Today is May 24th. It's the 144th day of the year. 221 days remain. It's week 21 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 73 and the normal low is 50. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 70 and 50.
On the warm side, last year, in 2010, the high was 91 with the new record low of 70. In 1991 the high was 85 with the former record warmest low of 68. In 1933 the low was 67 which was another former record warmest low. In 1989 the high was 86 with a low of 65. in 2007 the high was 88 with a low of 63. The record high of 93 was last tied in 1950, as it was originally set in 1921. 20 of the last 32 highs (63%) were in the: 60s (10) and 70s (10). Seven highs (22%) were in the warmer: 80s (6) and 90s (1). Five highs (15%) were in the cool: 40s (1) and 50s (4). Our most recent 50s high was 54 in 1999.
Yesterday (Mon. May 23) was the 4th warmest May 23 of the past 33 years with a high of 79 and low of 60. It finished ahead of 1989 (82/56) and 2000 (81/57). Two of the three warmest May 23 days occurred recently. These were the warmest which occurred last year (2010) at 89/62 and 2007 at 89/60. 1991 was also warmer at 82/66. On Sun. May 22, the high of 87 and low of 61 made it the second warmest May 22 behind 1991's 84 and 67. 2011 finished ahead of 1994 (89/58) and 1992 (83/63).
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 91 with a low of 64, a hot day. In 1976 the high was a cool 60 degrees. In 1975 the high was 85 with a low of 62, a warm day. In 1972 the high was a hot 86 with a low of 54, a 32 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 83 with a low of 53, a 30 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 80 with a low of 45, a 35 degree spread. In 1960 the high was a cool 60 degrees.
More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees in 1985 (78/44), 32 degrees in 1983 (76/44), 31 degrees in 1997 (84/53) and 31 degrees in 2006 (80/49).
On the cool side, in 1992 the high was 46 with the record low of 34. In 2001 the high was 60 with a low of 42. Two years earlier, in 1999, the high was 54 with a low of 48, a six degree spread. Two decades earlier, in 1979, the high was 62 with a low of 40. Other cool highs were 61 in 1982, 57 in 1995, 56 in 1987 and 56 in 1996. The record coolest high of 44 occurred back in 1925. 17 of the last 32 lows (84%) were in the: 40s (17) and 50s (10). One low was in the cold 30s. Four lows were in the warmer: 60s (3) and 70s (1).
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 4:52 and sunrise is at 5:25. Sunset is at 20:16 and twilight ends at 20:49. There's a total of 14 hours, 51 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 57 minutes between twilights. We a minute of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:51 and sunrise is at 5:24. The moon reaches last quarter today at 13:52. Illumination was 55% at midnight, will be 50% at noon and 46% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 1:07 this morning. Moonset is at 12:34 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 1:31 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 27 minutes which is 35 minutes longer than yesterday.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Memorial Day is in six days. -Bernie-
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
May 23: ORD
Today is May 23rd. It's the 143rd day of the year. 222 days remain. It's week 21 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 50. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 71 and 50.
On the warm side, last year, in 2010, the high was 89 with a low of 62. In 2007 the high was 89 with a low of 60. In 1991 the high was 82 with a low of 66. The record high of 92 was set in 1977. It was also 92 in 1921 and 1964. The record warmest low of 71 occurred in 1964. 28 of the last 32 lows (88%) highs were in the: 60s (10), 70s (10) and 80s (8). Our most recent 60s high was 64 in 2003. Four highs were in the cool 50s.
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 91 with a low of 66, a hot day and year of the record high. In 1976 the high was a cool 59 degrees. In 1975 the high was a warm 85 with a low of 60, a warm day. In 1973 the high was a cool 59 degrees. In 1972 the high was a warm 84 degrees. In 1968 the high was a cool 55 with a low of 52, a three degree spread. In 1967 the high was 72 with a low of 40, a 32 degree spread. In 1966 the high was a warm 85 degrees. In 1964 the high was 88 with a low of 70, a hot day and year of the record warmest low. In 1963 the high was 60 with a low of 32, a cool day. In 1962 the low was a warm 64 degrees. In 1961 the high was 67 with a cold low of 35, a 32 degree spread. In 1959 the high was a cool 56 degrees.
More recently, there were large spreads of 37 degrees in 2006 (75/38), 33 degrees in 1985 (73/40), 32 degrees in 1997 (73/41) and 30 degrees two years ago in 2009 (80/50).
On the cool side, in 1987 the high was 55 with a low of 47. Three years ago, in 2008, the high was 57 with a low of 46. Other cool highs of note were 57 in 1982 and 58 in 1988. The only low in the 30s was 38 in 2006. That low of 38 was just a degree warmer than the record low of 37, set back in 1917. The record coolest high of 50 occurred back in 1931. 27 of the last 31 lows (84%) were in the: 40s (16) and 50s (11). One low was in the cold 30s. 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 4:52 and sunrise is at 5:25. Sunset is at 20:15 and twilight ends at 20:48. There's a total of 14 hours, 50 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 56 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:52 and sunrise is at 5:25. The moon is waning gibbous and reaches last quarter tomorrow at 13:52. Illumination was 65% at midnight, will be 60% at noon and 55% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 0:41 this morning. Moonset is at 11:33 this morning. Moonrise is at 1:07 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 52 minutes which is 33 minutes longer than yesterday.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Memorial Day is in seven days. -Bernie-
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 50. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 71 and 50.
