October 26: ORD

Today is October 26th. It's the 299th day of the year. 66 days remain. It's week 43 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 58 and the normal low is 38. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 57 and 40.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was 76 with a low of 59. In 1989 the high was 75 with a low of 50. In 1996 the high was 68 with a low of 56. A couple of years later, in 1998, the high was 73 with a low of 50. Another warm high was 70 in 1985. Other warm lows were 53 in 2004, 53 in 2007 and 52 in 1986. The record high of 84 was set in 1963 and the record warmest low of 63 was set back in 1939. Over the last 31 years, 27 highs (87%) have been: 40s (7), 50s (12) and 60s (8). Four highs were in the warmer 70s. The last high in the 70s was 76 in 2000.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1974 the high was 66 with a low of 34, a 32 degree spread. In 1971 the high was 78 with a low of 57, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 72 with a low of 52, a warm day. In 1966 the high was 62 with a cold low of 25, a 37 degree spread. In 1964 the high was a warm 72 with a low of 48, a warm day. In 1963 the high was a warm 83 with a low of 45, a 38 degree spread, warm day and year of the record high. In 1962 the high was 45 with a low of 19 (cooler than the record low), a cool day. In 1959 the high was a cold 39 with a low of 34, a five degree spread and cool day.

More recently, there was a large spread of 33 degrees in 1982 (64/31). There were small spreads of three degrees in 2006 (46/43), five degrees in 2001 (41/36), six degrees last year (55/49), seven degrees in 1986 (59/52), seven degrees in 1991 (54/47) and seven degrees in 2004 (60/53).

On the cool side, in 1980 the high was 42 with a low of 26. In 1988 the high was 44 with a low of 28. Other cool highs were 41 in 2001, 45 in 2003, 46 in 1997 and 46 in 2006. The record low of 22 and record coolest high of 37 were set on the same day back in 1942. 13 of the last 31 lows were 30s. Four lows were in the cooler 20s. 14 lows were in the warmer: 40s (7) and 50s (7). The last low in the 20s was two decades ago: 28 in 1990.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:19. Sunset is at 17:55 and twilight ends at 18:24. There's a total of 10 hours, 36 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 34 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:51 and sunrise is at 7:20. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 90% at midnight, will be 87% at noon and 83% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 11:04 this morning. Moonrise is at 20:13 tonight. Moonset is at 11:58 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 51 minutes which is six minutes longer than yesterday. Today is the longest time of moonlight for the next several days.

Halloween is in five days. Election Day is in seven days. Veteran's Day is in 16 days. -Bernie-

October 25: ORD

Today is October 25th. It's the 298th day of the year. 67 days remain. It's week 43 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 58 and the normal low is 38. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 57 and 39.

On the warm side, in 1989 the high was 77 with a low of 52. In 2000 the high was 69 with a low of 55. Other warm highs were 75 in 2004 (our most recent 70s high) and 70 in 1993. Another warm low was 52 in 1986. The record high of 79 and record warmest low of 62 were set in on the same day in 1963. Over the last 31 years, 27 highs (87%) have been: 40s (7), 50s (10) and 60s (10). Three highs were in the warmer 70s and one high was in the cooler 30s.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the low was a warm 51 degrees. In 1971 the high was 69 with a low of 59, a warm day. In 1970 the low was a warm 51 degrees. In 1967 the high was a cool 44 with a low of 38, a six degree spread. In 1966 the high was 57 with a cold low of 26, a 31 degree spread. In 1964 the high was a warm 76 with a low of 41, a 35 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 77 with a low of 51, a warm day and year of the record high and record warmest low. In 1962 the high was 38 with a low of 21, a cold day. In 1959 the high was a cool 40 with a low of 35, a five degree spread.

More recently, there was a large spread of 37 degrees in 2004 (75/38), 36 degrees in 1982 (62/26), 31 degrees in 1985 (67/36), 30 degrees in 1996 (68/38) and 30 degrees in 1999 (65/35). There were small spreads of three degrees in 1986 (55/52), four degrees in 1997 (49/45), five degrees in 1994 (46/41), five degrees in 2001 (40/35) and five degrees in 2002 (47/42).

On the cool side, in 1988 the high was 43 with a low of 26. In 1980 the high was 39 with a low of 33. Another cold low was 26 in 1982. Other cool highs were 40 in 2001, 45 in 1981, 46 in 1979 and 46 in 1994. 24 of the last 31 lows (77%) were: 30s (14) and 40s (10). Four lows were in the cooler 20s and three lows were in the warmer 50s. Our most recent 20s low was 27 in 2006. Our most recent 50s low was 55 in 2000.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:18. Sunset is at 17:56 and twilight ends at 18:25. There's a total of 10 hours, 38 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 36 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:19. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 95% at midnight, will be 93% at noon and 90% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 10:05 this morning. Moonrise is at 19:20 this afternoon. Moonset is at 11:04 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 45 minutes which is 20 minutes longer than yesterday.

Halloween is in six days. Election Day is in eight days. Veteran's Day is in 17 days. -Bernie-

October 24: ORD

Today is October 24th. It's the 297th day of the year. 68 days remain. It's week 43 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 59 and the normal low is 39. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 56 and 39.

On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 74 (our most recent 70s high) with the record warmest low of 63. Two years prior, in 1989, the high was 76 with a low of 51. In 2000 the high was 67 with a low of 58. Another warm high was 71 in 1985. Another warm low was 54 in 1986. The record high of 83 was set in 1963. Over the last 31 years, 13 highs have been 50s. Eleven highs were in the warmer: 60s (8) and 70s (3). Seven highs were in the cooler 40s. The past 4 of 5 highs have been 50s. The most recent 60s high was 67 in 2004.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 49 with a low of 43, a six degree spread. In 1975 the high was a warm 74 with a low of 47, a warm day. In 1974 the high was a warm 71 degrees. In 1973 the high was 78 with a low of 53, a warm day. In 1972 the high was a cool 42 with a low of 40, a two degree spread. In 1971 the high was 64 with a warm low of 61, a warm day and three degree spread. In 1970 the high was 72 with a low of 53, a warm day. In 1966 the high was 60 with a low of 28, a 32 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 62 with a cold low of 24, a 38 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 82 with a low of 53, a warm day and year of the record high. In 1962 the high was 45 with a low of 25, a cool day. In 1960 the high was a cool 43 with a low of 29, a cool day.

