 19, a four degree spread. In 1963 the low was a cold two below zero. In 1961 the high was 46 with a low of 26, a warm day. In 1960 the high was 58 with a low of 37, a warm day. That high of 58 was the other of only two 50s highs for this date in the history of O'Hare.

More recently, we had three days of small spreads. One was four degrees: 30/26 in 1996. Two others were seven degrees: 20/13 in 1984 and 29/22 in 1991.

On the cold side, in 1997 the high was the record coldest high of 2 with a low of -7. In 1985 the high was 14 with a low of -1. Three years before that, in 1982, the high and low were also 14 and -1. Another cold low was -1 in 1981. The record low of -14 was set back in 1918. 19 of the last 32 lows (59%) were: 10s (aka teens) (9) and 20s (10). Our most recent 10s low was 11 in 1999. Seven lows were in the cold: negative single digits (4) and single digits (3). Six lows were in the warmer 30s.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 1979, 2.6 inches fell. This was the second day of a 21.7 inch, seven day storm. Back in 1903 at the Auditorium Tower in Chicago, 11.3 inches fell. This was the station of record at the time.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:21. Sunset is at 16:43 and twilight ends at 17:14. There's a total of 9 hours, 22 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 24 minutes between twilights. We gained a minute of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:20. The moon is waxing crescent and reaches first quarter this morning at 5:31. Illumination was 48% at midnight, will be 53% at noon and 58% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 0:16. Moonrise is at 10:58 this morning. Moonset is at 1:17 early tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 18 minutes which is 10 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in five days. -Bernie-

January 11: ORD

Today is January 11th. It's the 11th day of the year. 354 days remain. It's week 2 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 29 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 31 and 17.

On the warm side, in 2007 the high was 45 with a low of 35. A year earlier, in 2006, the high was 42 with a low of 37. In 2002 the high was 43 with a low of 33. In 1990 the high was 42 with a low of 32. Two years later, in 1992, the high was 45 with a low of 25. In 1980 the high was 54 with a low of 15, a huge 39 degree spread. In 1989 the high was 44 with a low of 25. Other warm lows were 30 in 2005, 29 in 2000, 28 in 2008, 27 in 2004 and 26 in 1991. The record high of 61 was set way back in 1880 and the record warmest low of 40 was set way back in 1890. 26 of the last 32 highs (81%) were: 20s (8), 30s (10) and 40s (8). On the warmer side, one highs was in the 50s (54 in 1980). On the colder side, three highs were 10s (aka teens) and two highs were 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 cold low of -6, a cold day. In 1977 the high was 5 with a low of -11, a cold day. 1977 was the year of the record low (also -11 at Midway). In 1975 the high was a warm 45 with a low of 6, a 39 degree spread. In 1969 the high was 13 with a low of -4, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 26 with a low of 20, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 30 with a warm low of 26, a four degree spread. In 1962 the high was 8 with a low of -13, a cold day. In 1961 the high was a warm 46 with a low of 23, a warm day. In 1960 the high was 37 with a warm low of 30, a seven degree spread and warm day.

More recently, we had five days of small spreads. One was four degrees: 28/24 in 1996. Three others were six degrees: 32/26 in 1991, 29/23 in 1993 and 36/30 in 2005. The most recent was last year at seven degrees: 20/13.

On the cold side, in 1979 the high was 13 with a low of -16. The official record low of -11 was set in 1977 because the low at Midway in 1979 was just a degree short at -10. Other area temperatures in 1979 were: -24 at Rockford, -20 at Aurora, -26 at Barrington, -22 at DeKalb, -18 at Elgin, -29 at Marengo (just west of Crystal Lake) and -25 at Wheaton. The record low of -11 was first set in 1887 and tied the next year, in 1888. In 1982 the high was the record coldest high of 4 with a low of -4. In 1997 the high was 6 with a low of -4. Two years after that, in 1999, the high was 13 with a low of -3. In 1981 the high was 14 with a low of -2. Three years later, in 1984, the high was 21 with a low of -2. 13 of the last 32 lows (41%) were 20s. 14 lows were in the cold: negative 10s (1), negative single digits (5), single digits (3) and 10s (aka teens) (5). Five lows were in the warmer 30s.

