Today is March 23rd. It's the 83rd day of the year. 283 days remain. It's week 12 of the year.
Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 50 and the normal low is 31. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 52 and 31.
On the warm side, in 1994 (O'Hare's warmest March 23rd) the high was 74 (O'Hare's warmest high of the date) with a low of 49. Six years earlier, in 1988, the high was 68 with a low of 45. In 1979 the high was 62 with a low of 50 (O'Hare's warmest low of the date). The record warmest low of 50 occurred in 1936. Since O'Hare was not the official station of record in 1979, this low of 50 is not the record warmest low. In 1987 the high was 67 with a low of 40. In 2003 the high was 63 with a low of 41. The other warm high was 62 in 2000. The other warm low was 44 in 2007. The record high of 80 was set way back in 1907. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 29 of the past 33 highs (88%) were in the: 40s (10), 50s (11) and 60s (8). Our most recent 60s high was 60 in 2004. On the warm side, one high was in the 70s. O'Hare's pre-1979 warm highs are 72 in 1963, 66 in 1969 and 65 in 1959. On the cold side, three highs were in the 30s.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1974 the high was 25 with a low of 12, a cold day. In 1972 the high was a cold 36 degrees. In 1971 the high was a cold 31 with a low of 20, a cold day. In 1969 the high was 66 with a low of 43, a warm day. In 1966 the high was 60 with a low of 27, a 33 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 28 with a low of 8, the coldest March 23 day ever at O'Hare. In 1963 the high was a warm 72 with a low of 30, a 42 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 43 with a low of 36, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 30 with a low of 15, cold day. In 1959 the high was a warm 65 with a low of 32, a 33 degree spread.
More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1985 (44/38) and six degrees in 1993 (42/36). There were large spreads of 37 degrees in 1981 (60/23), 31 degrees in 1999 (53/22) and 31 degrees last year in 2010 (59/28).
On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 32 with a low of 13. In 1990 the high was 38 with a low of 23. The other cold low was 17 in 1992. The other cold high was 38 in 1997. The record low of 9 and record coldest high of 21 were set on the same cold day back in 1940, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 25 of the last 33 lows (76%) were in the: 20s (14) and 30s (11). O'Hare recorded eight consecutive 20s & 30s lows from 1995 through 2002. Two lows (6%) were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). Six lows (18%) were in the warm: 40s (5) and 50s (1). O'Hare's coldest March 23rd days were: in 1965 with a high of 28 (one of O'Hare's two 20s highs of the date) and low of 8 (O'Hare's only single digit low of the date) AND in 1974 with a high of 25 (the other 20s highs of the date) and low of 12.
Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the fourth of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today 4.9 inches fell.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:23 and sunrise is at 6:51. Sunset is at 19:10 and twilight ends at 19:38. There's a total of 12 hours, 19 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 15 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:21 and sunrise is at 6:49. The moon is waxing crescent and was new yesterday morning at 9:37. Illumination was 1% at midnight, will be 1% at noon and 3% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:57 this morning. Moonset is at 20:35 tonight. Moonrise is at 7:25 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 38 minutes which is 34 minutes longer than yesterday.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in nine days.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
March 22: ORD
Today is March 22nd. It's the 82nd day of the year. 284 days remain. It's week 12 of the year.
Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 49 and the normal low is 31. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 49 and 30.
On the warm side, in 1991 (until 2012, O'Hare's warmest March 22nd) the high was 64 with a low of 46 (O'Hare's warmest low of the date until 2012). Three years later, in 1994, the high was 71 (O'Hare's only 70s high of the date and warmest high of the date until 2012) with a low of 37, a 34 degree spread. In 2007 the high was 64 with a low of 44. The other warm highs were 69 in 1979, 64 in 1988 and 61 three years ago in 2009. The other warm low was 43 in 2000. The record high of 79 and the record warmest low of 59 were set on the same warm day back in 1938, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 15 of the past 33 highs (46%) were in the 40s. On the warm side, 12 highs (36%) were in the: 50s (5), 60s (6) and 70s (1). Our most recent 50s high was 56 in 2001. Prior to 1979, O'Hare's warmest high was 60 in 1969. On the cold side, six highs (18%) were in the: 20s (1) and 30s (5).
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1969 the high was 60 with a low of 26, a 34 degree spread. In 1968 the high was a cold 33 with a low of 26, a seven degree spread. In 1965 the high was a cold 35 with a low of 21, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1961 the high was 45 with a low of 38, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 35 with a low of 17, cold day. In 1959 the low was a cold 18 degrees.
More recently, we had a small spread of five degrees in 1993 (38/33) and five degrees last year, in 2011 (42/37). There were large spreads of 38 degrees in 1979 (69/31) and 35 degrees in 1988 (64/29).
On the cold side, in 1983 (O'Hare's coldest March 22nd) the high was 28 (O'Hare's only 20s high of the date) with a low of 13. In 2002 the high was 37 with a low of 14. In 1992 the high was 34 with a low of 20. The other cold low was 19 in 2004. The other cold highs were 36 in 1984 and 37 in 2008. The record low of -1 and record coldest high of 18 were set on the same cold day way back in 1888, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 27 of the last 33 lows (82%) were in the: 20s (14) and 30s (13). Three lows were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). O'Hare's cold lows, prior to 1979, are 17 in 1960 and 18 in 1959. Three lows were in the warm 40s.
There was an instance of back-to-back years in which temperatures were just about as opposite as they can be. In 1991 the high was 64 with a low of 46, overall 15 degrees ABOVE normal. Then in 1992 the high was 34 with a low of 20, overall 13 degrees BELOW normal.
Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the third of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today 3.5 inches fell. In 1932 in Rockford, 4 inches fell following 11 inches the previous day. Four years ago, in 2008, this was the second day of a two day storm. At O'Hare, 0.6 inches fell, part of a 5.4 inch total. Rockford had 0.3 inches, part of a 5.6 inch total. Midway had 0.4 inches, part of a 3 inch total. Midway's total was held down because part of it was a wintry mix (freezing rain, sleet).
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:24 and sunrise is at 6:52. Sunset is at 19:08 and twilight ends at 19:36. There's a total of 12 hours, 16 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 12 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:23 and sunrise is at 6:51. The moon is waning crescent and will be new this morning at 9:37. Illumination was 0% at midnight, will be 0% at noon and 1% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:31 this morning. Moonset is at 19:35 tonight. Moonrise is at 6:57 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 4 minutes which is 35 minutes longer than yesterday.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in ten days.
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. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 49 and the normal low is 31. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 49 and 30.