On the warm side, last year, in 2010, the high was 89 with a low of 62. In 2007 the high was 89 with a low of 60. In 1991 the high was 82 with a low of 66. The record high of 92 was set in 1977. It was also 92 in 1921 and 1964. The record warmest low of 71 occurred in 1964. 28 of the last 32 lows (88%) highs were in the: 60s (10), 70s (10) and 80s (8). Our most recent 60s high was 64 in 2003. Four highs were in the cool 50s.
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 91 with a low of 66, a hot day and year of the record high. In 1976 the high was a cool 59 degrees. In 1975 the high was a warm 85 with a low of 60, a warm day. In 1973 the high was a cool 59 degrees. In 1972 the high was a warm 84 degrees. In 1968 the high was a cool 55 with a low of 52, a three degree spread. In 1967 the high was 72 with a low of 40, a 32 degree spread. In 1966 the high was a warm 85 degrees. In 1964 the high was 88 with a low of 70, a hot day and year of the record warmest low. In 1963 the high was 60 with a low of 32, a cool day. In 1962 the low was a warm 64 degrees. In 1961 the high was 67 with a cold low of 35, a 32 degree spread. In 1959 the high was a cool 56 degrees.
More recently, there were large spreads of 37 degrees in 2006 (75/38), 33 degrees in 1985 (73/40), 32 degrees in 1997 (73/41) and 30 degrees two years ago in 2009 (80/50).
On the cool side, in 1987 the high was 55 with a low of 47. Three years ago, in 2008, the high was 57 with a low of 46. Other cool highs of note were 57 in 1982 and 58 in 1988. The only low in the 30s was 38 in 2006. That low of 38 was just a degree warmer than the record low of 37, set back in 1917. The record coolest high of 50 occurred back in 1931. 27 of the last 31 lows (84%) were in the: 40s (16) and 50s (11). One low was in the cold 30s. 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 4:52 and sunrise is at 5:25. Sunset is at 20:15 and twilight ends at 20:48. There's a total of 14 hours, 50 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 56 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:52 and sunrise is at 5:25. The moon is waning gibbous and reaches last quarter tomorrow at 13:52. Illumination was 65% at midnight, will be 60% at noon and 55% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 0:41 this morning. Moonset is at 11:33 this morning. Moonrise is at 1:07 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 52 minutes which is 33 minutes longer than yesterday.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Memorial Day is in seven days. -Bernie-
May 22: ORD
Today is May 22nd. It's the 142nd day of the year. 223 days remain. It's week 21 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 50. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 72 and 50.
On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 84 with a low of 67. Three years later, in 1994, the high was 89 with a low of 58, a 31 degree spread. Two years earlier, in 1992, the high was 83 with a low of 63. Another warm high was 87 in 2007. The record high of 94 was set back in 1925. The record warmest low of 75 was set in 1977. 23 of the last 32 highs (72%) highs were in the: 60s (12) and 70s (11). Seven highs (22%) were in the warmer 80s. Two highs were in the cool 50s. The highs over the past seven years were in the 60s, 70s and 80s except for 59 in 2008.
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 91 with a low of 70, a hot day and year of the record warmest low. In 1975 the high was 83 with a low of 62, a warm day. In 1974 the low was a warm 64 degrees. In 1970 the high was a hot 86 with a low of 54, a 32 degree spread and hot day. In 1969 the high was a cool 54 with a low of 41, a cool day. In 1967 the high was a cool 57 with a low of 40, a cool day. In 1966 the high was 76 with a low of 43, a 33 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 89 with a low of 65, a hot day. In 1963 the high was 54 with a low of 35, a cool day. The low was colder than the record low. In 1962 the high was a warm 84 with a low of 51, a 33 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 60 with a low of 36, a cool day. The low was equal to the record low.
More recently, there was a small spread of seven degrees in 1998 (60/53). There were large spreads of 38 degrees in 1979 (75/37), 36 degrees in 1980 (82/46), 33 degrees in 1995 (78/45), 32 degrees in 2007 (87/55) and 31 degrees in 1993 (76/45).
On the cool side, in 2006 the high was 62 with the record low of 36. Three years earlier, in 2003, the high was 61 with a low of 39. The former record low was 37 in 1997. It was also 37 at O'Hare in 1979. Lows were 36 in 1961 and 35 in 1963. These were not official because O'Hare was not the official station of record for Chicago during these years. Other cool highs were 59 in 1986, 59 three years ago (in 2008) and 60 in 1998. The record coolest high of 44 occurred back in 1917. 26 of the last 32 lows (81%) were in the: 40s (11) and 50s (15). Four lows were in the cold 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 4:53 and sunrise is at 5:26. Sunset is at 20:14 and twilight ends at 20:47. There's a total of 14 hours, 48 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 54 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:52 and sunrise is at 5:25. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 74% at midnight, will be 70% at noon and 65% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 0:11 this morning. Moonset is at 10:30 this morning. Moonrise is at 0:41 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 19 minutes which is 55 minutes longer than yesterday.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. National Maritime Day is today. Memorial Day is in eight days. -Bernie-
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 50. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 72 and 50.
On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 84 with a low of 67. Three years later, in 1994, the high was 89 with a low of 58, a 31 degree spread. Two years earlier, in 1992, the high was 83 with a low of 63. Another warm high was 87 in 2007. The record high of 94 was set back in 1925. The record warmest low of 75 was set in 1977. 23 of the last 32 highs (72%) highs were in the: 60s (12) and 70s (11). Seven highs (22%) were in the warmer 80s. Two highs were in the cool 50s. The highs over the past seven years were in the 60s, 70s and 80s except for 59 in 2008.