Today is a major day in O'Hare's snow history. In 1979, 0.2 inches fell. This was the first day of a 21.7 inch, seven day storm.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:21. Sunset is at 16:42 and twilight ends at 17:13. There's a total of 9 hours, 21 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 23 minutes between twilights. We gained a minute of daylight over yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:21. The moon is waxing crescent, heading towards the first quarter tomorrow at 5:31. Illumination was 39% at midnight, will be 43% at noon and 48% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 10:32 this morning. Moonset is at 0:16 early tomorrow morning. Moonrise is at 10:58 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 28 minutes which is 21 minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in six days. -Bernie-

January 10: ORD

Today is January 10th. It's the 10th day of the year. 355 days remain. It's week 2 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 29 and the normal low is 14. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 29 and 15.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was 46 with a low of 37. Two years later, in 2002, the high was 44 with a low of 34. In 1983 the high was 41 with a low of 35, a six degree spread. Three years ago, in 2008, the high was 44 with a low of 32. In 1980 the high was 52 with a low of 16, a 36 degree spread. Other warm lows were 29 (in 1987, 1990 and 2005). Both records were established in 1975. That year registered a high of 60 with a low of 42 at Midway. 20 of the last 32 highs (62%) were: 20s (8) and 30s (12). On the warmer side, five highs (16%) were: 40s (4) and 50s (1). On the cold side, seven highs (22%) were: negative single digits (1), single digits (1) and 10s (aka teens) (5).

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 8 with a low of -7, a cold day. In 1977 the high was 19 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1976 the low was a cold 5 degrees. In 1975 the high was 60 with a low of 41. Midway's high was also 60 (the record) but at Midway the low was a degree higher at 42, the record warmest low. In 1973 the high was 19 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1972 the high was 46 with a low of 31, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 17 with a low of -4, a cold day. In 1969 the high was 15 with a low of -3, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 20 with a cold low of 5, a cold day. In 1963 the low was a warm 30 degrees. In 1962 the high was 4 with a low of -15, a cold day. In 1960 the low was a warm 29 degrees. In 1959 the low was a cold 3 degrees.

More recently, we had four days of small spreads. One was at five degrees: 34/29 in 1987. Three others were six degrees: 25/19 in 1985, 27/21 in 1993 and 35/29 in 2005.

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was the record coldest high of -4 with the record low of -26. The low at Rockford was -27. Three years earlier, in 1979, the high was 2 with a low of -13. In 1988 the high was 15 with a low of -12. A decade and a year later, in 1999, the high was 14 with a low of -2. In 1981 the high was 16 with a low of -2. In 1984 the high was 20 with a low of -4. Last year the high was 18 with a low of 0. Another cold high was 17 in 1998. 19 of the last 32 lows (59%) were: 10s (10) and 20s (9). Nine lows (28%) were in the cold: negative 20s (1), negative 10s (aka negative teens) (2), negative single digits (3) and single digits (3). Four lows (13%) were in the warmer 30s. Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average eighth coldest day of the year.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:21. Sunset is at 16:41 and twilight ends at 17:12. There's a total of 9 hours, 20 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 22 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:21. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 30% at midnight, will be 34% at noon and 39% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 10:09 this morning. Moonset is at 23:16 tonight. Moonrise is at 10:32 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 7 minutes which is 38 minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in seven days. -Bernie-

January 9: ORD

Today is January 9th. It's the 9th day of the year. 356 days remain. It's week 2 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 29 and the normal low is 14. The 32-year averages are 29 and 16.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 55 with a low of 38. Two years prior, in 2000, the high was 41 with a low of 37, a four degree spread. A decade earlier, in 1990, the high was 42 with a low of 34. Two years later, in 1992, the high was 44 with a low of 32. In 2003 the high was 45 with a low of 28. Three years later, in 2006, the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. Three years ago, in 2008, the high was 39 with a low of 30. Twenty-five years earlier, in 1983, the high was 43 with a low of 24. Another warm low was 26 in 2005. The record high of 60 was set way back in 1880 and the record warmest low of 45 was set in 1939. 20 of the last 32 highs (62%) were: 20s (11) and 30s (9). On the warmer side, six highs (19%) were in the warmer: 40s (5) and 50s (1). On the cold side, six highs (19%) were: single digits (2) and 10s (aka teens) (4).