On the warm side, in 1991 (until 2012, O'Hare's warmest March 22nd) the high was 64 with a low of 46 (O'Hare's warmest low of the date until 2012). Three years later, in 1994, the high was 71 (O'Hare's only 70s high of the date and warmest high of the date until 2012) with a low of 37, a 34 degree spread. In 2007 the high was 64 with a low of 44. The other warm highs were 69 in 1979, 64 in 1988 and 61 three years ago in 2009. The other warm low was 43 in 2000. The record high of 79 and the record warmest low of 59 were set on the same warm day back in 1938, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 15 of the past 33 highs (46%) were in the 40s. On the warm side, 12 highs (36%) were in the: 50s (5), 60s (6) and 70s (1). Our most recent 50s high was 56 in 2001. Prior to 1979, O'Hare's warmest high was 60 in 1969. On the cold side, six highs (18%) were in the: 20s (1) and 30s (5).
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1969 the high was 60 with a low of 26, a 34 degree spread. In 1968 the high was a cold 33 with a low of 26, a seven degree spread. In 1965 the high was a cold 35 with a low of 21, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1961 the high was 45 with a low of 38, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 35 with a low of 17, cold day. In 1959 the low was a cold 18 degrees.
More recently, we had a small spread of five degrees in 1993 (38/33) and five degrees last year, in 2011 (42/37). There were large spreads of 38 degrees in 1979 (69/31) and 35 degrees in 1988 (64/29).
On the cold side, in 1983 (O'Hare's coldest March 22nd) the high was 28 (O'Hare's only 20s high of the date) with a low of 13. In 2002 the high was 37 with a low of 14. In 1992 the high was 34 with a low of 20. The other cold low was 19 in 2004. The other cold highs were 36 in 1984 and 37 in 2008. The record low of -1 and record coldest high of 18 were set on the same cold day way back in 1888, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 27 of the last 33 lows (82%) were in the: 20s (14) and 30s (13). Three lows were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). O'Hare's cold lows, prior to 1979, are 17 in 1960 and 18 in 1959. Three lows were in the warm 40s.
There was an instance of back-to-back years in which temperatures were just about as opposite as they can be. In 1991 the high was 64 with a low of 46, overall 15 degrees ABOVE normal. Then in 1992 the high was 34 with a low of 20, overall 13 degrees BELOW normal.
Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the third of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today 3.5 inches fell. In 1932 in Rockford, 4 inches fell following 11 inches the previous day. Four years ago, in 2008, this was the second day of a two day storm. At O'Hare, 0.6 inches fell, part of a 5.4 inch total. Rockford had 0.3 inches, part of a 5.6 inch total. Midway had 0.4 inches, part of a 3 inch total. Midway's total was held down because part of it was a wintry mix (freezing rain, sleet).
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:24 and sunrise is at 6:52. Sunset is at 19:08 and twilight ends at 19:36. There's a total of 12 hours, 16 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 12 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:23 and sunrise is at 6:51. The moon is waning crescent and will be new this morning at 9:37. Illumination was 0% at midnight, will be 0% at noon and 1% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:31 this morning. Moonset is at 19:35 tonight. Moonrise is at 6:57 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 4 minutes which is 35 minutes longer than yesterday.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in ten days.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
March 21: ORD
Today is March 21st. It's the 81st day of the year. 285 days remain. It's week 12 of the year.
Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 49 and the normal low is 31. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 46 and 30.
On the warm side, in 1991 (until 2012, O'Hare's warmest March 21st) the high was 71 with a low of 49 (until 2012, that low of 49 was O'Hare's warmest of the date). Six years later, in 1997, the high was 71 with a low of 36, a 35 degree spread. Those highs of 71 were, until 2012, O'Hare's co-warmest of the date. A decade later, in 2007, the high was 67 with a low of 37, a 30 degree spread. The other warm highs were 63 in 1990 and 61 three years ago, in 2009. The record high (prior to 2012) was 77, set back in 1938. The record warmest low (prior to 2012) of 54 occurred back in 1918. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 22 of the past 33 highs (67%) were in the: 30s (12) and 40s (10). On the warm side, 11 highs (33%) were in the: 50s (4), 60s (5) and 70s (2). The 50s highs occurred in two sets of the back-to-back years of 1994/1995 and 2000/2001. O'Hare's second warmest March 21st (until 2012) was in 1975 when the high was 70 and low was 41. O'Hare registered just three highs in the 70s on the date and no 80s until this year (2012). The other pre-1979 warm highs were 67 in 1966 and 62 in 1972.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1975 the high was a warm 70 with a low of 41, a warm day. In 1974 the high was a cold 37 degrees. In 1972 the high was a warm 62 with a low of 42, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 59 with a low of 29, a 30 degree spread. In 1968 the high was a cold 37 degrees. In 1967 the high was 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1966 the high was 67 with a low of 42, a warm day. In 1965 the high was 21 with a low of 8, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 35 with a low of 10, a cold day. In 1959 the high was a cold 37 with a low of 20, a cold day.
More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1984 (35/31), five degrees in 1982 (40/35), five degrees in 2008 (34/29) and seven degrees in 2006 (33/26). There were additional large spreads of 31 degrees in 1990 (63/32) and 32 degrees in 1987 (60/28).
On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 37 with a low of 13. Three years before, in 1983, the high was 30 with a low of 21. In 2004 the high was 33 with a low of 22. Two years before, in 2002, the high was 39 with a low of 17. In 1989 the high was 35 with a low of 21. The other cold highs were 33 in 2006, 34 in 2008, 35 (1984 & 1988), 36 in 1992 and 37 in 1996. The record low of 9 was originally set way back in 1885 and tied in 1888. The record coldest high of 19 occurred way back in 1885. So March 21, 1885 was a very cold day. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 28 of the last 33 lows (85%) were in the: 20s (15) and 30s (13). Two lows were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). O'Hare's coldest March 21st was in 1965 when the high was 21 (O'Hare's only 20s high of the date) and low was 8 (O'Hare's only single digit low of the date). O'Hare also had a cold low of 10 in 1960. Three lows were in the warm 40s.
Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the second of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today just three tenths of an inch fell. In 1932 in Rockford, 11 inches fell. At the University of Chicago in 1932, a total of 8.9 inches fell from March 20-22. 7.8 inches of the total fell today, on the 21st. At O'Hare in 1983, this was the third day of a three day, 7.2 inch snowstorm. Today 3 inches fell. 2008 was the first day of a two-day storm. At O'Hare, 4.8 inches fell. Rockford had 4.7 inches and Midway had 2.6 inches. Some of Midway's precipitation was a wintry mix (freezing rain, sleet).
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:26 and sunrise is at 6:54. Sunset is at 19:07 and twilight ends at 19:35. There's a total of 12 hours, 13 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:24 and sunrise is at 6:52. The moon is waning crescent and will be new tomorrow morning at 9:37. Illumination was 2% at midnight, will be 1% at noon and 0% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:06 this morning. Moonset is at 18:35 tonight. Moonrise is at 6:31 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 29 minutes which is 36 minutes longer than yesterday. The Spring Equinox was at 0:14 yesterday morning.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in 11 days.