More recently, there was a large spread of 34 degrees in 1982 (57/23). There were small spreads of four degrees in 1983 (51/47), four degrees in 1986 (58/54), four degrees in 2002 (46/42) and six degrees in 1997 (49/43).

On the cool side, in 1981 the high was the co-record coolest high of 40 with the record low of 17. In 1988 the high was the co-record coolest high of 40 with a low of 26. Another cold low was 23 in 1984. Other cool highs were 45 in 1987, 46 in 2002 and 47 in 2006. 22 of the last 31 lows (71%) were: 30s (9) and 40s (13). Five lows were in the cooler: 10s (1) and 20s (4). Four lows were in the warmer: 50s (3) and 60s (1). The last 20s low (28 in 1999) occurred a year before our last 50s low (58 in 2000).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:17. Sunset is at 17:58 and twilight ends at 18:26. There's a total of 10 hours, 41 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 38 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:18. The moon is waning gibbous, having reached the full Hunter's moon two nights ago at 20:36. It's also known as the Travel or Dying Grass moon. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 97% at noon and 95% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 9:02 this morning. Moonrise is at 18:37 this afternoon. Moonset is at 10:05 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 25 minutes which is 27 minutes longer than yesterday.

United Nation's Day is today. Halloween is in seven days. Election Day is in nine days. Veteran's Day is in 18 days. -Bernie-

October 23: ORD

Today is October 23rd. It's the 296th day of the year. 69 days remain. It's week 43 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 59 and the normal low is 40. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 59 and 41.

On the warm side, in 1992 the high was 76 with a low of 58. The year before, in 1991, the high was 77 with a low of 55. In 2004 the high was 76 with a low of 55. In 2000 the high was 71 with a low of 58. The next year, 2001, the high was 65 with a low of 58, a seven degree spread. Other warm highs were 72 in 1989 and 71 in 1995. Other warm lows were 55 in 1986 and 54 in 1985. The record high of 85 was set in 1963. The record warmest low of 64 occurred back in 1920. Over the last 31 years, 30 highs (97%) have been: 40s (7), 50s (9), 60s (8) and 70s (6). One high was in the cooler 30s.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1975 the high was 78 with a low of 60, a warm day. In 1974 the low was a warm 52 degrees. In 1973 the high was 75 with a low of 45, a 30 degree spread. In 1971 the high was 62 with a warm low of 57, a five degree spread. In 1970 the low was a warm 54 degrees. In 1969 the high was 48 with a cold low of 25, a cool day. In 1967 the high was 78 with a low of 54, a warm day. In 1964 the high was 53 with a cold low of 22 degrees, a 31 degree spread, a cool day. In 1963 the high was 85 with a low of 55, a 30 degree spread, a hot day and year of the record high. In 4 of 5 days in 1963 from the 22nd to the 26th, highs were in the 80s. In 1962 the high was a cool 47 with a low of 29, a cool day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 30 degrees in 1989 (72/42) and 30 degrees in 1993 (68/38). There was a small spread of five degrees in 1983 (52/47), six degrees in 1979 (45/39) and six degrees in 2002 (46/40).

On the cool side, in 1981 the high was the record coolest high of 35 with the record low of 20. The very next year, 1982, the high was 54 with a low of 23. Another cool low was 28 in 1984. Other cool highs were 45 in 1979 and 46 in 2002. 27 of the last 31 lows (87%) were: 30s (10), 40s (10) and 50s (7). Four lows were in the cold 20s. These 20s lows occurred within a span of seven years from 1981 to 1987.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:15. Sunset is at 17:59 and twilight ends at 18:28. There's a total of 10 hours, 44 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 41 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:17. The moon is waning gibbous, having reached the full Hunter's moon last night at 20:36. It's also known as the Travel or Dying Grass moon. Illumination was 100% at midnight, will be 99% at noon and 99% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 7:58 this morning. Moonrise is at 18:00 this afternoon. Moonset is at 9:02 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 58 minutes which is 32 minutes longer than yesterday.

United Nation's Day is tomorrow. Halloween is in eight days. Election Day is in ten days. Veteran's Day is in 19 days. -Bernie-

October 22: ORD

Today is October 22nd. It's the 295th day of the year. 70 days remain. It's week 43 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 59 and the normal low is 40. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 60 and 39.

On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 76 with a low of 50. Five years prior, in 1986, the high was 75 with a low of 50. Other warm highs were 76 in 1979, 73 in 1992 and 72 in 1994. The record high of 87 was set in 1953. The record warmest low of 66 occurred back in 1920. Over the last 31 years, 23 highs (74%) have been: 50s (14) and 60s (9). Five highs were in the warmer 70s. Three highs were in the cooler 40s. The 70s highs, as noted above, occurred from 1979 to 1994. The most recent three occurred in a four year period from 1991 to 1994.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 73 with a low of 52, a warm day. In 1976 the high was 47 with a low of 25, a cold day. In 1975 the high was a warm 80 with a low of 46, a warm day. In 1973 the high was a warm 71 with a low of 39, a 32 degree spread. In 1971 the high was 71 with a low of 59, a warm day. In 1969 the high was a cool 43 with a low of 31, a cool day. In 1967 the high was a warm 72 with a low of 35, a 37 degree spread. In 1964 the low was a cold 28 degrees. In 1963 the high was 84 with a low of 59, a hot day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 33 degrees in 1989 (64/31), 31 degrees in 1979 (76/45) and 31 degrees in 1992 (73/42). There was a small spread of six degrees in 1983 (55/49).