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 91 with a low of 70, a hot day and year of the record warmest low. In 1975 the high was 83 with a low of 62, a warm day. In 1974 the low was a warm 64 degrees. In 1970 the high was a hot 86 with a low of 54, a 32 degree spread and hot day. In 1969 the high was a cool 54 with a low of 41, a cool day. In 1967 the high was a cool 57 with a low of 40, a cool day. In 1966 the high was 76 with a low of 43, a 33 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 89 with a low of 65, a hot day. In 1963 the high was 54 with a low of 35, a cool day. The low was colder than the record low. In 1962 the high was a warm 84 with a low of 51, a 33 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 60 with a low of 36, a cool day. The low was equal to the record low.
More recently, there was a small spread of seven degrees in 1998 (60/53). There were large spreads of 38 degrees in 1979 (75/37), 36 degrees in 1980 (82/46), 33 degrees in 1995 (78/45), 32 degrees in 2007 (87/55) and 31 degrees in 1993 (76/45).
On the cool side, in 2006 the high was 62 with the record low of 36. Three years earlier, in 2003, the high was 61 with a low of 39. The former record low was 37 in 1997. It was also 37 at O'Hare in 1979. Lows were 36 in 1961 and 35 in 1963. These were not official because O'Hare was not the official station of record for Chicago during these years. Other cool highs were 59 in 1986, 59 three years ago (in 2008) and 60 in 1998. The record coolest high of 44 occurred back in 1917. 26 of the last 32 lows (81%) were in the: 40s (11) and 50s (15). Four lows were in the cold 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 4:53 and sunrise is at 5:26. Sunset is at 20:14 and twilight ends at 20:47. There's a total of 14 hours, 48 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 54 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:52 and sunrise is at 5:25. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 74% at midnight, will be 70% at noon and 65% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 0:11 this morning. Moonset is at 10:30 this morning. Moonrise is at 0:41 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 19 minutes which is 55 minutes longer than yesterday.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. National Maritime Day is today. Memorial Day is in eight days. -Bernie-
Saturday, May 21, 2011
May 21: ORD
Today is May 21st. It's the 141st day of the year. 224 days remain. It's week 21 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 32-year averages at 72 and 48.
On the warm side, in 1987 the high was 89 with a low of 59, a 30 degree spread. Two years ago, in 2009, the high was 84 with a low of 60. Other warm highs were 87 in 1994, 86 in 1992 and 84 in 1991. The record high of 92 was set in 1977. The record warmest low of 71 occurred in 1921. 27 of the last 32 highs (84%) were in the: 60s (7), 70s (12) and 80s (8). Five highs were in the cool 50s. If we group the past three years and the three years before into a group, we find all three categories of highs (which comprise the 84%) represented. From 2005-7, highs were 73, 61 and 80. From 2008-10, highs were 66, 84 and 73. Going further back, the high was 77 in 2004. In 2002 and 2003, we had back-to-back highs in the 50s (58 & 57).
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was a cool 57 with a low of 41, a cool day. In 1977 the high was 91 with a low of 67, a hot day and year of the record high of 92 at Midway. In 1975 the high was 79 with a warm low of 66, a warm day. In 1974 the high was 84 with a low of 66, a warm day. In 1972 the high was a warm 84 degrees. In 1970 the high was 86 with a low of 66, a hot day. In 1969 the high was a cool 57 with a low of 42, a cool day. In 1965 the high was a warm 83 with a low of 50, a 33 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 81 with a low of 39, a large 42 degree spread. In 1963 the high was a cool 58 degrees. In 1962 the high was a cool 56 degrees. In 1961 the high was 58 with a low of 36, a cool day. In 1959 the high was 86 with a low of 64, a hot day.
More recently, we had large spreads of 37 degrees in 1980 (82/45), 36 degrees in 1994 (87/51), 36 degrees in 2007 (80/44), 32 degrees in 1981 (79/47), 30 degrees in 1989 (80/50), 30 degrees in 1991 (84/54), 30 degrees in 1992 (86/56) and 30 degrees in 2005 (73/43).
On the cool side, in 2002 the high was 58 with the record low of 31 (the former record lows were 36 in both 1883 and 1997). In 1997 the high was 58 with a low of 36. In 1979 the high was 58 with a low of 38. Other cool highs were 57 in 2003 and 58 in 1990. The record coolest high of 42 occurred way back in 1883. 28 of the last 32 lows (88%) were in the: 40s (15) and 50s (13). Three lows were in the cold 30s. One low was in the warmer 60s (60 two years ago).
Tom Skilling/Chicago Weather Center Blog brought up 2002 as containing a five day string of sub-60 degree high temperature days. Indeed, the five days from May 17-21, 2002 were remarkably cold for this month. On May 17, the high of 45 and low of 36 were both records and it was the coldest May 17 in O'Hare's history. On May 18, the high of 54 and record low of 34 made it the coldest May 18 in O'Hare's history. On May 19, the high of 54 and low of 38 tied 2000 (48/44) as the coldest May 19 days in O'Hare's history. On May 20, the high of 48 and low of 33 made it the coldest May 20 in O'Hare's history. On May 21, the high of 58 and record low of 31 made it the coldest May 21 in O'Hare's history.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 4:54 and sunrise is at 5:27. Sunset is at 20:13 and twilight ends at 20:46. There's a total of 14 hours, 46 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 52 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:53 and sunrise is at 5:26. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 83% at midnight, will be 79% at noon and 74% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 9:24 this morning. Moonrise is at 0:11 tomorrow morning. Moonset is at 10:20 later in the morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 24 minutes which is 41 minutes longer than yesterday.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Armed Forces Day is today. National Maritime Day is tomorrow. Memorial Day is in nine days. -Bernie-
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 32-year averages at 72 and 48.