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. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 49 and the normal low is 31. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 46 and 30.
On the warm side, in 1991 (until 2012, O'Hare's warmest March 21st) the high was 71 with a low of 49 (until 2012, that low of 49 was O'Hare's warmest of the date). Six years later, in 1997, the high was 71 with a low of 36, a 35 degree spread. Those highs of 71 were, until 2012, O'Hare's co-warmest of the date. A decade later, in 2007, the high was 67 with a low of 37, a 30 degree spread. The other warm highs were 63 in 1990 and 61 three years ago, in 2009. The record high (prior to 2012) was 77, set back in 1938. The record warmest low (prior to 2012) of 54 occurred back in 1918. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 22 of the past 33 highs (67%) were in the: 30s (12) and 40s (10). On the warm side, 11 highs (33%) were in the: 50s (4), 60s (5) and 70s (2). The 50s highs occurred in two sets of the back-to-back years of 1994/1995 and 2000/2001. O'Hare's second warmest March 21st (until 2012) was in 1975 when the high was 70 and low was 41. O'Hare registered just three highs in the 70s on the date and no 80s until this year (2012). The other pre-1979 warm highs were 67 in 1966 and 62 in 1972.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1975 the high was a warm 70 with a low of 41, a warm day. In 1974 the high was a cold 37 degrees. In 1972 the high was a warm 62 with a low of 42, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 59 with a low of 29, a 30 degree spread. In 1968 the high was a cold 37 degrees. In 1967 the high was 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1966 the high was 67 with a low of 42, a warm day. In 1965 the high was 21 with a low of 8, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 35 with a low of 10, a cold day. In 1959 the high was a cold 37 with a low of 20, a cold day.
More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1984 (35/31), five degrees in 1982 (40/35), five degrees in 2008 (34/29) and seven degrees in 2006 (33/26). There were additional large spreads of 31 degrees in 1990 (63/32) and 32 degrees in 1987 (60/28).
On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 37 with a low of 13. Three years before, in 1983, the high was 30 with a low of 21. In 2004 the high was 33 with a low of 22. Two years before, in 2002, the high was 39 with a low of 17. In 1989 the high was 35 with a low of 21. The other cold highs were 33 in 2006, 34 in 2008, 35 (1984 & 1988), 36 in 1992 and 37 in 1996. The record low of 9 was originally set way back in 1885 and tied in 1888. The record coldest high of 19 occurred way back in 1885. So March 21, 1885 was a very cold day. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 28 of the last 33 lows (85%) were in the: 20s (15) and 30s (13). Two lows were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). O'Hare's coldest March 21st was in 1965 when the high was 21 (O'Hare's only 20s high of the date) and low was 8 (O'Hare's only single digit low of the date). O'Hare also had a cold low of 10 in 1960. Three lows were in the warm 40s.
Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the second of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today just three tenths of an inch fell. In 1932 in Rockford, 11 inches fell. At the University of Chicago in 1932, a total of 8.9 inches fell from March 20-22. 7.8 inches of the total fell today, on the 21st. At O'Hare in 1983, this was the third day of a three day, 7.2 inch snowstorm. Today 3 inches fell. 2008 was the first day of a two-day storm. At O'Hare, 4.8 inches fell. Rockford had 4.7 inches and Midway had 2.6 inches. Some of Midway's precipitation was a wintry mix (freezing rain, sleet).
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:26 and sunrise is at 6:54. Sunset is at 19:07 and twilight ends at 19:35. There's a total of 12 hours, 13 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:24 and sunrise is at 6:52. The moon is waning crescent and will be new tomorrow morning at 9:37. Illumination was 2% at midnight, will be 1% at noon and 0% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:06 this morning. Moonset is at 18:35 tonight. Moonrise is at 6:31 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 29 minutes which is 36 minutes longer than yesterday. The Spring Equinox was at 0:14 yesterday morning.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in 11 days.
March 20: ORD
Today is March 20th. It's the 80th day of the year. 286 days remain. It's week 12 of the year.
Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 48 and the normal low is 31. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 47 and 30.
On the warm side, in 2003 the high was 65 with a low of 43. In 1994 the high was 61 with a low of 39. A year later, in 1995, the high was 60 with a low of 40. The other warm highs were 62 in 2004 (our most recent 60s high) and 61 in 1991. The other warm low was 43 in 2000. The record high of 76 was set back in 1921 and the record warmest low of 53 occurred back in 1918. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. By the way, the record high and record warmest lows were shattered this year (in 2012) as the high reached 85 with a low of 63. 27 of the past 33 highs (82%) were in the: 30s (8), 40s (12) and 50s (7). On the warm side, five highs were in the 60s. Until this year (2012), O'Hare's warmest March 20th was in 1976 when the high was 70 (still O'Hare's only 70s high) with a low of 47 (which was O'Hare's warmest low of the date). The other pre-1979 warm highs were 69 in 1972 and 60 in 1975. On the cold side, one high was in the 20s.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 70 with a low of 47, a warm day. In 1975 the high was a warm 60 degrees. In 1972 the high was a warm 69 with a low of 38, a 31 degree spread and warm day. In 1970 the high was 41 with a low of 36, a five degree spread. In 1967 the high was a cold 36 with a low of 33, a three degree spread. In 1966 the high was 56 with a low of 26, a 30 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 22 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1960 the high was a cold 34 with a low of 20, a cold day.
More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1998 (36/33), five degrees in 1983 (32/27) and seven degrees in 1993 (38/31). There was a large spread of 30 degrees in 2004 as the high was 62 with a low of 32.
On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 26 with a low of 8. Two years later, in 1988, the high was 36 with a low of 20. The other cold highs were 32 in 1983 and 36 in 1998. The record low of 4 and record coldest high of 15 were set on the same cold day way back in 1885, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 28 of the last 33 lows (85%) were in the: 20s (15) and 30s (13). One low was in the cold single digits. Four lows were in the warm 40s. O'Hare has never had a low in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) on March 20th. O'Hare's coldest March 20th was in 1965 when the high was 22 and low was 0.
Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the first of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today just a tenth of an inch fell. At O'Hare in 1983, this was the second day of a three day, 7.2 inch snowstorm. Today 3.3 inches fell.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:28 and sunrise is at 6:56. Sunset is at 19:06 and twilight ends at 19:34. There's a total of 12 hours, 10 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 6 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:26 and sunrise is at 6:54. The moon is waning crescent and will be new in two mornings at 9:37. Illumination was 6% at midnight, will be 4% at noon and 2% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 5:40 this morning. Moonset is at 17:33 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 6:06 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 53 minutes which is 34 minutes longer than yesterday. The Spring Equinox is at 0:14 this morning.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in 12 days.
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. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 48 and the normal low is 31. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 47 and 30.