On the cool side, in 1982 the high was 49 with the record low of 22. In 1997 the high was 44 with a low of 29. The record coolest high of 41 occurred back in 1913. 27 of the last 31 lows (87%) were: 30s (14) and 40s (13). Two lows were in the cooler 20s and two lows were in the warmer 50s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:14. Sunset is at 18:01 and twilight ends at 18:29. There's a total of 10 hours, 47 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 43 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:15. The moon is waxing gibbous, heading towards the full Hunter's moon tonight at 20:36. It's also known as the Travel or Dying Grass moon. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 100% at noon and 100% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 6:55 this morning. Moonrise is at 17:29 this afternoon. Moonset is at 7:58 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 26 minutes which is 36 minutes longer than yesterday.

United Nation's Day is in two days. Halloween is in nine days. Election Day is in 11 days. Veteran's Day is in 20 days. -Bernie-

October 21: ORD

Today is October 21st. It's the 294th day of the year. 71 days remain. It's week 42 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 60 and the normal low is 40. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 60 and 43.

On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 84 with the record warmest low of 70. Three years ago (2007) the high was 80 with a low of 60. That low of 60 was the first low in the 60s of the past 31 years. In 1986 the high was 77 with a low of 52. Last year (2009) the high was 69 with a low of 55. Another warm high was 72 in 1994. The record high of 87 was set in 1953. Over the last 31 years, 24 highs (77%) have been: 50s (14) and 60s (10). Four highs were in the warmer: 70s (2) and 80s (2). Three highs were in the cooler 40s.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 80 with a low of 53, a warm day. In 1977 the high was a warm 74 degrees. In 1976 the high was a cool 46 with a low of 30, a cool day. In 1975 the high was a warm 73 degrees. In 1974 the low was a cold 27 degrees. In 1973 the high was 67 with a low of 37, a 30 degree spread. In 1971 the high was 73 with a low of 66, a seven degree spread and warm day. In 1968 the high was 69 with a low of 38, a 31 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 69 with a warm low of 59, a warm day. In 1961 the high was 49 with a low of 44, a five degree spread. In 1960 the high was 49 with a cold low of 27, a cool day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 32 degrees in 1991 (67/35), 32 degrees in 1999 (68/36) and 31 degrees in 1994 (72/41). There were small spreads of five degrees in 1983 (56/51) and seven degrees in 1995 (43/36).

On the cool side, in 1987 the high was 42 with a low of 32. Another cold low was 27 in 1982, our only 20s low. Another cool high was 43 in 1995. The only other 40s high was 49 in 1997. The record low of 26 was set in 1952 and the record coolest high of 39 occurred back in 1913. 24 of the last 31 lows (77%) were: 30s (13) and 40s (11). One low was in the cooler 20s. Six lows were in the warmer: 50s (4), 60s (1) and 70s (1).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:13. Sunset is at 18:02 and twilight ends at 18:31. There's a total of 10 hours, 49 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 46 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:14. The moon is waxing gibbous, heading towards the full Hunter's moon tomorrow night at 20:36. It's also known as the Travel or Dying Grass moon. Illumination was 97% at midnight, will be 98% at noon and 99% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 5:53 this morning. Moonrise is at 17:03 this afternoon. Moonset is at 6:55 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 50 minutes which is 37 minutes longer than yesterday.

United Nation's Day is in three days. Halloween is in ten days. Election Day is in 12 days. Veteran's Day is in 21 days. -Bernie-

October 20: ORD

Today is October 20th. It's the 293rd day of the year. 72 days remain. It's week 42 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 60 and the normal low is 40. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 60 and 42.

On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 80 with the record warmest low of 68. In 2000 the high was 77 with a low of 55. Three years later, in 2003, the high was 85 with a low of 46, a 39 degree spread. Other warm highs were 74 in 1986 and 73 three years ago. The record high of 86 was set in 1953. Over the last 31 years, 18 highs have been 50s. 11 highs were in the warmer: 60s (5), 70s (4) and 80s (2). Two highs were in the cooler 40s.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was a warm 73 with a low of 35, a 38 degree spread. In 1976 the high was a cool 47 degrees. In 1975 the high was a warm 72 with a low of 40, a 32 degree spread. In 1974 the high was a cool 47 with a low of 30, a cool day. In 1972 the high was 49 with a cold low of 25, a cool day. In 1971 the high was 81 with a low of 59, a warm day. In 1970 the high was 55 with a low of 51, a four degree spread. In 1966 the high was 63 with a low of 32, a 31 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 68 with a warm low of 59, a warm day. In 1964 the high was 45 with a low of 23, a cold day. That low of 23 was cooler than the record low. In 1961 the high was a cool 48 with a low of 45, a three degree spread. In 1960 the high was a cool 45 with a low of 29, a cool day. Tom Skilling reported on his blog that back in 1952, three inches of lake-effect snow fell in Chicago but melted quickly. The high that day was just 41 with a low of 29.

More recently, there was a large spread of 35 degrees in 1986 (74/39). There were small spreads of three degrees in 2004 (53/50), four degrees in 1983 (52/48) and six degrees in 1985 (57/51).