On the warm side, in 1987 the high was 89 with a low of 59, a 30 degree spread. Two years ago, in 2009, the high was 84 with a low of 60. Other warm highs were 87 in 1994, 86 in 1992 and 84 in 1991. The record high of 92 was set in 1977. The record warmest low of 71 occurred in 1921. 27 of the last 32 highs (84%) were in the: 60s (7), 70s (12) and 80s (8). Five highs were in the cool 50s. If we group the past three years and the three years before into a group, we find all three categories of highs (which comprise the 84%) represented. From 2005-7, highs were 73, 61 and 80. From 2008-10, highs were 66, 84 and 73. Going further back, the high was 77 in 2004. In 2002 and 2003, we had back-to-back highs in the 50s (58 & 57).
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was a cool 57 with a low of 41, a cool day. In 1977 the high was 91 with a low of 67, a hot day and year of the record high of 92 at Midway. In 1975 the high was 79 with a warm low of 66, a warm day. In 1974 the high was 84 with a low of 66, a warm day. In 1972 the high was a warm 84 degrees. In 1970 the high was 86 with a low of 66, a hot day. In 1969 the high was a cool 57 with a low of 42, a cool day. In 1965 the high was a warm 83 with a low of 50, a 33 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 81 with a low of 39, a large 42 degree spread. In 1963 the high was a cool 58 degrees. In 1962 the high was a cool 56 degrees. In 1961 the high was 58 with a low of 36, a cool day. In 1959 the high was 86 with a low of 64, a hot day.
More recently, we had large spreads of 37 degrees in 1980 (82/45), 36 degrees in 1994 (87/51), 36 degrees in 2007 (80/44), 32 degrees in 1981 (79/47), 30 degrees in 1989 (80/50), 30 degrees in 1991 (84/54), 30 degrees in 1992 (86/56) and 30 degrees in 2005 (73/43).
On the cool side, in 2002 the high was 58 with the record low of 31 (the former record lows were 36 in both 1883 and 1997). In 1997 the high was 58 with a low of 36. In 1979 the high was 58 with a low of 38. Other cool highs were 57 in 2003 and 58 in 1990. The record coolest high of 42 occurred way back in 1883. 28 of the last 32 lows (88%) were in the: 40s (15) and 50s (13). Three lows were in the cold 30s. One low was in the warmer 60s (60 two years ago).
Tom Skilling/Chicago Weather Center Blog brought up 2002 as containing a five day string of sub-60 degree high temperature days. Indeed, the five days from May 17-21, 2002 were remarkably cold for this month. On May 17, the high of 45 and low of 36 were both records and it was the coldest May 17 in O'Hare's history. On May 18, the high of 54 and record low of 34 made it the coldest May 18 in O'Hare's history. On May 19, the high of 54 and low of 38 tied 2000 (48/44) as the coldest May 19 days in O'Hare's history. On May 20, the high of 48 and low of 33 made it the coldest May 20 in O'Hare's history. On May 21, the high of 58 and record low of 31 made it the coldest May 21 in O'Hare's history.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 4:54 and sunrise is at 5:27. Sunset is at 20:13 and twilight ends at 20:46. There's a total of 14 hours, 46 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 52 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:53 and sunrise is at 5:26. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 83% at midnight, will be 79% at noon and 74% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 9:24 this morning. Moonrise is at 0:11 tomorrow morning. Moonset is at 10:20 later in the morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 24 minutes which is 41 minutes longer than yesterday.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Armed Forces Day is today. National Maritime Day is tomorrow. Memorial Day is in nine days. -Bernie-
Friday, May 20, 2011
May 20: ORD
Today is May 20th. It's the 140th day of the year. 225 days remain. It's week 20 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 32-year averages at 72 and 47.
On the warm side, in 2004 the high was 84 with a low of 63. Two years ago, in 2009, the high was 84 with a low of 61. Another warm high was 84 in 1992. The record high of 95 and record warmest low of 70 were set on the same hot day in 1977 at Midway. 26 of the last 32 highs (81%) were in the: 60s (10) and 70s (16). Four highs were in the warmer 80s. Two highs were in the cold: 40s (1) and 50s (1).
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 78 with a low of 46, a 32 degree spread. In 1977 the high was 93 with a low of 64, a hot day and year of the record high and warmest low. In 1975 the high was 87 with a low of 67, another hot day. In 1972 the high was a hot 87 with a low of 54, a 33 degree spread. In 1970 the high was a warm 85 with a low of 52, a 33 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 74 with a low of 40, a 34 degree spread. In 1964 the high was a cool 58 degrees. In 1962 the high was a warm 85 with a low of 53, a 32 degree spread. In 1959 the low was a warm 64 degrees.
More recently, we had large spreads of 41 degrees in 1981 (76/35), 37 degrees in 1994 (78/41), 36 degrees in 2006 (74/38), 34 degrees in 1979 (78/44), 33 degrees in 1992 (84/51) and 31 degrees in 1980 (74/43).
On the cool side, in 2002 the high was 48 (the only 40s high) with the record low of 33 (the former record low was 35 in 1981). In 1986 the high was 56 (the only 50s high) with a low of 41. Other lows of note were 35 in 1981 and 38 in 2006. The record coolest high of 40 occurred way back in 1895. 26 of the last 32 lows (81%) were in the: 40s (17) and 50s (9). Our most recent 50s low was 54 back in 1998. Four lows were in the cold 30s. Two lows were in the warmer 60s.