On the warm side, in 2003 the high was 65 with a low of 43. In 1994 the high was 61 with a low of 39. A year later, in 1995, the high was 60 with a low of 40. The other warm highs were 62 in 2004 (our most recent 60s high) and 61 in 1991. The other warm low was 43 in 2000. The record high of 76 was set back in 1921 and the record warmest low of 53 occurred back in 1918. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. By the way, the record high and record warmest lows were shattered this year (in 2012) as the high reached 85 with a low of 63. 27 of the past 33 highs (82%) were in the: 30s (8), 40s (12) and 50s (7). On the warm side, five highs were in the 60s. Until this year (2012), O'Hare's warmest March 20th was in 1976 when the high was 70 (still O'Hare's only 70s high) with a low of 47 (which was O'Hare's warmest low of the date). The other pre-1979 warm highs were 69 in 1972 and 60 in 1975. On the cold side, one high was in the 20s.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 70 with a low of 47, a warm day. In 1975 the high was a warm 60 degrees. In 1972 the high was a warm 69 with a low of 38, a 31 degree spread and warm day. In 1970 the high was 41 with a low of 36, a five degree spread. In 1967 the high was a cold 36 with a low of 33, a three degree spread. In 1966 the high was 56 with a low of 26, a 30 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 22 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1960 the high was a cold 34 with a low of 20, a cold day.
More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1998 (36/33), five degrees in 1983 (32/27) and seven degrees in 1993 (38/31). There was a large spread of 30 degrees in 2004 as the high was 62 with a low of 32.
On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 26 with a low of 8. Two years later, in 1988, the high was 36 with a low of 20. The other cold highs were 32 in 1983 and 36 in 1998. The record low of 4 and record coldest high of 15 were set on the same cold day way back in 1885, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 28 of the last 33 lows (85%) were in the: 20s (15) and 30s (13). One low was in the cold single digits. Four lows were in the warm 40s. O'Hare has never had a low in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) on March 20th. O'Hare's coldest March 20th was in 1965 when the high was 22 and low was 0.
Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At O'Hare in 1965, this was the first of seven days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. Today just a tenth of an inch fell. At O'Hare in 1983, this was the second day of a three day, 7.2 inch snowstorm. Today 3.3 inches fell.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:28 and sunrise is at 6:56. Sunset is at 19:06 and twilight ends at 19:34. There's a total of 12 hours, 10 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 6 minutes between twilights. We gained two minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:26 and sunrise is at 6:54. The moon is waning crescent and will be new in two mornings at 9:37. Illumination was 6% at midnight, will be 4% at noon and 2% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 5:40 this morning. Moonset is at 17:33 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 6:06 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 53 minutes which is 34 minutes longer than yesterday. The Spring Equinox is at 0:14 this morning.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in 12 days.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
March 19: ORD
Today is March 19th. It's the 79th day of the year. 287 days remain. It's week 12 of the year.
Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 48 and the normal low is 30. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 47 and 30.
On the warm side, in 1979 (O'Hare's second warmest March 19th) the high was 63 with a low of 55 (O'Hare's warmest low of the date). Two years ago, in 2010 (O'Hare's fifth warmest March 19th), the high was 65 with a low of 39. The other warm highs were 63 in 1985 and 61 in 2007. The other warm low was 45 in 1995. The record high of 78 was set back in 1921. The record warmest low of 59 occurred way back in 1903. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 29 of the past 33 highs (88%) were in the: 30s (9), 40s (11) and 50s (9). Our most recent 30s high was 39 in 1998. On the warm side, four highs were in the 60s. O'Hare's warmest March 19th was in 1976 with a high of 76 (O'Hare's warmest reading of the date) and low of 51. The second warmest was 1979 (mentioned above). The third warmest was in 1968 with a high of 62 and low of 44. The fourth warmest was in 1959 with a high of 65 and low of 40. Another pre-1979 warm high was 61 in 1969.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 76 with a low of 51, a warm day. Also in 1976, the temperature fell to 25 degrees on the 21st, a huge 51 degree drop! In 1969 the high was a warm 61 degrees. In 1968 the high was 62 with a low of 44, a warm day. In 1965 the high was 19 with a low of 7, a cold day. In 1959 the high was a warm 65 with a low of 40, a warm day.
More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1983 (35/32), four degrees in 1982 (39/35), five degrees in 1984 (33/28), five degrees in 1998 (39/34), six degrees in 1996 (38/32) and six degrees in 2000 (42/36). There was a large spread of 35 degrees in 1986 as the high was 53 with a low of 18.
On the cold side, in 1990 the high was 31 with a low of 21. A year before, in 1989, the high was 37 with a low of 15. In 1981 the high was 32 with a low of 20. The other cold low was 18 in 1986. The other cold highs were 33 in 1984, 33 in 1993 and 35 in 1983. The record low of 0 and record coldest high of 17 were set on the same cold day back in 1923, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 29 of the last 33 lows (88%) were in the: 20s (14) and 30s (15). Two lows were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). O'Hare's coldest March 19th was in 1965 with a high of 19 and low of 7. Two lows were in the warm: 40s (1) and 50s (1).
Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1983 at O'Hare, this was the first day of a three day storm which produced 7.2 inches. Today 0.9 inches fell.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:30 and sunrise is at 6:57. Sunset is at 19:05 and twilight ends at 19:33. There's a total of 12 hours, 8 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 3 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:28 and sunrise is at 6:56. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 11% at midnight, will be 8% at noon and 6% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 5:12 this morning. Moonset is at 16:31 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 5:40 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 19 minutes which is 34 minutes longer than yesterday. The Spring Equinox is at 0:14 tomorrow morning.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in 13 days.
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. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 48 and the normal low is 30. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 47 and 30.
On the warm side, in 1979 (O'Hare's second warmest March 19th) the high was 63 with a low of 55 (O'Hare's warmest low of the date). Two years ago, in 2010 (O'Hare's fifth warmest March 19th), the high was 65 with a low of 39. The other warm highs were 63 in 1985 and 61 in 2007. The other warm low was 45 in 1995. The record high of 78 was set back in 1921. The record warmest low of 59 occurred way back in 1903. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 29 of the past 33 highs (88%) were in the: 30s (9), 40s (11) and 50s (9). Our most recent 30s high was 39 in 1998. On the warm side, four highs were in the 60s. O'Hare's warmest March 19th was in 1976 with a high of 76 (O'Hare's warmest reading of the date) and low of 51. The second warmest was 1979 (mentioned above). The third warmest was in 1968 with a high of 62 and low of 44. The fourth warmest was in 1959 with a high of 65 and low of 40. Another pre-1979 warm high was 61 in 1969.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 76 with a low of 51, a warm day. Also in 1976, the temperature fell to 25 degrees on the 21st, a huge 51 degree drop! In 1969 the high was a warm 61 degrees. In 1968 the high was 62 with a low of 44, a warm day. In 1965 the high was 19 with a low of 7, a cold day. In 1959 the high was a warm 65 with a low of 40, a warm day.