On the cool side, in 1989 the high was 41 with a low of 34. The only other 40s high was 49 in 1995. The two 20s lows were 29 degrees, happening in 1991 and most recently in 2002. The record low of 24 was tied in 1930 (but originally set way back in 1895) and the record coolest high of 36 occurred way back in 1895. 1895 was by far the coldest of all October 20ths. 25 of the last 31 lows (81%) were: 30s (11) and 40s (14). Two lows were in the cooler 20s. Four lows were in the warmer: 50s (3) and 60s (1).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:43 and sunrise is at 7:12. Sunset is at 18:04 and twilight ends at 18:32. There's a total of 10 hours, 52 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 49 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:13. The moon is waxing gibbous, heading towards the full Hunter's moon on Friday night at 20:36. It's also known as the Travel or Dying Grass moon. Illumination was 93% at midnight, will be 95% at noon and 97% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 4:52 this morning. Moonrise was at 16:39 this afternoon. Moonset is at 5:53 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 13 minutes which is 37 minutes longer than yesterday.

United Nation's Day is in four days. Halloween is in 11 days. Election Day is in 13 days. Veteran's Day is in 22 days. -Bernie-

October 19: ORD

Today is October 19th. It's the 292nd day of the year. 73 days remain. It's week 42 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 61 and the normal low is 41. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 60 and 41.

On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 74 with the record warmest low of 65. In 1994 the high was 74 with a low of 55. A year later, in 1995, the high was 79 with a low of 49, a 30 degree spread. Another warm high was 76 in 2000, our most recent 70s high. The record high of 84 was set in 1971. Over the last 31 years, 23 highs (74%) have been: 50s (10) and 60s (13). Four highs were in the warmer 70s and four highs were in the cooler 40s.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was a cool 46 degrees. In 1975 the high was 54 with a low of 47, a seven degree spread. In 1973 the high was a warm 75 with a low of 41, a 34 degree spread. In 1972 the high was 42 with a low of 26, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 83 with a low of 64, a warm day. 1971 was the year of the record high. In 1965 the high was a warm 77 with a low of 50, a warm day. In 1964 the high was 47 with a low of 27, a cold day. In 1963 the low was a warm 53 degrees. In 1962 the high was a warm 77 with a low of 44, a 33 degree spread.

More recently, there was a large spread of 33 degrees in 1997 (66/33). There were small spreads of three degrees in 2004 (52/49) and five degrees in 2006 (44/39).

On the cool side, in 1992 the high was 46 with the record low of 21. That low of 21 was our most recent 20s low (18 years ago). Three years earlier, in 1989, the high was 40 with a low of 33. Two years later, in 1991, the high was 47 with a low of 29. Other cold lows were 28 in both 1981 and 1990. Another cool high was 44 in 2006. The record coolest high of 36 occurred back in 1930. 22 of the last 31 lows (71%) were: 30s (8) and 40s (14). Four lows were in the cooler 20s. Five lows were in the warmer: 50s (4) and 60s (1).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:42 and sunrise is at 7:11. Sunset is at 18:05 and twilight ends at 18:34. There's a total of 10 hours, 54 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 52 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:43 and sunrise is at 7:12. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 87% at midnight, will be 90% at noon and 93% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 3:53 this morning. Moonrise is at 16:17 this afternoon. Moonset is at 4:52 tomorrow morning. Moonrise is at 16:39 tomorrow afternoon. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 36 minutes which is 38 minutes longer than yesterday.

United Nation's Day is in five days. Halloween is in 12 days. Election Day is in 14 days. -Bernie-

October 18: ORD

Today is October 18h. It's the 291st day of the year. 74 days remain. It's week 42 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 61 and the normal low is 41. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 61 and 41.

On the warm side, three years ago the high was 78 with a low of 59. In 1979 the high was 74 with a low of 55. In 1994 the high was 68 with a low of 61, a seven degree spread. In 1985 the high was 68 with a low of 59. Another warm high was 73 in 2005. Another warm low was 53 in 1995. The record high of 87 was set in 1950. The record warmest low of 65 occurred in 1910. Over the last 31 years, 23 highs (74%) have been: 50s (11) and 60s (12). Six highs were in the warmer 70s and two highs were in the cooler 40s.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the low was a cold 28 degrees. In 1975 the high was 52 with a low of 46, a six degree spread. In 1974 the high was a cool 47 degrees. In 1972 the high was 38 with a low of 29, a cool day. In 1971 the high was 77 with a low of 56, a warm day. In 1966 the high was 50 with a low of 44, a six degree spread. In 1965 the high was 80 with a low of 55, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 71 with a warm low of 58, a warm day. In 1961 the low was a warm 53 degrees.

More recently, there were large spreads of 32 degrees in 2000 (70/38) and 30 degrees in 2005 (73/43). There were no additional small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1992 the high was 45 with a low of 25. Three years earlier, in 1989, the high was 41 with a low of 32. The record low of 20 was set in 1948 and the record coolest high of 38 occurred way back in 1930. 25 of the last 31 lows (81%) were: 30s (15) and 40s (10). One low was in the cooler 20s. Five lows were in the warmer: 50s (4) and 60s (1).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:41 and sunrise is at 7:10. Sunset is at 18:07 and twilight ends at 18:35. There's a total of 10 hours, 57 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 54 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:42 and sunrise is at 7:11. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 80% at midnight, will be 84% at noon and 87% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 2:53 this morning. Moonrise is at 15:55 this afternoon. Moonset is at 3:53 tomorrow morning. Moonrise is at 16:17 tomorrow afternoon. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 58 minutes which is 36 minutes longer than yesterday.

United Nation's Day is in six days. Halloween is in 13 days. Election Day is in 15 days. -Bernie-

October 17: ORD

Today is October 17th. It's the 290th day of the year. 75 days remain. It's week 42 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 62 and the normal low is 42. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 61 and 42.