Tom Skilling/Chicago Weather Center Blog brought up 2002 as containing a five day string of sub-60 degree high temperature days. Indeed, the five days from May 17-21, 2002 were remarkably cold for this month. On May 17, the high of 45 and low of 36 were both records and it was the coldest May 17 in O'Hare's history. On May 18, the high of 54 and record low of 34 made it the coldest May 18 in O'Hare's history. On May 19, the high of 54 and low of 38 tied 2000 (48/44) as the coldest May 19 days in O'Hare's history. On May 20, the high of 48 and low of 33 made it the coldest May 20 in O'Hare's history. On May 21, the high of 58 and record low of 31 made it the coldest May 21 in O'Hare's history.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 4:55 and sunrise is at 5:28. Sunset is at 20:12 and twilight ends at 20:45. There's a total of 14 hours, 44 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 50 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:54 and sunrise is at 5:27. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 90% at midnight, will be 87% at noon and 83% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 8:18 this morning. Moonrise is at 23:35 tonight. Moonset is at 9:24 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 43 minutes which is 21 minutes longer than yesterday.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Armed Forces Day is tomorrow. National Maritime Day is in two days. Memorial Day is in ten days. -Bernie-
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 32-year averages at 72 and 47.
On the warm side, in 2004 the high was 84 with a low of 63. Two years ago, in 2009, the high was 84 with a low of 61. Another warm high was 84 in 1992. The record high of 95 and record warmest low of 70 were set on the same hot day in 1977 at Midway. 26 of the last 32 highs (81%) were in the: 60s (10) and 70s (16). Four highs were in the warmer 80s. Two highs were in the cold: 40s (1) and 50s (1).
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 78 with a low of 46, a 32 degree spread. In 1977 the high was 93 with a low of 64, a hot day and year of the record high and warmest low. In 1975 the high was 87 with a low of 67, another hot day. In 1972 the high was a hot 87 with a low of 54, a 33 degree spread. In 1970 the high was a warm 85 with a low of 52, a 33 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 74 with a low of 40, a 34 degree spread. In 1964 the high was a cool 58 degrees. In 1962 the high was a warm 85 with a low of 53, a 32 degree spread. In 1959 the low was a warm 64 degrees.
More recently, we had large spreads of 41 degrees in 1981 (76/35), 37 degrees in 1994 (78/41), 36 degrees in 2006 (74/38), 34 degrees in 1979 (78/44), 33 degrees in 1992 (84/51) and 31 degrees in 1980 (74/43).
On the cool side, in 2002 the high was 48 (the only 40s high) with the record low of 33 (the former record low was 35 in 1981). In 1986 the high was 56 (the only 50s high) with a low of 41. Other lows of note were 35 in 1981 and 38 in 2006. The record coolest high of 40 occurred way back in 1895. 26 of the last 32 lows (81%) were in the: 40s (17) and 50s (9). Our most recent 50s low was 54 back in 1998. Four lows were in the cold 30s. Two lows were in the warmer 60s.
Tom Skilling/Chicago Weather Center Blog brought up 2002 as containing a five day string of sub-60 degree high temperature days. Indeed, the five days from May 17-21, 2002 were remarkably cold for this month. On May 17, the high of 45 and low of 36 were both records and it was the coldest May 17 in O'Hare's history. On May 18, the high of 54 and record low of 34 made it the coldest May 18 in O'Hare's history. On May 19, the high of 54 and low of 38 tied 2000 (48/44) as the coldest May 19 days in O'Hare's history. On May 20, the high of 48 and low of 33 made it the coldest May 20 in O'Hare's history. On May 21, the high of 58 and record low of 31 made it the coldest May 21 in O'Hare's history.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 4:55 and sunrise is at 5:28. Sunset is at 20:12 and twilight ends at 20:45. There's a total of 14 hours, 44 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 50 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:54 and sunrise is at 5:27. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 90% at midnight, will be 87% at noon and 83% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 8:18 this morning. Moonrise is at 23:35 tonight. Moonset is at 9:24 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 43 minutes which is 21 minutes longer than yesterday.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Armed Forces Day is tomorrow. National Maritime Day is in two days. Memorial Day is in ten days. -Bernie-
Thursday, May 19, 2011
May 19: ORD
Today is May 19th. It's the 139th day of the year. 226 days remain. It's week 20 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 49. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 71 and 49.
On the warm side, in 1996 the high was 90 with the warmest and only 70s low of 72. In 1998 the high was 91 with a low of 66. Another high of note was 83 in 1987. The record high of 94 was set in 1975 and tied in 1977. The record warmest low of 74 occurred back in 1911. 23 highs over the last 32 years (72%) were in the: 60s (9) and 70s (14). Six highs were in the warmer: 80s (4) and 90s (2). Three highs were in the cooler: 40s (1) and 50s (2).
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 93 with a low of 63, a hot day, 30 degree spread and year of the record high. In 1976 the high was 76 with a low of 39, a 37 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 91 with a low of 66, a hot day and year of the record high. In 1972 the high was a warm 83 degrees. In 1970 the high was a warm 85 with a low of 55, a 30 degree spread. In 1964 the high was a hot 86 with a low of 47, a 39 degree spread and warm day. In 1962 the high was 91 with a low of 69, a hot day. In 1960 the high was 67 with a warm low of 61, a six degree spread. In 1959 the high was 87 with a low of 63, a hot day.
More recently, we had large spreads of 38 degrees in 1985 (79/41), 34 degrees in 1992 (75/41), 32 degrees in 1987 (83/51), 30 degrees in 1988 (74/44), 30 degrees in 1995 (76/46) and 30 degrees last year, in 2010 (74/44).
