December 27: ORD

Today is December 27th. It's the 361st day of the year. Four days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 17. The 32-year averages are 35 and 19.

On the warm side, in 1982 the high was the record high of 61 with a low of 40. Two years ago the high tied the record high at 61 degrees with a low of 32. Also two years ago, I wrote "As I write this, we are experiencing a thunderstorm (heavy rain and lots of wind)." In 1994 the high was 51 with a low of 29. A decade earlier, in 1984, the high was 49 with a low of 30. In 2005 the high was 47 with a low of 32. Two years prior, in 2003, the high was 49 with a low of 28. In 1991 the high was 37 with a low of 34, a three degree spread. Seven years later, in 1998, the high was 45 with a low of 26. Another warm low was 30 three years ago. The record warmest low of 51 was set in 1959. 21 of the last 32 highs (66%) were: 20s (10) and 30s (11). On the warmer side, eight highs (25%) were: 40s (5), 50s (1) and 60s (2). On the cold side, three highs (9%) were 10s (aka teens).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 9 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1975 the high was 26 with a low of 22, a four degree spread. In 1974 the high was 34 with a warm low of 29, a five degree spread. In 1973 the high was 35 with a warm low of 30, a five degree spread. In 1971 the high was a warm 47 degrees. In 1968 the high was a warm 43 degrees with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1963 the low was a cold 3 degrees. In 1962 the high was 25 with a cold low of -1, a cold day. In 1959 the high was 57 with a low of 50, a seven degree spread and warm day. In 1958 the high was 44 with a low of 32, a warm day.

More recently, we had a small spread of seven degrees last year (21/14). There were no large spreads of at least 30 degrees or more.

On the cold side, in 2000 the high was 17 with a low of 6. In 1985 the high was 22 with a low of 3. In 1978 the high was 22 with a low of 3. Other cold highs were 18 in 1993 and 19 in 1983. The record low of -10 was first set in 1886 and tied in 1950. The record coldest high of 3 was set in 1925. 26 of the last 32 lows (81%) were: single digits (7), 10s (aka teens) (11) and 20s (8). On the warmer side, six lows were: 30s (5) and 40s (1).

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. Back in 1894 in Chicago at the Auditorium Tower, which was the official reporting site for Chicago, 10.1 inches of snow fell. Back in 1978 tomorrow a major four-day snow of 16.8 inches began. But more on that tomorrow!

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. Sunset is at 16:28 and twilight ends at 17:00. There's a total of 9 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. We are gaining a minute of daylight a day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:50 and sunrise is at 7:21. The moon reaches last quarter tonight at 22:18. Illumination was 61% at midnight, will be 55% at noon and 49% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 11:01 this morning. Moonrise is at 0:15 tomorrow morning. Moonset is at 11:30 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 1 minute which is 30 minutes shorter than yesterday.

New Year's Eve is in four days and New Year's Day is in five days. -Bernie-

December 26: ORD

Today is December 26th. It's the 360th day of the year. Five days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 31 and the normal low is 17. The 32-year averages are 30 and 16.

On the warm side, two years ago the high was 52 with a low of 24. In 1982 the high was 40 with a low of 33, a seven degree spread. In 1994 the high was 47 with a low of 24. Other warm highs were 45 in 1991, 45 three years ago and 44 in 2003. Other warm lows were 32 in 2005, 29 in 1986 and 28 in 2006. The record high of 55 was set in 1971 and the record warmest low of 45 was set back in 1936. 16 of the last 32 highs (81%) were: 10s (aka teens)(7), 20s (7) and 30s (12). On the warmer side, six highs were: 40s (5) and 50s (1).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 13 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1976 the low was a cold 5 degrees. In 1973 the high was 38 with a warm low of 35, a three degree spread and warm day. In 1971 the high was 44 with a low of 33, a warm day. 1971 was also the year of the record high of 55, set at Midway. In 1967 the high was 15 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1966 the low was a cold 5 degrees. In 1964 the low was a cold 4 degrees. In 1962 the high was 8 with a low of -13, another cold day. That low of -13 is colder than the record low of -11 set in 1983. In 1961 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread. In 1959 the high was 52 with a low of 42, a warm day.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1986 (33/29), five degrees in 2005 (37/32), six degrees in 2006 (34/28), six degrees last year (26/20), seven degrees in 1979 (33/26) and seven degrees in 1997 (32/25).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 11 with the record low of -11. In 1990 the high was 12 with a low of -6. Three years later, in 1993, the high was 13 with a low of 6. In 2000 the high was 19 with a low of 3. In 1989 the high was 18 with a low of 5. Other cold lows were 2 in 1985 and 6 in 1992. Other cold highs were 18 in 2001 (our most recent teens high) and 19 in 1996. The record coldest high of 5 was set back in 1925. 28 of the last 32 lows (88%) were: single digits (7), 10s (aka teens)(8) and 20s (13). Our most recent single digit low was 9 in 2001. On the colder side, one low each was a negative single digit and negative ten (aka negative teen). On the warmer side, two lows were in the 30s.