On the warm side, in 1994 the high was 78 with a low of 61. Four years later, in 1998, the high was 70 with the record warmest low of 63, a seven degree spread. In 1990 the high was 78 with a low of 51. Other warm highs were 75 in 2005, 74 in 1995 and 74 in 1991. The record high of 86 was set in 1950. Over the last 31 years, 23 highs (74%) have been: 50s (13) and 70s (10). Five highs were in the 60s and three highs were in the cooler 40s. Our last high in the 60s occurred 10 years ago in 2000 (63). Today's predictions are 65 by The Weather Channel and 62 by the National Weather Service.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 67 with a low of 35, a 32 degree spread. In 1976 the high was 50 with a low of 29, a cool day. In 1972 the high was a cool 47 with a low of 31, a cool day. In 1971 the high was a warm 76 with a low of 51, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 77 with a low of 54, a warm day. In 1965 the high was 82 with a low of 62, a warm day. In 1964 the high was a warm 80 with a low of 43, a 37 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 76 with a low of 57, a warm day. In 1962 the high was 69 with a low of 37, a 32 degree spread. In 1961 the high was a warm 78 with a low of 53, a warm day.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees in 2005 (75/41) and 30 degrees two decades earlier in 1985 (72/42). There were no additional small spreads of up to seven degrees.

On the cool side, in 1992 the high was 49 with a low of 28. A decade later, in 2002, the high was 45 with a low of 36. Another cool high was 47 in 1989. The record low of 26 was set in 1948 and the record coolest high of 40 occurred way back in 1880. 25 of the last 31 lows (81%) were: 30s (10) and 40s (15). One low was in the cooler 20s. Five lows were in the warmer: 50s (3) and 60s (2).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:40 and sunrise is at 7:08. Sunset is at 18:08 and twilight ends at 18:37. There's a total of 11 hours of daylight today and 11 hours, 57 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:41 and sunrise is at 7:10. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 72% at midnight, will be 76% at noon and 80% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 1:54 this morning. Moonrise is at 15:32 this afternoon. Moonset is at 2:53 tomorrow morning. Moonrise is at 15:55 tomorrow afternoon. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 22 minutes which is 37 minutes longer than yesterday.

United Nation's Day is in seven days. Halloween is in 14 days. Election Day is in 16 days. -Bernie-

October 16: ORD

Today is October 16th. It's the 289th day of the year. 76 days remain. It's week 42 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 62 and the normal low is 42. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 62 and 43.

On the warm side, in 1998 the high was 80 (our only 80s high) with a low of 55. Four years earlier, in 1994, the high was 76 with a low of 57. Other warm highs were 75 in 1988 and 74 in 1980. Other warm lows were 57 in 1996 and 54 in 1979. The record high of 87 was set in 1963 and the record warmest low of 68 occurred way back in 1897. Over the last 31 years, 28 highs (90%) have been: 50s (11), 60s (10) and 70s (7). One high was in the warmer 80s and two highs were in the cooler 40s (both occurred recently: 45 last year and 47 in 2004). Our last high in the 70s occurred 16 years ago in 1994 (76). There were two streaks of 70s highs. The first was in 1983 & 1984 when it hit 72 each year. Then from 1987 to 1989 it hit 73, 75 and 73. The other post-1978 occurrence was 1980's high of 74. Today's predictions are 70 by The Weather Channel and 72 by the National Weather Service.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1970 the low was a cold 30 degrees. In 1968 the high was 82 with a low of 65, a hot day. In 1965 the high was 80 with a low of 56, a warm day. In 1964 the high was a warm 76 with a low of 37, a 39 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 85 with a low of 56, a hot day and year of the record high. In 1962 the high was 73 with a low of 42, a 31 degree spread. In 1961 the high was 70 with a low of 40, a 30 degree spread.

More recently, there were large spreads of 34 degrees in 1991 (62/28) and 31 degrees in 1983 (72/41). The lone small spread was six degrees last year (45/39).

On the cool side, in 1992 the high was 50 with a low of 29. The record low of 28 was set in 1991. Other cool highs were 45 last year, 47 in 2004 and 50 in 2002. The record coolest high of 44 occurred back in 1943. 29 of the last 31 lows (94%) were: 30s (11), 40s (10) and 50s (8). Two lows were in the cooler 20s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:39 and sunrise is at 7:07. Sunset is at 18:10 and twilight ends at 18:38. There's a total of 11 hours, 3 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 59 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:40 and sunrise is at 7:08. The moon reached first quarter two days ago at 16:27 and is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 63% at midnight, will be 68% at noon and 72% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 0:53 this morning. Moonrise is at 15:08 this afternoon. Moonset is at 1:53 tomorrow morning. Moonrise is at 15:32 tomorrow afternoon. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 45 minutes which is 25 minutes longer than yesterday.

United Nation's Day is in eight days. Halloween is in 15 days. Election Day is in 17 days. -Bernie-

October 15: ORD

Today is October 15th. It's the 288th day of the year. 77 days remain. It's week 42 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 63 and the normal low is 42. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 63 and 44.

On the warm side, in 1989 the high was 83 (our only 80s high) with a low of 60. A year earlier, in 1988, the high was 76 with a low of 55. Other warm highs were 79 in 1999, 78 in 1996 and 75 in 1987. Another warm low was 54 in 1984. The record high of 88 was set in 1947 and the record warmest low of 69 occurred way back in 1897. Over the last 31 years, 28 highs (90%) have been: 50s (8), 60s (12) and 70s (8). One high was in the warmer 80s and two highs were in the cooler 40s.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 52 with a low of 31, a cool day. In 1972 the high was a cool 51 with a low of 31, a cool day. In 1971 the high was a warm 77 degrees. In 1968 the high was 84 with a low of 67, a hot day. In 1965 the high was 74 with a warm low of 58, a warm day. In 1964 the high was 74 with a low of 33, a 41 degree spread. In 1963 the high was a hot 84 with a low of 35, an incredible 49 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 87 with a low of 64, a hot day. In 1961 the high was 71 with a low of 37, a 34 degree spread. In 1960 the low was a warm 54 degrees.