More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1983 (35/32), four degrees in 1982 (39/35), five degrees in 1984 (33/28), five degrees in 1998 (39/34), six degrees in 1996 (38/32) and six degrees in 2000 (42/36). There was a large spread of 35 degrees in 1986 as the high was 53 with a low of 18.
On the cold side, in 1990 the high was 31 with a low of 21. A year before, in 1989, the high was 37 with a low of 15. In 1981 the high was 32 with a low of 20. The other cold low was 18 in 1986. The other cold highs were 33 in 1984, 33 in 1993 and 35 in 1983. The record low of 0 and record coldest high of 17 were set on the same cold day back in 1923, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 29 of the last 33 lows (88%) were in the: 20s (14) and 30s (15). Two lows were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). O'Hare's coldest March 19th was in 1965 with a high of 19 and low of 7. Two lows were in the warm: 40s (1) and 50s (1).
Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1983 at O'Hare, this was the first day of a three day storm which produced 7.2 inches. Today 0.9 inches fell.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:30 and sunrise is at 6:57. Sunset is at 19:05 and twilight ends at 19:33. There's a total of 12 hours, 8 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 3 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:28 and sunrise is at 6:56. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 11% at midnight, will be 8% at noon and 6% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 5:12 this morning. Moonset is at 16:31 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 5:40 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 19 minutes which is 34 minutes longer than yesterday. The Spring Equinox is at 0:14 tomorrow morning.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in 13 days.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
March 18: ORD
Today is March 18th. It's the 78th day of the year. 288 days remain. It's week 12 of the year.
Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 47 and the normal low is 30. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 46 and 29.
On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 70 with a low of 43. Two years ago, in 2010, the high was 61 with a low of 41. The other warm highs were 66 in 1995 and 59 in 1986. The other warm low was 42 in 2009. The record high of 74 was most recently set in 1969 at Midway. The record high of 74 was originally set in 1903 and again in 1918, both at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. The record warmest low of 59 occurred way back in 1894, also at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 18 of the past 33 highs (55%) were in the 40s. O'Hare recorded ten consecutive 40s highs from 1999 through 2008. On the warm side, eight highs (24%) were in the: 50s (5), 60s (2) and 70s (1). On the cold side, seven highs (21%) were in the: 20s (1) and 30s (6). Our most recent 30s high was 37 in 1997. 1969 rivals 1979 as O'Hare's warmest day (until this year!). In 1969 the high was 74 (O'Hare's warmest high of the date) with a low of 38. The other pre-1979 warm highs are 69 in 1976, 65 in 1968, 61 in 1966 and 59 in 1975.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was a warm 69 with a low of 34, a 35 degree spread and warm day. In 1975 the high was 59 with a low of 43, a warm day. In 1971 the high was 39 with a low of 34, a five degree spread. In 1969 the high was a warm 74 with a low of 38, a 36 degree spread, year of the record high and warm day. 1969 is also the year of the record high of 74 at Midway. In 1968 the high was a warm 65 with a low of 40, a warm day. In 1967 the high was 33 with a low of 11, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 61 with a low of 43, a warm day. In 1965 the high was 24 with a low of 10, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 37 with a cold low of 9, another cold day. In 1961 the high was a cold 34 degrees. In 1960 the high was 31 with a low of 17, a cold day. In 1959 the low was a cold 17 degrees.
More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1984 (31/27), five degrees in 1983 (40/35), six degrees in 1987 (42/36), six degrees in 2008 (42/36), seven degrees in 1992 (36/29) and seven degrees in 2003 (44/37). There was a large spread of 32 degrees in 1995 (66/34).
On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 31 with a low of 14. Four years prior, in 1989, the high was 29 with a low of 17. In 1981 the high was 35 with a low of 15. The other cold low was 18 in 1985. The other cold high was 31 in 1984. The record low of 3 was set back in 1923. The record coldest high of 20 occurred way back in 1875. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 26 of the last 33 lows (79%) were in the: 20s (14) and 30s (12). O'Hare recorded 15 consecutive lows in the 20s & 30s from 1994 through 2008. Four lows (12%) were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). Our most recent 10s (a.k.a. teens) low was 14 in 1993. O'Hare's coldest March 18 was in 1965. The high was the coldest of the date (24 degrees) with a low of 10. O'Hare's coldest low of the date, 9 degrees, occurred in the previous year of 1964. The other pre-1979 cold lows were 11 in 1967 and 17 in 1960. Three lows (9%) were in the warm 40s. Prior to 1979, O'Hare's warm lows of the date were 43 degrees in both 1966 and 1975.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:31 and sunrise is at 6:59. Sunset is at 19:04 and twilight ends at 19:32. There's a total of 12 hours, 5 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 1 minute between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:30 and sunrise is at 6:57. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 18% at midnight, will be 15% at noon and 11% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 4:42 this morning. Moonset is at 15:27 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 5:12 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 45 minutes which is 31 minutes longer than yesterday.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in 14 days.
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. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 47 and the normal low is 30. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 46 and 29.
On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 70 with a low of 43. Two years ago, in 2010, the high was 61 with a low of 41. The other warm highs were 66 in 1995 and 59 in 1986. The other warm low was 42 in 2009. The record high of 74 was most recently set in 1969 at Midway. The record high of 74 was originally set in 1903 and again in 1918, both at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. The record warmest low of 59 occurred way back in 1894, also at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 18 of the past 33 highs (55%) were in the 40s. O'Hare recorded ten consecutive 40s highs from 1999 through 2008. On the warm side, eight highs (24%) were in the: 50s (5), 60s (2) and 70s (1). On the cold side, seven highs (21%) were in the: 20s (1) and 30s (6). Our most recent 30s high was 37 in 1997. 1969 rivals 1979 as O'Hare's warmest day (until this year!). In 1969 the high was 74 (O'Hare's warmest high of the date) with a low of 38. The other pre-1979 warm highs are 69 in 1976, 65 in 1968, 61 in 1966 and 59 in 1975.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was a warm 69 with a low of 34, a 35 degree spread and warm day. In 1975 the high was 59 with a low of 43, a warm day. In 1971 the high was 39 with a low of 34, a five degree spread. In 1969 the high was a warm 74 with a low of 38, a 36 degree spread, year of the record high and warm day. 1969 is also the year of the record high of 74 at Midway. In 1968 the high was a warm 65 with a low of 40, a warm day. In 1967 the high was 33 with a low of 11, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 61 with a low of 43, a warm day. In 1965 the high was 24 with a low of 10, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 37 with a cold low of 9, another cold day. In 1961 the high was a cold 34 degrees. In 1960 the high was 31 with a low of 17, a cold day. In 1959 the low was a cold 17 degrees.