On the cool side, in 2000 the high was 48 (the only 40s high) with a low of 44, a four degree spread. Two years later, in 2002, the high was 54 with a low of 38. In 1986 the high was 55 with a low of 42. The record low of 36 was set in 1993, tying the original record low which was set way back in 1894. The record coolest high of 41 occurred way back in 1895. 27 of the last 32 lows (84%) were in the: 40s (18) and 50s (9). Two lows were in the cold 30s. Three lows were in the warmer: 60s (2) and 70s (1). Over the last eight years (2003-10), lows have switched between the 40s and 50s. Lows, in chronological order from 2003, were: 58, 44, 51, 43, 56, 40, 52 and 44.
The past few days have been wildly cool this year. May 14 (Sat.): high of 53, low of 45, nine below normal; tied 2006 (56/42) as third coldest. The coldest days were 10.5 below normal: 1981 (50/45) and 1996 (57/38). May 15 (Sun.): It was the coldest May 15 in O'Hare's history as the high of 46 and low of 41 made the day 14.5 degrees below normal. It beat the prior two coldest days of 1997 (51/38), -13.5 of normal and 1983 (53/37), -13 of normal. The high of 46 is just two degrees above the record coldest high of 44 set way back in 1904. May 16 (Mon.): It was the coldest May 16 in O'Hare's history as the high of 52 and low of 37 made the day 14.5 degrees below normal. It beat the prior coldest day of 1983 (63/35), -10 of normal. The high of 52 was cooler than our other 50s high of 57 in 1996. May 17 (Tue): It was the fifth coldest May 17 of the last 33 years with a high of 60 and low of 40. May 18 (Wed): the high of 57 and low of 49 was the ninth coldest May 18 of the last 33 years. So hopefully, this marks the end of the current (and historic) cold period.
The following is courtesy of Tom Skilling/Chicago Weather Center Blog:
Mid-May high temperatures the coolest here in 66 years; area moves into a fifth below normal day
Chicago's high temperatures between May 14 and 17 have been the chilliest observed at O'Hare since official observations began at the Northwest side site in 1959. Expanding the comparison of these highs to the entire 141-year meteorological record for the city reveals a chillier mid-May period hasn't occurred in the 66 years since 1945.
Tom Skilling/Chicago Weather Center Blog also brought up 2002 as containing a five day string of sub-60 degree high temperature days. Indeed, the five days from May 17-21, 2002 were remarkably cold for this month. On May 17, the high of 45 and low of 36 were both records and it was the coldest May 17 in O'Hare's history. On May 18, the high of 54 and record low of 34 made it the coldest May 18 in O'Hare's history. On May 19, the high of 54 and low of 38 tied 2000 (48/44) as the coldest May 19 days in O'Hare's history. On May 20, the high of 48 and low of 33 made it the coldest May 20 in O'Hare's history. On May 21, the high of 58 and record low of 31 made it the coldest May 21 in O'Hare's history.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 4:56 and sunrise is at 5:29. Sunset is at 20:11 and twilight ends at 20:44. There's a total of 14 hours, 42 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 48 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:55 and sunrise is at 5:28. The moon is waning gibbous, having passed the full Flower moon two days ago at 6:09. Illumination was 96% at midnight, will be 93% at noon and 90% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 7:13 this morning. Moonrise is at 22:51 tonight. Moonset is at 8:18 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 22 minutes which is six minutes longer than yesterday.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Armed Forces Day is in two days. National Maritime Day is in three days. Memorial Day is in 11 days. -Bernie-
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 49. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 71 and 49.
On the warm side, in 1996 the high was 90 with the warmest and only 70s low of 72. In 1998 the high was 91 with a low of 66. Another high of note was 83 in 1987. The record high of 94 was set in 1975 and tied in 1977. The record warmest low of 74 occurred back in 1911. 23 highs over the last 32 years (72%) were in the: 60s (9) and 70s (14). Six highs were in the warmer: 80s (4) and 90s (2). Three highs were in the cooler: 40s (1) and 50s (2).
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 93 with a low of 63, a hot day, 30 degree spread and year of the record high. In 1976 the high was 76 with a low of 39, a 37 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 91 with a low of 66, a hot day and year of the record high. In 1972 the high was a warm 83 degrees. In 1970 the high was a warm 85 with a low of 55, a 30 degree spread. In 1964 the high was a hot 86 with a low of 47, a 39 degree spread and warm day. In 1962 the high was 91 with a low of 69, a hot day. In 1960 the high was 67 with a warm low of 61, a six degree spread. In 1959 the high was 87 with a low of 63, a hot day.
More recently, we had large spreads of 38 degrees in 1985 (79/41), 34 degrees in 1992 (75/41), 32 degrees in 1987 (83/51), 30 degrees in 1988 (74/44), 30 degrees in 1995 (76/46) and 30 degrees last year, in 2010 (74/44).
On the cool side, in 2000 the high was 48 (the only 40s high) with a low of 44, a four degree spread. Two years later, in 2002, the high was 54 with a low of 38. In 1986 the high was 55 with a low of 42. The record low of 36 was set in 1993, tying the original record low which was set way back in 1894. The record coolest high of 41 occurred way back in 1895. 27 of the last 32 lows (84%) were in the: 40s (18) and 50s (9). Two lows were in the cold 30s. Three lows were in the warmer: 60s (2) and 70s (1). Over the last eight years (2003-10), lows have switched between the 40s and 50s. Lows, in chronological order from 2003, were: 58, 44, 51, 43, 56, 40, 52 and 44.