More recently, there were large spreads of 38 degrees in 1983 (73/35) and 31 degrees in 1999 (79/48). There were small spreads of two degrees in 1992 (51/49) and three degrees last year (44/41).

On the cool side, in 1991 the high was 49 with a low of 32. In 2006 the high was 52 with a low of 31. Other cool highs were 44 last year and 51 in 1992. The record low of 28 was set way back in 1876. The record coolest high of 44 occurred in 1943 and was tied last year. 23 of the last 31 lows (74%) were: 30s (11) and 40s (12). Eight lows were in the warmer: 50s (7) and 60s (1).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:38 and sunrise is at 7:06. Sunset is at 18:11 and twilight ends at 18:40. There's a total of 11 hours, 5 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 2 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:39 and sunrise is at 7:07. The moon reached first quarter yesterday at 16:27 and is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 54% at midnight, will be 58% at noon and 63% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 14:40 this afternoon. Moonset is at 0:53 tomorrow morning. Moonrise is at 15:08 tomorrow afternoon. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 20 minutes which is 23 minutes shorter than yesterday.

United Nation's Day is in nine days. Halloween is in 16 days. Election Day is in 18 days. -Bernie-

October 14: ORD

Today is October 14th. It's the 287th day of the year. 78 days remain. It's week 41 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 63 and the normal low is 43. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 62 and 44.

On the warm side, in 1989 the high was 85 (the only 80s high) with a low of 52, a 33 degree spread. In 2000 the high was 74 with a low of 60. In 1984 the high was 70 with a low of 62. Another warm high was 76 in 2005. The record high of 89 was set in 1975 and the record warmest low of 66 occurred way back in 1879. Over the last 31 years, 15 highs were 60s. Five highs were in the warmer: 70s (4) and 80s (1). 11 highs were in the cooler: 40s (3) and 50s (8).

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was a cool 51 degrees. In 1976 the high was 70 with a low of 37, a 33 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 85 with a low of 62, a hot day. 1975 was the year of the record high. In 1973 the high was a warm 75 degrees. In 1969 the high was a cool 51 degrees. In 1968 the high was 81 with a low of 64, a warm day. In 1966 the high was 70 with a low of 63, a seven degree spread and warm day. In 1965 the high was 71 with a low of 39, a 32 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 70 with a low of 33, a 37 degree spread. 1963 was a dual day. The high of 77 was way warmer than normal and the low of 29 was way cooler than normal. The spread of 48 degrees was incredible. In 1962 the high was 86 with a low of 61, a hot day. In 1960 the low was a warm 58 degrees. In 1959 the high was a cool 50 degrees.

More recently, there was a large spread of 31 degrees in 1979 (62/31). The small spread was six degrees last year (48/42).

On the cool side, in 2006 the high was 50 with a low of 32. In 1986 the high was 48 with a low of 34. Other cool highs were 48 last year and 49 in 1997. Other cold lows were 30 in 2002 and 31 in 1979. The record low of 27 was set way back in 1872 and the record coolest high of 43 occurred back in 1937. 24 of the last 31 lows (77%) were: 30s (11) and 40s (13). Seven lows were in the warmer: 50s (5) and 60s (2).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:37 and sunrise is at 7:05. Sunset is at 18:13 and twilight ends at 18:41. There's a total of 11 hours, 8 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 4 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:38 and sunrise is at 7:06. The moon reaches first quarter today at 16:27. Illumination was 44% at midnight, will be 49% at noon and 54% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 14:08 this afternoon. Moonset is at 23:51 tonight. Moonrise is at 14:40 tomorrow afternoon. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 43 minutes which is 24 minutes longer than yesterday.

United Nation's Day is in ten days. Halloween is in 17 days. Election Day is in 19 days. -Bernie-

October 13: ORD

Today is October 13th. It's the 286th day of the year. 79 days remain. It's week 41 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 63 and the normal low is 43. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 63 and 42.

On the warm side, two years ago the high was 77 with a low of 61. In 1995 the high was 83 with a low of 52, a 31 degree spread. A year later, in 1996, the high was 77 with a low of 56. In 2000 the high was 78 with a low of 54. Another warm high was 81 in 1989. Other warm lows were 60 in 1984 and 55 in 2001. The record high of 88 was set in 1975 and the record warmest low of 67 occurred back in 1920. Over the last 31 years, 27 highs (87%) have been: 50s (11), 60s (9) and 70s (7). Two highs were in the warmer 80s and two highs were in the cooler 40s.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 61 with a low of 31, a 30 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 87 with a low of 64, a hot day. 1975 was the year of the record high (see above). In 1970 the low was a warm 56 degrees. In 1968 the high was 80 with a low of 59, a warm day. In 1966 the low was a warm 55 degrees. In 1964 the high was 68 with a cold low of 30, a 38 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 72 with a low of 32, a 40 degree spread. In 1962 the high was a warm 81 with a low of 47, a 34 degree spread. In 1960 the high was 79 with a low of 61, a warm day. In 1959 the high was a cool 47 degrees.

More recently, there were large spreads of 40 degrees in 1989 (81/41), 32 degrees in 1987 (65/33), 32 degrees in 2003 (73/41), 30 degrees in 1997 (74/44) and 30 degrees in 1980 (58/28). There were small spreads of six degrees in 1984 (66/60) and seven degrees in 1986 (47/40).

On the cool side, in 1988 the high was 53 with the record low of 25. Last year the high was 47 with a low of 34. In 1993 the high was 53 with a low of 28. In 2006 the high was 50 with a low of 32. In 2002 the high was 50 with a low of 33. Another cool high was 47 in 1986. Another cool low was 28 in 1980. The record coolest high of 45 occurred back in 1909. 21 of the last 31 lows (68%) were: 30s (8) and 40s (13). Three lows were in the cooler 20s. Seven lows were in the warmer: 50s (5) and 60s (2).