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 3 with a low of -5, a cold day. In 1977 the high was 19 with a cold low of 0, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 11 with a low of 0, another cold day. In 1975 the high was 42 with a low of 33, a warm day. In 1973 the high was a cold 13 with a low of 3, a cold day. In 1972 the high was 44 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 15 with a low of -1, a cold day. In 1969 the low was a cold 2 degrees. In 1966 the high was a warm 43. In 1963 the high was 40 with a warm low of 33, a seven degree spread and a warm day. In 1962 the high was -1 with a low of -13, another cold day and year of the record coldest high. In 1960 the low was a warm 26 degrees.

More recently, we had a small spreads of four degrees in 1997 (28/24) and seven degrees in 1993 (28/21).

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was 7 with a low of -19. Six years later, in 1988, the high was 7 with a low of -8. In 1999 the high was 12 with a low of -4. Two decades earlier, in 1979, the high was 16 with a low of -3. Fifteen years later, in 1994, the high was 24 with a low of -7, a 31 degree spread. The record low of -20 was set way back in 1875 and the record coldest high of 0 was set in 1962. 17 of the last 32 lows (53%) were: 10s (9) and 20s (8). Nine lows (28%) were in the cold: negative single digits (4), single digits (4) and that one low of -19 (what I call "the negative 10s," aka negative teens). Six highs (19%) were in the warm 30s. Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average fifteenth coldest day of the year.

Today is a major snow day in northern Illinois. Back in 1930 at Rockford, 10 inches of snow accumulated.

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 16:39 and twilight ends at 17:11. There's a total of 9 hours, 17 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 21 minutes between twilights. We are gaining a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:21. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 21% at midnight, will be 25% at noon and 30% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 9:47 this morning. Moonset is at 22:16 tonight. Moonrise is at 10:09 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 29 minutes which is 37 minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in eight days. -Bernie-

January 8: ORD

Today is January 8th. It's the 8th day of the year. 357 days remain. It's week 2 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 29 and the normal low is 14. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 30 and 15.

On the warm side, three years ago, in 2008, the high was 56 with a low of 37. Five years prior, in 2003, the high was 54 with a low of 37. In 1992 the high was 44 with a low of 35. In 2006 the high was 45 with a low of 32. In 1990 the high was 47 with a low of 28. A decade later, in 2000, the high was 45 with a low of 29. Two years before, in 1998, the high was 35 with a low of 32, a three degree spread. Another warm high was 41 in 2002. Other warm lows were 26 in both 1983 and 2007. The record high of 63 was set in 1965 at Midway and the record warmest low of 45 was set way back in 1876 at Madison & LaSalle in Chicago. 19 of the last 32 highs (59%) were: 20s (12) and 30s (7). On the warmer side, seven highs were: 40s (5) and 50s (2). On the cold side, six highs were: single digits (2) and 10s (aka teens) (4).

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 35 with a cold low of 2, a 33 degree spread. In 1977 the high was 19 with a low of 1, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 4 with a low of -9, a cold day. In 1975 the high was 43 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1974 the high was 21 with a cold low of 2, a cold day. In 1972 the high was a warm 43 degrees. In 1971 the high was 26 with a cold low of -1, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 0 with a low of -4, a four degree spread and cold day. 1970 was also the year of the record coldest high, also 0. In 1968 the high was 15 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 20 with a cold low of 1, a cold day. In 1965 the high was a warm 60 with a low of 17, a 43 degree spread and warm day. A high in the 60s is a rarity in January. This day, in 1965, was the day of the record high of 63 at Midway. In 1963 the high was 43 with a low of 30, a warm day. In 1962 the high was 17 with a low of -1, a cold day.