The past few days have been wildly cool this year. May 14 (Sat.): high of 53, low of 45, nine below normal; tied 2006 (56/42) as third coldest. The coldest days were 10.5 below normal: 1981 (50/45) and 1996 (57/38). May 15 (Sun.): It was the coldest May 15 in O'Hare's history as the high of 46 and low of 41 made the day 14.5 degrees below normal. It beat the prior two coldest days of 1997 (51/38), -13.5 of normal and 1983 (53/37), -13 of normal. The high of 46 is just two degrees above the record coldest high of 44 set way back in 1904. May 16 (Mon.): It was the coldest May 16 in O'Hare's history as the high of 52 and low of 37 made the day 14.5 degrees below normal. It beat the prior coldest day of 1983 (63/35), -10 of normal. The high of 52 was cooler than our other 50s high of 57 in 1996. May 17 (Tue): It was the fifth coldest May 17 of the last 33 years with a high of 60 and low of 40. May 18 (Wed): the high of 57 and low of 49 was the ninth coldest May 18 of the last 33 years. So hopefully, this marks the end of the current (and historic) cold period.
The following is courtesy of Tom Skilling/Chicago Weather Center Blog:
Mid-May high temperatures the coolest here in 66 years; area moves into a fifth below normal day
Chicago's high temperatures between May 14 and 17 have been the chilliest observed at O'Hare since official observations began at the Northwest side site in 1959. Expanding the comparison of these highs to the entire 141-year meteorological record for the city reveals a chillier mid-May period hasn't occurred in the 66 years since 1945.
Tom Skilling/Chicago Weather Center Blog also brought up 2002 as containing a five day string of sub-60 degree high temperature days. Indeed, the five days from May 17-21, 2002 were remarkably cold for this month. On May 17, the high of 45 and low of 36 were both records and it was the coldest May 17 in O'Hare's history. On May 18, the high of 54 and record low of 34 made it the coldest May 18 in O'Hare's history. On May 19, the high of 54 and low of 38 tied 2000 (48/44) as the coldest May 19 days in O'Hare's history. On May 20, the high of 48 and low of 33 made it the coldest May 20 in O'Hare's history. On May 21, the high of 58 and record low of 31 made it the coldest May 21 in O'Hare's history.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 4:56 and sunrise is at 5:29. Sunset is at 20:11 and twilight ends at 20:44. There's a total of 14 hours, 42 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 48 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:55 and sunrise is at 5:28. The moon is waning gibbous, having passed the full Flower moon two days ago at 6:09. Illumination was 96% at midnight, will be 93% at noon and 90% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 7:13 this morning. Moonrise is at 22:51 tonight. Moonset is at 8:18 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 22 minutes which is six minutes longer than yesterday.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Armed Forces Day is in two days. National Maritime Day is in three days. Memorial Day is in 11 days. -Bernie-
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
May 18: ORD
Today is May 18th. It's the 138th day of the year. 227 days remain. It's week 20 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 32-year averages at 69 and 49.
On the warm side, in 1996 the high was 90 with the record-tying warmest low of 72 (tied with 1911). In 1984 the high was 91 with a low of 61, a 30 degree spread. In 1998 the high was 90 with a low of 62. In 1979 the high was 85 with a low of 60. In 1982 the high was 82 with a low of 61. The record high of 93 was set in 1962. 26 highs over the last 32 years (81%) were in the: 50s (7), 60s (10) and 70s (9). Six highs were in the warmer: 80s (3) and 90s (3).
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 92 with a low of 64, a hot day. In 1975 the high was a hot 86 with a low of 50, a 36 degree spread. In 1974 the high was a cool 58 degrees. In 1972 the high was a warm 85 degrees. In 1971 the high was 85 with a low of 69, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 78 with a low of 45, a 33 degree spread. In 1969 the high was a cold 47 with a low of 45, a two degree spread and cold day. In 1967 the high was a warm 85 with a low of 55, a 30 degree spread. In 1965 the high was a warm 82 with a low of 46, a 36 degree spread. In 1964 the high was a hot 89 with a low of 56, a 33 degree spread and warm day. In 1962 the high was 91 with a low of 71, a hot day and year of the record high of 93 at Midway. In 1961 the high was a cool 55 with a low of 41, a cool day.
More recently, we had large spreads of 36 degrees in 1997 (77/41), 33 degrees in 1993 (70/37), 30 degrees in 1987 (81/51) and 30 degrees in 1988 (70/40).
On the cool side, in 2002 the high was 54 with the record low of 34 degrees (broke the former record of 35 set way back in 1894). Three years ago, in 2008, the high was 55 with a low of 44. In 1991 the high was 54 with a low of 45. Other cool highs were 55 in 1986, 57 in 1981 and 58 in 1995. Another cold low was 37 in 1993. The record coolest high of 45 occurred way back in 1900. 18 of the last 32 lows (56%) were in the 40s. Three lows (9%) were in the cold 30s. 11 lows (34%) were in the warmer: 50s (6), 60s (4) and 70s (1).
The past few days have been wildly cool this year. May 14 (Sat.): high of 53, low of 45, nine below normal; tied 2006 (56/42) as third coldest. The coldest days were 10.5 below normal: 1981 (50/45) and 1996 (57/38). May 15 (Sun.): It was the coldest May 15 in O'Hare's history as the high of 46 and low of 41 made the day 14.5 degrees below normal. It beat the prior two coldest days of 1997 (51/38), -13.5 of normal and 1983 (53/37), -13 of normal. The high of 46 is just two degrees above the record coldest high of 44 set way back in 1904. May 16 (Mon.): It was the coldest May 16 in O'Hare's history as the high of 52 and low of 37 made the day 14.5 degrees below normal. It beat the prior coldest day of 1983 (63/35), -10 of normal. The high of 52 was cooler than our other 50s high of 57 in 1996. May 17 (Tue): It was the fifth coldest May 17 of the last 33 years with a high of 60 and low of 40. May 18 (Wed): Today is on course to be one of the coldest May 18ths in the history of O'Hare (going back to 1959). A high in the mid 50s is predicted.