More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1984 (31/27), five degrees in 1983 (40/35), six degrees in 1987 (42/36), six degrees in 2008 (42/36), seven degrees in 1992 (36/29) and seven degrees in 2003 (44/37). There was a large spread of 32 degrees in 1995 (66/34).
On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 31 with a low of 14. Four years prior, in 1989, the high was 29 with a low of 17. In 1981 the high was 35 with a low of 15. The other cold low was 18 in 1985. The other cold high was 31 in 1984. The record low of 3 was set back in 1923. The record coldest high of 20 occurred way back in 1875. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 26 of the last 33 lows (79%) were in the: 20s (14) and 30s (12). O'Hare recorded 15 consecutive lows in the 20s & 30s from 1994 through 2008. Four lows (12%) were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). Our most recent 10s (a.k.a. teens) low was 14 in 1993. O'Hare's coldest March 18 was in 1965. The high was the coldest of the date (24 degrees) with a low of 10. O'Hare's coldest low of the date, 9 degrees, occurred in the previous year of 1964. The other pre-1979 cold lows were 11 in 1967 and 17 in 1960. Three lows (9%) were in the warm 40s. Prior to 1979, O'Hare's warm lows of the date were 43 degrees in both 1966 and 1975.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:31 and sunrise is at 6:59. Sunset is at 19:04 and twilight ends at 19:32. There's a total of 12 hours, 5 minutes of daylight today and 13 hours, 1 minute between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:30 and sunrise is at 6:57. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 18% at midnight, will be 15% at noon and 11% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 4:42 this morning. Moonset is at 15:27 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 5:12 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 45 minutes which is 31 minutes longer than yesterday.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in 14 days.
March 17: ORD
Today is March 17th. It's the 77th day of the year. 289 days remain. It's week 11 of the year.
Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 47 and the normal low is 30. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 45 and 30.
On the warm side, three years ago, in 2009, the high was a record-tying 74 with a low of 41, a 33-degree spread. Last year, in 2011, the high was 67 with a low of 48. 2009 and 2011 were the second warmest March 17ths at O'Hare (until this year). In 2003 the high was 73 with a low of 40, a 33 degree spread. In 1999 the high was 59 with a low of 41. The co-record high of 74 and record warmest low of 49 were set on the same day way back in 1894, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. The other warm high was 63 two years ago in 2010. 25 of the past 33 highs (76%) were in the: 30s (14) and 40s (11). O'Hare had consecutive highs in the 30s & 40s as follows: ten from 1976 through 1985 and six from 1987 through 1992. Our most recent 40s high was 41 in 2002. On the warm side, seven highs (21%) were in the: 50s (3), 60s (2) and 70s (2). O'Hare's warmest March 17th (until this year) was in 1966 when the high was 76 with a low of 43. The other pre-1979 warm highs were 69 in 1969 and 66 in 1968. On the cold side, one high (3%) was in the 20s.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was a cold 34 with a low of 19, a cold day. In 1976 the low was a cold 18 degrees. In 1969 the high was a warm 69 with a low of 36, a 33 degree spread and warm day. In 1968 the high was a warm 66 with a low of 26, a 40 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 25 with a low of 11, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 76 with a low of 43, a 33 degree spread and warm day. And although this high of 76 beats the record of 74, O'Hare was not the official station of record in 1966. In 1964 the high was 31 with a low of 14, a cold day. In 1961 the high was a cold 34 degrees. In 1960 the high was a cold 30 with a low of 23, a seven degree spread and cold day. In 1959 the high was 27 with a low of 15, a cold day.
More recently, we had small spreads of five degrees in 1984 (32/27), six degrees in: 1989 (35/29), 1998 (39/33), 2005 (35/29) and seven degrees in 2002 (41/34). There was a large spread of 31 degrees two years ago, in 2010 (63/32).
On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 29 with a low of 12. In 1981 the high was 38 with a low of 18. The other cold highs were 32 in 1984 and 35 in three years: 1989, 1996 and 2005. The record low of -1 was set way back in 1900. The record coldest high of 11 occurred back in 1941. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 26 of the last 33 lows (79%) were in the: 20s (13) and 30s (13). O'Hare recorded 11 consecutive lows in the 20s & 30s from 1982 through 1992. Three lows (9%) were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). O'Hare's coldest March 17th was in 1967 when the high was 25 (the coldest high of the date) with a low of 11 (the coldest low of the date). 1959 was also very cold as the high was 27 with a low of 15. The other pre-1979 cold lows were 14 in 1964, 18 in 1976 and 19 in 1978. Four lows (12%) were in the warm 40s.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:33 and sunrise is at 7:01. Sunset is at 19:03 and twilight ends at 19:31. There's a total of 12 hours, 2 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 58 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:31 and sunrise is at 6:59. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 27% at midnight, will be 23% at noon and 18% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 4:08 this morning. Moonset is at 14:22 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 4:42 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 14 minutes which is 25 minutes longer than yesterday.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. St. Patrick's Day is today. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in 15 days.
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. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 47 and the normal low is 30. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 45 and 30.
On the warm side, three years ago, in 2009, the high was a record-tying 74 with a low of 41, a 33-degree spread. Last year, in 2011, the high was 67 with a low of 48. 2009 and 2011 were the second warmest March 17ths at O'Hare (until this year). In 2003 the high was 73 with a low of 40, a 33 degree spread. In 1999 the high was 59 with a low of 41. The co-record high of 74 and record warmest low of 49 were set on the same day way back in 1894, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. The other warm high was 63 two years ago in 2010. 25 of the past 33 highs (76%) were in the: 30s (14) and 40s (11). O'Hare had consecutive highs in the 30s & 40s as follows: ten from 1976 through 1985 and six from 1987 through 1992. Our most recent 40s high was 41 in 2002. On the warm side, seven highs (21%) were in the: 50s (3), 60s (2) and 70s (2). O'Hare's warmest March 17th (until this year) was in 1966 when the high was 76 with a low of 43. The other pre-1979 warm highs were 69 in 1969 and 66 in 1968. On the cold side, one high (3%) was in the 20s.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was a cold 34 with a low of 19, a cold day. In 1976 the low was a cold 18 degrees. In 1969 the high was a warm 69 with a low of 36, a 33 degree spread and warm day. In 1968 the high was a warm 66 with a low of 26, a 40 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 25 with a low of 11, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 76 with a low of 43, a 33 degree spread and warm day. And although this high of 76 beats the record of 74, O'Hare was not the official station of record in 1966. In 1964 the high was 31 with a low of 14, a cold day. In 1961 the high was a cold 34 degrees. In 1960 the high was a cold 30 with a low of 23, a seven degree spread and cold day. In 1959 the high was 27 with a low of 15, a cold day.