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 18:15 and twilight ends at 18:43. There's a total of 11 hours, 11 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 7 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:37 and sunrise is at 7:05. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 34% at midnight, will be 39% at noon and 44% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 13:29 this afternoon. Moonset is at 22:48 tonight. Moonrise is at 14:08 tomorrow afternoon. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 19 minutes which is 13 minutes longer than yesterday.

United Nation's Day is in 11 days. -Bernie-

October 12: ORD

Today is October 12th. It's the 285th day of the year. 80 days remain. It's week 41 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 64 and the normal low is 43. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 64 and 43.

On the warm side, two years ago the high was the co-record high of 84 with a low of 57. The other co-record high of 84 was set in 1960. In 1997 the high was 82 with a low of 58. Two years earlier, in 1995, the high was 83 with a low of 55. Another warm high was 76 in 1985. Another warm low was 55 in 2005. The record warmest low of 67 occurred back in 1928. Over the last 31 years, 25 highs (81%) have been: 50s (6), 60s (11) and 70s (8). Three highs were in the warmer 80s. Three highs were in the cooler: 30s (1) and 40s (2). The most recent 40s high was last year's 48. Five of the 70s highs occurred within a seven year span from 1996 to 2002. The year prior to this span (1995) and the year following it's start (1997) were host to highs in the 80s. The lone 30s high of 39 happened in 2006. This was the year that the earliest measurable snow occurred. An inch fell here in Crystal Lake and in neighboring Algonquin. An inch and a half fell at Arlington Heights. Both O'Hare and Midway airports received three tenths of an inch. The suburb of DeKalb had half an inch. October 12, 2006 beat October 18 in 1972 and 1989, the previous earliest dates for snow.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 79 with a low of 57, a warm day. In 1975 the high was a warm 76 with a low of 41, a 35 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 74 with a warm low of 61, a warm day. In 1971 the high was 70 with a low of 39, a 31 degree spread. In 1969 the high was 61 with a low of 54, a seven degree spread. In 1968 the high was 75 with a low of 44, a 31 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 63 with a cold low of 28, a 35 degree spread. In 1966 the high was 65 with a cold low of 31, a 34 degree spread. In 1962 the high was a warm 76 degrees. In 1961 the high was a warm 78 with a low of 45, a 33 degree spread. In 1960 the high was a warm 82 with a low of 53, a warm day. 1960 was also the year of the co-record high of 84 at Midway.

More recently, there were large spreads of 32 degrees in 1990 (64/32), 32 degrees in 1994 (67/35), 31 degrees in 1987 (59/28) and 30 degrees in 2000 (73/43). There was a small spread of seven degrees last year (48/41).

On the cool side, in 2006 the high was 39 with a low of 30. In 1988 the high was 48 with the co-record low of 28. In 1980 the high was 53 with a low of 31. Other cool highs were 48 last year and 51 in 1979. Another cool low was the co-record low of 28 in 1987. The record coolest high of 38 occurred back in 1917. 29 of the last 31 lows (94%) were: 30s (8), 40s (13) and 50s (8). Two lows were in the cooler 20s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:34 and sunrise is at 7:03. Sunset is at 18:16 and twilight ends at 18:44. There's a total of 11 hours, 13 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:36 and sunrise is at 7:04. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 24% at midnight, will be 29% at noon and 34% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 12:41 this afternoon. Moonset is at 21:47 tonight. Moonrise is at 13:29 tomorrow afternoon. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 6 minutes which is the same as yesterday.

United Nation's Day is in 12 days. -Bernie-

October 11: ORD

Today is October 11th. It's the 284th day of the year. 81 days remain. It's week 41 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 65 and the normal low is 44. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 64 and 42.

On the warm side, in 2003 the high was 78 with a low of 54. Other warm highs were 79 in: 1989, 1995 and two years ago. The record high of 87 was set back in 1928. The record warmest low of 66 occurred in 1973. Over the last 31 years, 22 highs (71%) have been: 50s (10) and 60s (12). Eight highs were in the warmer 70s and one high (last year's 44) was in the cooler 40s. No highs have been in the 80s; that is, until today.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was a cool 51. In 1976 the high was 71 with a low of 41, a 30 degree spread. in 1975 the high was 66 with a low of 36, a 30 degree spread. In 1974 the high was 76 with a low of 45, a 31 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 82 with a low of 66, a warm day and year of the record warmest low. In 1967 the high was 47 with a low of 30, a cool day. In 1966 the high was 67 with a low of 37, a 30 degree spread. In 1964 the high was 56 with a cold low of 24 (cooler than the record low), a cool day. In 1962 the high was 88 with a low of 65, a hot day. That high of 88 was warmer than the record high. In 1961 the high was a warm 77 with a low of 55, a warm day. In 1960 the high was a warm 80 with a low of 53, a warm day. In 1959 the high was a cool 50 degrees.

More recently, there was a large spread of 40 degrees in 1989 (79/39), 33 degrees in 1995 (79/46) and 31 degrees in 1997 (76/45). There was a small spread of five degrees in 2005 (60/55).

On the cool side, last year the high was 44 with a low of 29. In 1987 the high was 50 with a low of 29. In 1996 the high was 57 with the record-tying low of 27 (up until last year, our most recent 20s low). The record low of 27 also occurred in 1906. In 1988 the high was 51 with a low of 33. The other cool lows were 32 in both 1990 and 1993. The record coolest high of 41 occurred way back in 1875. 14 of the last 31 lows were 40s. 11 lows were in the cooler: 20s (3) and 30s (8). Six lows were in the warmer 50s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:33 and sunrise is at 7:01. Sunset is at 18:18 and twilight ends at 18:46. There's a total of 11 hours, 17 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 13 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:34 and sunrise is at 7:03. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 16% at midnight, will be 20% at noon and 24% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 11:44 this morning. Moonset is at 20:50 tonight. Moonrise is at 12:41 tomorrow afternoon. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 6 minutes which is 14 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Columbus Day is today and United Nation's Day is in 13 days. -Bernie-

October 10: ORD

Today is October 10th. It's the 283rd day of the year. 82 days remain. It's week 41 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 65 and the normal low is 44. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 62 and 42.