The following is courtesy of Tom Skilling/Chicago Weather Center Blog:
Mid-May high temperatures the coolest here in 66 years; area moves into a fifth below normal day
Chicago's high temperatures between May 14 and 17 have been the chilliest observed at O'Hare since official observations began at the Northwest side site in 1959. Expanding the comparison of these highs to the entire 141-year meteorological record for the city reveals a chillier mid-May period hasn't occurred in the 66 years since 1945.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 4:57 and sunrise is at 5:30. Sunset is at 20:10 and twilight ends at 20:43. There's a total of 14 hours, 40 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 46 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:56 and sunrise is at 5:29. The moon is waning gibbous, having passed the full Flower moon yesterday at 6:09. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 98% at noon and 96% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 6:13 this morning. Moonrise is at 21:57 tonight. Moonset is at 7:13 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 16 minutes which is 10 minutes shorter than yesterday and is at it's shortest for the next several days.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Armed Forces Day is in three days. National Maritime Day is in four days. Memorial Day is in 12 days. -Bernie-
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 32-year averages at 69 and 49.
On the warm side, in 1996 the high was 90 with the record-tying warmest low of 72 (tied with 1911). In 1984 the high was 91 with a low of 61, a 30 degree spread. In 1998 the high was 90 with a low of 62. In 1979 the high was 85 with a low of 60. In 1982 the high was 82 with a low of 61. The record high of 93 was set in 1962. 26 highs over the last 32 years (81%) were in the: 50s (7), 60s (10) and 70s (9). Six highs were in the warmer: 80s (3) and 90s (3).
In looking back through the years to the first May at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 92 with a low of 64, a hot day. In 1975 the high was a hot 86 with a low of 50, a 36 degree spread. In 1974 the high was a cool 58 degrees. In 1972 the high was a warm 85 degrees. In 1971 the high was 85 with a low of 69, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 78 with a low of 45, a 33 degree spread. In 1969 the high was a cold 47 with a low of 45, a two degree spread and cold day. In 1967 the high was a warm 85 with a low of 55, a 30 degree spread. In 1965 the high was a warm 82 with a low of 46, a 36 degree spread. In 1964 the high was a hot 89 with a low of 56, a 33 degree spread and warm day. In 1962 the high was 91 with a low of 71, a hot day and year of the record high of 93 at Midway. In 1961 the high was a cool 55 with a low of 41, a cool day.
More recently, we had large spreads of 36 degrees in 1997 (77/41), 33 degrees in 1993 (70/37), 30 degrees in 1987 (81/51) and 30 degrees in 1988 (70/40).
On the cool side, in 2002 the high was 54 with the record low of 34 degrees (broke the former record of 35 set way back in 1894). Three years ago, in 2008, the high was 55 with a low of 44. In 1991 the high was 54 with a low of 45. Other cool highs were 55 in 1986, 57 in 1981 and 58 in 1995. Another cold low was 37 in 1993. The record coolest high of 45 occurred way back in 1900. 18 of the last 32 lows (56%) were in the 40s. Three lows (9%) were in the cold 30s. 11 lows (34%) were in the warmer: 50s (6), 60s (4) and 70s (1).
The past few days have been wildly cool this year. May 14 (Sat.): high of 53, low of 45, nine below normal; tied 2006 (56/42) as third coldest. The coldest days were 10.5 below normal: 1981 (50/45) and 1996 (57/38). May 15 (Sun.): It was the coldest May 15 in O'Hare's history as the high of 46 and low of 41 made the day 14.5 degrees below normal. It beat the prior two coldest days of 1997 (51/38), -13.5 of normal and 1983 (53/37), -13 of normal. The high of 46 is just two degrees above the record coldest high of 44 set way back in 1904. May 16 (Mon.): It was the coldest May 16 in O'Hare's history as the high of 52 and low of 37 made the day 14.5 degrees below normal. It beat the prior coldest day of 1983 (63/35), -10 of normal. The high of 52 was cooler than our other 50s high of 57 in 1996. May 17 (Tue): It was the fifth coldest May 17 of the last 33 years with a high of 60 and low of 40. May 18 (Wed): Today is on course to be one of the coldest May 18ths in the history of O'Hare (going back to 1959). A high in the mid 50s is predicted.
The following is courtesy of Tom Skilling/Chicago Weather Center Blog:
Mid-May high temperatures the coolest here in 66 years; area moves into a fifth below normal day
Chicago's high temperatures between May 14 and 17 have been the chilliest observed at O'Hare since official observations began at the Northwest side site in 1959. Expanding the comparison of these highs to the entire 141-year meteorological record for the city reveals a chillier mid-May period hasn't occurred in the 66 years since 1945.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 4:57 and sunrise is at 5:30. Sunset is at 20:10 and twilight ends at 20:43. There's a total of 14 hours, 40 minutes of daylight today and 15 hours, 46 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 4:56 and sunrise is at 5:29. The moon is waning gibbous, having passed the full Flower moon yesterday at 6:09. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 98% at noon and 96% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 6:13 this morning. Moonrise is at 21:57 tonight. Moonset is at 7:13 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 16 minutes which is 10 minutes shorter than yesterday and is at it's shortest for the next several days.
The warm part of Spring (Warm Spring) began on April 13. Warm Spring runs for 52 days, through June 3. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Warmer 80s and 90s occur infrequently. Armed Forces Day is in three days. National Maritime Day is in four days. Memorial Day is in 12 days. -Bernie-
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