More recently, we had small spreads of five degrees in 1984 (32/27), six degrees in: 1989 (35/29), 1998 (39/33), 2005 (35/29) and seven degrees in 2002 (41/34). There was a large spread of 31 degrees two years ago, in 2010 (63/32).
On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 29 with a low of 12. In 1981 the high was 38 with a low of 18. The other cold highs were 32 in 1984 and 35 in three years: 1989, 1996 and 2005. The record low of -1 was set way back in 1900. The record coldest high of 11 occurred back in 1941. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 26 of the last 33 lows (79%) were in the: 20s (13) and 30s (13). O'Hare recorded 11 consecutive lows in the 20s & 30s from 1982 through 1992. Three lows (9%) were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). O'Hare's coldest March 17th was in 1967 when the high was 25 (the coldest high of the date) with a low of 11 (the coldest low of the date). 1959 was also very cold as the high was 27 with a low of 15. The other pre-1979 cold lows were 14 in 1964, 18 in 1976 and 19 in 1978. Four lows (12%) were in the warm 40s.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:33 and sunrise is at 7:01. Sunset is at 19:03 and twilight ends at 19:31. There's a total of 12 hours, 2 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 58 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:31 and sunrise is at 6:59. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 27% at midnight, will be 23% at noon and 18% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 4:08 this morning. Moonset is at 14:22 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 4:42 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 14 minutes which is 25 minutes longer than yesterday.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. St. Patrick's Day is today. April Fools' Day and Palm Sunday are in 15 days.
March 16: ORD
Today is March 16th. It's the 76th day of the year. 290 days remain. It's week 11 of the year.
Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 47 and the normal low is 29. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 47 and 29.
On the warm side, in 2003 the high was 67 with a low of 42. In 1995 the high was 71 with a low of 37, a 34 degree spread. 2003 and 1995, at least through 2011, were O'Hare's warmest March 16ths. Three years ago, in 2009, the high was 65 with a low of 39. In 1990 the high was 62 with a low of 40. The other warm highs were 61 two years ago, in 2010 and 60 last year, in 2011. The record high of 78 and record warmest low of 49 were set on the same warm day back in 1945 at Midway. 27 of the past 33 highs (82%) were in the: 30s (10), 40s (10) and 50s (7). O'Hare's coldest high of the date was 31 in 1960. Our most recent 40s high was 41 in 2002. Our most recent 50s high was 50 in 2005. On the warm side, six highs were in the: 60s (5) and 70s (1). Prior to 1979, O'Hare had warm highs of 66 in 1964, 63 in 1968 and 59 in 1966.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was a cold 35 degrees. In 1972 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. In 1971 the high was a cold 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1969 the high was 53 with a low of 22, a 31 degree spread. In 1968 the high was a warm 63 with a low of 33, a 30 degree spread. In 1966 the high was a warm 59 degrees. In 1964 the high was a warm 66 with a low of 27, a 39 degree spread. In 1961 the high was a cold 35 degrees. In 1960 the high was a cold 31 with a low of 24, a seven degree spread.
More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 2004 (33/30), four degrees in 2001 (34/30) and six degrees in 2006 (38/32).
On the cold side, in 1997 (O'Hare's coldest March 16th) the high was 37 with a low of 11 (O'Hare's coldest low of the date). Three years earlier, in 1994, the high was 36 with a low of 22. The other cold highs were 33 in 2004 and 34 in 2001. The record low of -1 and record coldest high of 13 were set on the same cold day way back in 1900, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 29 of the last 33 lows (88%) were in the: 20s (15) and 30s (14). Two lows were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens) and two were in the warm 40s.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:35 and sunrise is at 7:03. Sunset is at 19:02 and twilight ends at 19:30. There's a total of 11 hours, 59 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 55 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:33 and sunrise is at 7:01. The moon is waning crescent, having reached last quarter two nights ago at 20:25. Illumination was 37% at midnight, will be 32% at noon and 27% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 3:27 this morning. Moonset is at 13:16 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 4:08 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 49 minutes which is 16 minutes longer than yesterday.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow.
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. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 47 and the normal low is 29. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 47 and 29.
On the warm side, in 2003 the high was 67 with a low of 42. In 1995 the high was 71 with a low of 37, a 34 degree spread. 2003 and 1995, at least through 2011, were O'Hare's warmest March 16ths. Three years ago, in 2009, the high was 65 with a low of 39. In 1990 the high was 62 with a low of 40. The other warm highs were 61 two years ago, in 2010 and 60 last year, in 2011. The record high of 78 and record warmest low of 49 were set on the same warm day back in 1945 at Midway. 27 of the past 33 highs (82%) were in the: 30s (10), 40s (10) and 50s (7). O'Hare's coldest high of the date was 31 in 1960. Our most recent 40s high was 41 in 2002. Our most recent 50s high was 50 in 2005. On the warm side, six highs were in the: 60s (5) and 70s (1). Prior to 1979, O'Hare had warm highs of 66 in 1964, 63 in 1968 and 59 in 1966.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was a cold 35 degrees. In 1972 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. In 1971 the high was a cold 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1969 the high was 53 with a low of 22, a 31 degree spread. In 1968 the high was a warm 63 with a low of 33, a 30 degree spread. In 1966 the high was a warm 59 degrees. In 1964 the high was a warm 66 with a low of 27, a 39 degree spread. In 1961 the high was a cold 35 degrees. In 1960 the high was a cold 31 with a low of 24, a seven degree spread.
More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 2004 (33/30), four degrees in 2001 (34/30) and six degrees in 2006 (38/32).
On the cold side, in 1997 (O'Hare's coldest March 16th) the high was 37 with a low of 11 (O'Hare's coldest low of the date). Three years earlier, in 1994, the high was 36 with a low of 22. The other cold highs were 33 in 2004 and 34 in 2001. The record low of -1 and record coldest high of 13 were set on the same cold day way back in 1900, at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 29 of the last 33 lows (88%) were in the: 20s (15) and 30s (14). Two lows were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens) and two were in the warm 40s.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:35 and sunrise is at 7:03. Sunset is at 19:02 and twilight ends at 19:30. There's a total of 11 hours, 59 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 55 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:33 and sunrise is at 7:01. The moon is waning crescent, having reached last quarter two nights ago at 20:25. Illumination was 37% at midnight, will be 32% at noon and 27% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 3:27 this morning. Moonset is at 13:16 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 4:08 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 49 minutes which is 16 minutes longer than yesterday.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
March 15: ORD
Today is March 15th. It's the 75th day of the year. 291 days remain. It's week 11 of the year.
Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service, Chicago, at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. ORD has been the official site of record for Chicago since Thursday, January 17, 1980. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 46 and the normal low is 29. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 46 and 28.