More recently, we had a small spreads of three degrees in 2005 (27/24) and seven degrees in 1987 (32/25).

On the cold side, in 1979 the high was 6 with the near-record low of -10. The record low of -11 was most recently set in 1942 at the University of Chicago. The low was also -11 in 1875. In 1994 the high was 9 with a low of -6. In 1986 the high was 17 with a low of -8. Two years later, in 1988, the high was 19 with a low of -3. In 1982 the high was 20 with a low of -3. Another cold high was 17 in 1980. The record coldest high of 0 was set in 1970 at Midway. The high was also 0 at O'Hare in 1970. 22 of the last 32 lows (69%) were: single digits (7), 10s (aka teens) (7) and 20s (8). Five lows were in the cold: negative 10s (aka negative teens) (1) and negative single digits (4). Five lows were in the warmer 30s. Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average eleventh coldest day of the year.

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 16:38 and twilight ends at 17:10. There's a total of 9 hours, 16 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 20 minutes between twilights. We are gaining a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 14% at midnight, will be 18% at noon and 21% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 9:25 this morning. Moonset is at 21:17 tonight. Moonrise is at 9:47 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 52 minutes which is 37 minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in nine days. -Bernie-

January 7: ORD

Today is January 7th. It's the 7th day of the year. 358 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 14. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 30 and 15.

On the warm side, three years ago the high was the record high of 65 with the record warmest low of 51. The former record high of 59 occurred in 1907 and the former record warmest low of 44 occurred in 1965. In 1989 the high was 53 with a low of 22, a 31 degree spread. In 1998 the high was 40 with a low of 35, a five degree spread. In 2003 the high was 47 with a low of 26. In 1990 the high was 42 with a low of 28. A couple of years after that, in 1992, the high was 37 with a low of 33, a four degree spread. Five years before that, in 1987, the high was 37 with a low of 31, a six degree spread. Two decades after that, in 2007, the high was 41 with a low of 27. A year before that, in 2006, the high was 39 with a low of 28. Other warm lows were 30 in 1985 and 27 in 1983. 20 of the past 32 highs (63%) were: 20s (13) and 30s (7). On the warmer side, four highs were 40s, one high was in the 50s and one high was in the 60s. On the colder side, three highs were 10s (aka teens) and three highs were 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 39 with a warm low of 34, a five degree spread, a warm day. In 1977 the high was 11 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1976 the high was 31 with a cold low of -3, a 34 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 40 with a warm low of 31, a warm day. In 1974 the high was 9 with a low of -1, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 11 with a low of -3, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 5 with a low of -10, a cold day. In 1969 the high was a cold 15 with a low of 8, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 5 with a low of -13, a cold day. In 1965 the high was 55 with a low of 44, a warm day. In 1961 the low was a warm 29 degrees. In 1960 the high was 41 with a warm low of 31, a warm day.

More recently, we had a small spreads of three degrees in 1985 (33/30) and six degrees last year (22/16). A large spread of 32 degrees occurred in 1994 (28/-4).

On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 9 with a low of -9. In 1999 the high was 9 with a low of -7. In 1982 the high was 8 with a low of -6. In 1988 the high was 14 with a low of -9. In 1979 the high was 16 with a low of -3. A couple of years later, in 1981, the high was 16 with a low of 4. Another cold low was -4 in 1994. The record low of -16 was set back in 1912. The record coldest high of -4 was set in 1942. 31 of the last 32 lows (97%) were in the: negative single digits (6), single digits (5), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8), 20s (8) and 30s (4). One low was in the 50s but no lows were in the 40s. Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average fourteenth coldest day of the year.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1962, 2.1 inches fell. This was the third day of a three day, 11 inch snowstorm.

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 16:37 and twilight ends at 17:09. There's a total of 9 hours, 15 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 18 minutes between twilights. We are gaining a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 8% at midnight, will be 11% at noon and 14% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 9:02 this morning. Moonset is at 20:17 tonight. Moonrise is at 9:25 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 15 minutes which is 35 minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in ten days. -Bernie-

January 6: ORD

Today is January 6th. It's the 6th day of the year. 359 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 14. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 31 and 18.