On the warm side, there were no days of a mean of at least 11.5 degrees above normal. The warmest highs were in the upper 70s (79 in 1999 and 77 in 2003). The record high was 86 in 1962 (at Midway). The warm low was 56 in 1984. The record warmest low of 68 occurred way back in 1879. Over the last 31 years, 22 highs (71%) have been: 50s (8) and 60s (14). There were five highs in the warmer 70s and four highs in the cooler 40s, including last year's high of 48. Last year was the coolest October 10 of the last 31 years. The last 31 years have not produced a high of 80 or higher. That will likely change today as the predicted high is 85 in Crystal Lake and at least 84 at O'Hare. Today will rival 1961 (80 degrees), 1962 (87 degrees), 1963 (82 degrees) and 1973 (81 degrees) as O'Hare's warmest October 10th ever.

Yesterday's high of 86 at O'Hare at 4:36 PM tied the old record high for Chicago which was set in 1949 at Midway. Rockford hit 90 at 3:24 PM, shattering their old record of 84, set in 1920. Midway hit 87, breaking their own record (in 1949). The lows were 55 at O'Hare, 53 at Rockford and 56 at Midway. West Chicago hit 88 degrees after a low of 50. The National Weather Service in Romeoville reported a high of 88 after a low of 52. Aurora had a high of 89 after a low of 47. Others: DeKalb: 86/53, Joliet: 90/48 and Kankakee: 90/46. The spreads (difference between the high and low temperatures) were large because the air mass was very dry. Chicago's lakefront was a lot cooler, having attained a high of 78 after a low of 63.

In looking back through the years to the first October at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: in 1978 the high was 62 with a low of 55, a seven degree spread. In 1974 the high was 70 with a low of 38, a 32 degree spread. In 1973 the high was 81 with a low of 65, a warm day. In 1967 the high was a cool 51 with a low of 36, a cool day. In 1964 the high was 48 with a low of 20 (cooler than the record low and year of the record low), a cold day. In 1963 the high was a warm 82 with a low of 50, a 32 degree spread. In 1962 the high was a hot 87 with a low of 43, a 44 degree spread. 1962 was the year of the record high (see above). In 1961 the high was 80 with a low of 60, a warm day. In 1960 the high was a warm 79 with a low of 47, a 32 degree spread.

More recently, there was a large spread of 30 degrees two years ago (72/42). There were small spreads of six degrees in 2006 (58/52) and seven degrees three years ago (54/47).

On the cool side, last year the high was 48 with a low of 31. In 1996 the high was 50 with a low of 31. In 1990 the high was 48 with a low of 34. In 1993 the high was 53 with a low of 30. In 1987 the high was 48 with a low of 37. In 1985 the high was 47 with a low of 39. The record low of 27 was set in 1964. The record coolest high of 39 occurred way back in 1906. 25 of the last 31 lows (81%) were: 30s (12) and 40s (13). Six lows were in the warmer 50s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:32 and sunrise is at 7:00. Sunset is at 18:20 and twilight ends at 18:48. There's a total of 11 hours, 20 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 16 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:33 and sunrise is at 7:01. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 9% at midnight, will be 12% at noon and 16% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 10:38 this morning. Moonset is at 19:58 tonight. Moonrise is at 11:44 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 20 minutes which is 28 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Columbus Day is tomorrow and United Nation's Day is in 14 days. -Bernie-

October 9: ORD

Today is October 9th. It's the 282nd day of the year. 83 days remain. It's week 41 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 65 and the normal low is 45. I've calculated the 31-year averages at 63 and 44.

On the warm side, there were no days of a mean of at least 11.5 degrees above normal. The warmest highs were in the mid 70s (76 three years ago and 75 in 1997). The record high is 86, set in 1949 (at Midway). The warm lows were 57 in: 1982 and 1984. The record warmest low of 68 occurred way back in 1879. Over the last 31 years, 29 highs (94%) have been: 50s (10), 60s (11) and 70s (8). There were two highs in the cooler 40s. The last 31 years have not produced a high of 80 or higher. That will likely change today as the predicted high is 84 in Crystal Lake and at least 82 at O'Hare. Today will rival 1961 (80 degrees), 1966 (83 degrees) and 1973 (81 degrees) as O'Hare's warmest October 9th ever.

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

More recently, there was a large spread of 30 degrees in 1981 (62/32). There were small spreads of three degrees in 1990 (48/45), six degrees in 1983 (56/50) and six degrees in 1984 (63/57).

On the cool side, in 1993 the high was 48 with a low of 32. In 2000 the high was 57 with the record low of 30. Other cool lows were 32 in both 1981 and 1989. Other cool highs were 48 in 1990, 52 last year and 53 in 1986. The record coolest high stands at 43, which occurred in 1964. 16 of the last 31 lows were 40s. Eight lows were in the cooler 30s and seven lows were in the warmer 50s.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:31 and sunrise is at 6:59. Sunset is at 18:21 and twilight ends at 18:49. There's a total of 11 hours, 22 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 18 minutes between twilights. We are losing two or three minutes of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:32 and sunrise is at 7:00. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 3% at midnight, will be 6% at noon and 9% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 9:25 this morning. Moonset is at 19:13 tonight. Moonrise is at 10:38 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 48 minutes which is 37 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Columbus Day is in two days and United Nation's Day is in 15 days. -Bernie-