On the warm side, in 1995 (until 2012 this was O'Hare's warmest March 15th) the high was the record high (now former record high) of 74 with a low of 43, a 31 degree spread. Five years prior, in 1990, the high was 68 with a low of 45 (O'Hare's warmest low of the date). In 2000 the high was 65 with a low of 34, a 31 degree spread. The other warm highs were 62 in 1981, 59 in 2002 and 58 three years ago in 2009. The record warmest low of 49 occurred back in 1945 at Midway. 27 of the past 33 highs (82%) were in the: 30s (8), 40s (13) and 50s (6). On the warm side, four highs were in the: 60s (3) and 70s (1). O'Hare's second warmest day of the date was in 1977 when the high was 71 with a low of 44. The other pre-1979 warm highs were 60 in 1968 and 58 in 1971. On the cold side, two highs were in the 20s. O'Hare's only 20s high, pre-1979, was 28 in 1962.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 36 with a low of 31, a five degree spread. In 1977 the high was 71 with a low of 44, a warm day. In 1973 the low was a warm 41 degrees. In 1971 the high was a warm 58 degrees. In 1970 the high was 33 with a low of 16, a cold day. In 1968 the high was a warm 60 with a low of 39, a warm day. In 1967 the high was a cold 34 degrees. In 1962 the high was a cold 28 with a low of 21, a seven degree spread and cold day. In 1960 the high was a cold 33 degrees.
More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1987 (38/32), seven degrees in 1982 (43/36) and seven degrees in 1986 (41/34). The other large spreads were 34 degrees in 1993 (47/13), 32 degrees in 1981 (62/30) and 30 degrees three years ago in 2009 (58/28).
On the cold side, in 1997 the high was 26 with a low of 13. In 1979 the high was 25 with a low of 15. 1997 and 1979 were O'Hare's coldest March 15 days. In 1988 the high was 30 with a low of 17. The other cold low was 13 in 1993. The lows of 13 were O'Hare's coldest of the date. The other cold high was 32 in 1998. The record low of 6 was last set way back in 1890, having originally occurred way back in 1877. The record coldest high of 17 occurred way back in 1893. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 27 of the last 33 lows (82%) were in the: 20s (16) and 30s (11). O'Hare had consecutive lows in the 20s & 30s as follows: eight from 1980 through 1987 and 14 from 1998 through last year, 2011. 22 of the 27 lows (81%) in the 20s & 30s occurred in these two streaks. Four lows were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). Our most recent 10s low was 13 in 1997. O'Hare's only pre-1979 10s low was 16 in 1970. On the warm side, two lows were in the 40s. Prior to 1979, O'Hare had a warm low of 41 in 1973.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:36 and sunrise is at 7:04. Sunset is at 19:00 and twilight ends at 19:28. There's a total of 11 hours, 56 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 52 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:35 and sunrise is at 7:03. The moon is waning crescent, having reached last quarter last night at 20:25. Illumination was 48% at midnight, will be 43% at noon and 37% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 2:39 this morning. Moonset is at 12:12 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 3:27 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 33 minutes which is five minutes longer than yesterday.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. St. Patrick's Day is in two days.
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. Before this, the official site of record was on the south side of Chicago at Midway International Airport (MDW), beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 1942. Before that, the official site was at various locations in Chicago going back to Monday, October 16, 1871. Observations taken from October 15, 1870 to October 8, 1871 were lost in the Great Chicago Fire.
According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 46 and the normal low is 29. I've calculated the 33-year averages at 46 and 28.
On the warm side, in 1995 (until 2012 this was O'Hare's warmest March 15th) the high was the record high (now former record high) of 74 with a low of 43, a 31 degree spread. Five years prior, in 1990, the high was 68 with a low of 45 (O'Hare's warmest low of the date). In 2000 the high was 65 with a low of 34, a 31 degree spread. The other warm highs were 62 in 1981, 59 in 2002 and 58 three years ago in 2009. The record warmest low of 49 occurred back in 1945 at Midway. 27 of the past 33 highs (82%) were in the: 30s (8), 40s (13) and 50s (6). On the warm side, four highs were in the: 60s (3) and 70s (1). O'Hare's second warmest day of the date was in 1977 when the high was 71 with a low of 44. The other pre-1979 warm highs were 60 in 1968 and 58 in 1971. On the cold side, two highs were in the 20s. O'Hare's only 20s high, pre-1979, was 28 in 1962.
In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 36 with a low of 31, a five degree spread. In 1977 the high was 71 with a low of 44, a warm day. In 1973 the low was a warm 41 degrees. In 1971 the high was a warm 58 degrees. In 1970 the high was 33 with a low of 16, a cold day. In 1968 the high was a warm 60 with a low of 39, a warm day. In 1967 the high was a cold 34 degrees. In 1962 the high was a cold 28 with a low of 21, a seven degree spread and cold day. In 1960 the high was a cold 33 degrees.
More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1987 (38/32), seven degrees in 1982 (43/36) and seven degrees in 1986 (41/34). The other large spreads were 34 degrees in 1993 (47/13), 32 degrees in 1981 (62/30) and 30 degrees three years ago in 2009 (58/28).
On the cold side, in 1997 the high was 26 with a low of 13. In 1979 the high was 25 with a low of 15. 1997 and 1979 were O'Hare's coldest March 15 days. In 1988 the high was 30 with a low of 17. The other cold low was 13 in 1993. The lows of 13 were O'Hare's coldest of the date. The other cold high was 32 in 1998. The record low of 6 was last set way back in 1890, having originally occurred way back in 1877. The record coldest high of 17 occurred way back in 1893. Both records were set at a time when the official readings were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. 27 of the last 33 lows (82%) were in the: 20s (16) and 30s (11). O'Hare had consecutive lows in the 20s & 30s as follows: eight from 1980 through 1987 and 14 from 1998 through last year, 2011. 22 of the 27 lows (81%) in the 20s & 30s occurred in these two streaks. Four lows were in the cold 10s (a.k.a. teens). Our most recent 10s low was 13 in 1997. O'Hare's only pre-1979 10s low was 16 in 1970. On the warm side, two lows were in the 40s. Prior to 1979, O'Hare had a warm low of 41 in 1973.
The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:36 and sunrise is at 7:04. Sunset is at 19:00 and twilight ends at 19:28. There's a total of 11 hours, 56 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 52 minutes between twilights. We gained three minutes of daylight from yesterday. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:35 and sunrise is at 7:03. The moon is waning crescent, having reached last quarter last night at 20:25. Illumination was 48% at midnight, will be 43% at noon and 37% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 2:39 this morning. Moonset is at 12:12 this afternoon. Moonrise is at 3:27 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 33 minutes which is five minutes longer than yesterday.
Spring began on March 12th and runs for 84 days through June 3rd. Cool Spring began on March 12th and runs for 32 days through April 12th. High temperatures in this period are usually in the 30s, 40s and 50s. Highs in the 60s and 70s usually occur infrequently. St. Patrick's Day is in two days.
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