On the warm side, three years ago the high was the record high of 60 with the record warmest low of 41. The former record high of 54 and former record warmest low of 40 both occurred in 1907. A decade earlier, in 1998, the high was 47 with a low of 39. In 1987 the high was 48 with a low of 34. A couple of years later, in 1989, the high was 37 with a low of 34, a three degree spread. In 2007 the high was 42 with a low of 29. Fifteen years before that, in 1992, the high was 37 with a low of 32, a five degree spread. In 1983 the high was 41 with a low of 27. In 2000 the high was 41 with a low of 26. Other warm lows were 28 in 2006 and 26 (1985, 1994, 2003). 22 of the last 32 highs (69%) were: 20s (8) and 30s (14). On the warmer side, five highs were 40s and one high was in the 60s. No 50s highs. On the cold side, two highs were 10s (aka teens) and two highs were 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 37 with a warm low of 34, a three degree spread and warm day. In 1975 the high was 37 with a warm low of 33, a four degree spread. In 1974 the high was a cold 18 degrees with a low of 6, a cold day. In 1973 the high was 18 with a low of 3, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 7 with a low of -4, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 8 with a low of -11, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 13 with a low of -3, a cold day. In 1967 the high was a warm 43 degrees. In 1966 the high was 31 with a low of 26, a five degree spread. In 1965 the high was 49 with a low of 32, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 29 with a low of 24, a five degree spread. In 1961 the high was 44 with a low of 30, a warm day. In 1959 the high was 23 with a cold low of 1, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 2006 (31/28), seven degrees in 1994 (33/26) and seven degrees in 2003 (33/26).

On the cold side, in 1988 the high was 2 with the record low of -14. The record low of -14 was first set way back in 1884. In 1979 the high was 10 with a low of -11. In 2004 the high was 9 with a low of -3. In 1986 the high was 14 with a low of -3. Another cold low was 2 in 1999. The record coldest high of -1 was set back in 1912. 21 of the last 32 lows (66%) were: 10s (aka teens)(11) and 20s (9). On the colder side, two lows each were negative 10s, negative single digits and single digits. On the warmer side, four lows were 30s and one low was in the 40s.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 2005, 2.4 inches fell. This was the third day of a three day, 9.8 inch snowstorm. In 1962, 8.6 inches fell. This was the second day of a three day, 11 inch snowstorm. In 1918 at the U.S. Courthouse in Chicago, a whopping 14.4 inches fell today. That was 94 years ago!

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 16:36 and twilight ends at 17:08. There's a total of 9 hours, 14 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 17 minutes between twilights. We are gaining a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:51 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon reached new two mornings ago at 03:03 and is waxing crescent. Illumination was 4% at midnight, will be 6% at noon and 8% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 8:36 this morning. Moonset is at 19:16 tonight. Moonrise is at 9:02 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 40 minutes which is 33 minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in 11 days. -Bernie-

January 5: ORD

Today is January 5th. It's the 5th day of the year. 360 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 32-year averages are 31 and 17.

On the warm side, in 1998 the high was the near-record high of 55 with a low of 40. The record high of 56 was set way back in 1890. In 2007 the high was 50 with the near-record warmest low of 42. The record warmest low of 44 was set back in 1946. Three years ago, in 2008, the high was 43 with a low of 35. In 1992 the high was 36 with a low of 34, a two degree spread. In 2006 the high was 37 with a low of 31, a six degree spread. Other warm lows were 30 in 2003 and 28 in 2002. 17 of the last 32 highs (53%) were 30s. On the warmer side, four highs (13%) were: 40s (2) and 50s (2). On the cold side, 11 highs were: negative single digits (1), single digits (1), 10s (aka teens) (2) and 20s (7).

In looking back through the years to the first January at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable. In 1978 the low was a warm 29 degrees. In 1977 the high was 30 with a low of 25, a five degree spread. In 1976 the low was a cold zero degrees. In 1974 the high was 20 with a cold low of 5, a cold day. In 1973 the high was 13 with a low of 5, a cold day. In 1972 the high was 10 with a low of -5, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 12 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 18 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1969 the high was 21 with a cold low of -4, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 28 with a cold low of -3, a 31 degree spread and cold day. In 1966 the high was a warm 49 degrees. In 1965 the high was 42 with a warm low of 31, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 33 with a low of 26, a seven degree spread. In 1962 the high was 40 with a warm low of 32, a warm day. In 1959 the high was 8 with a low of -13, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of two degrees in 2003 (32/30), five degrees in 2005 (31/26), six degrees in 1983 (32/26) and seven degrees in 2002 (35/28).

On the cold side, in 1988 the high was -2 with a low of -11. In 1979 the high was 4 with a low of -11. Two decades later, in 1999, the high was 18 with the near-record low of -16, a 34 degree spread. The record low of -18 was set way back in 1884. Four years earlier, in 1995, the high was 19 with a low of -1. The record coldest high of -5 was set back in 1924. Another cold low was -2 in 1981. 19 of the last 32 lows (59%) were: 10s (aka teens) (7) and 20s (12). On the cold side, seven lows (22%) were: single digits (2), negative single digits (2) and negative 10s (aka negative teens) (3). On the warmer side, six lows (19%) were: 30s (4) and 40s (2).

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 2005, 6.2 inches fell. This was the second day of a three day, 9.8 inch snowstorm. In 1962, 0.3 inches fell. This was the first day of a three day, 11 inch snowstorm.

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 17:07. There's a total of 9 hours, 13 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 16 minutes between twilights. We are gaining a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:51 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon reached new yesterday morning at 03:03 and is waxing crescent. Illumination was 1% at midnight, will be 2% at noon and 4% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 8:06 this morning. Moonset is at 18:13 tonight. Moonrise is at 8:36 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 7 minutes which is 29 minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in 12 days. -Bernie-

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 32-year averages are 32 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, in 2007, the high was 52 with a near-record warmest low of 39. The record warmest low remains 41 degrees, set way 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 32 highs (50%) were 30s. On the warmer side, six highs (19%) were: 40s (3), 50s (2) and 60s (1). On the cold side, ten highs (31%) were: single digits (4), 10s (aka teens) (2) 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 cold 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 in: 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. Another cold high was 18 last year. 23 of the last 31 lows (74%) were: 10s (aka teens) (9), 20s (7) and 30s (7). Nine lows were cold: negative single digits (5) and single digits (4).

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

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 17:06. There's a total of 9 hours, 12 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 15 minutes between twilights. We are gaining a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:51 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is new this morning at 03:03. Illumination was 0% at midnight, will be 0% at noon and 1% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 7:30 this morning. Moonset is at 17:08 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 8:06 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 38 minutes which is 22 minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in 13 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. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 33 and 18.

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 first set way back in 1874 and most recently 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. The year after, 2007, 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. Two years later, 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 in 1980 and 1994. The record warmest low of 46 was set way back in 1874. 26 of the past 32 highs (81%) were in the: 20s (8), 30s (11) and 40s (7). On the warm side, two highs were in the 50s. On the cold side, four highs were in the: single digits (1) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (3).

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 warm 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 high was 20 with a cold low of 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 and warm day. 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. Last year the high was 18 with a low of -1. In 1981 the high was 22 with a low of -5. In 1995 the high was 18 with a low of 3. Three years ago the high was 23 with a low of 0. 11 of the last 32 lows (34%) were in the 30s. 12 lows (38%) were in the cold: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (7) and 20s (5). Nine lows (28%) were in the very cold: negative 10s (a.k.a. negative teens) (1), negative single digits (4) and single digits (4).

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1999, an inch 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.

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 17:05. There's a total of 9 hours, 11 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 14 minutes between twilights. We are gaining a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:51 and sunrise is at 7:22. The moon is waning crescent and will be new tomorrow morning at 03:03. Illumination was 1% at midnight, will be 0% at noon and 0% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:48 this morning. Moonset is at 16:04 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 7:30 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 16 minutes which is nine minutes longer than yesterday.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is in 14 days. -Bernie-