Today is not a major snow day in O'Hare's history. The next one is tomorrow and it occurred way back in 1894!

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. Sunset is at 16:27 and twilight ends at 16:59. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. We are staying at about the same daylight per day. It is the least amount of daylight of the year, at either 9:05 or 9:06. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 72% at midnight, will be 66% at noon and 61% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 10:34 this morning. Moonrise is at 23:03 tonight. Moonset is at 11:01 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 31 minutes which is 45 minutes shorter than yesterday.

New Year's Eve is in five days and New Year's Day is in six days. -Bernie-

December 25: ORD

Today is December 25th. It's the 359th day of the year. Six days remain. It's week 52 of the year. Unless noted, the following data is based upon observations collected by the National Weather Service,Chicago,at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) between November 1978 and last year. Observations have been official at O'Hare since Thursday, January 17, 1980.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 32 and the normal low is 17. The 32-year averages are 29 and 13.

On the warm side, in 1982 the high was the record high of 64 with a low of 36. In 1994 the high was 52 with a low of 24. Other warm lows were 33 in 2005, 30 in 2006, 29 in 1987 and 28 in 1979. The record warmest low of 46 occurred in 1936. 19 of the last 32 highs (59%) were: 20s (7) and 30s (12). On the warmer side, five highs (16%) were: 40s (3), 50s (1) and 60s (1). On the colder side, eight highs (25%) were: negative single digits (1), single digits (2) and 10s (aka teens)(5).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1977 the high was 14 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1975 the high was 36 with a warm low of 31, a five degree spread. In 1973 the high was 40 with a warm low of 37, a three degree spread and warm day. In 1972 the high was 35 with a warm low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1971 the high was 45 with a low of 30, a warm day. In 1969 the high was 28 with a low of 21, a seven degree spread. In 1968 the high was 18 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 27 with a low of 23, a four degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 2005 (36/33), six degrees in 1986 (32/26), six degrees in 2002 (29/23), seven degrees in 1987 (36/29) and seven degrees in 2006 (37/30).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the record coldest high of -5 with the record low of -17. Two years later, in 1985, the high was 2 with a low of -11. Five years earlier, in 1980, the high was 17 with a low of -8. Two decades later, in 2000, the high was 17 with a low of -7. Four years before that, in 1996, the high was 9 with a low of 1. In 1984 the high was 19 with a low of -3. In 1993 the high was 18 with a low of 5. Two years ago the high was 24 with a low of 0. In 1990 the high was 28 with a low of -1. Another cold high was 19 in 2004. 19 of the last 32 lows (59%) were: 10s (11) and 20s (8). On the colder side, ten lows (31%) were: negative 10s (aka negative teens)(2), negative single digits (4) and single digits (4). On the warmer side, three lows (9%) were in the 30s. Through Winter 2010-11, this is the average sixth coldest day of the year.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. Sunset is at 16:26 and twilight ends at 16:58. There's a total of 9 hours, 5 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. We are staying at about the same daylight per day. It is the least amount of daylight of the year, at either 9:05 or 9:06. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 81% at midnight, will be 77% at noon and 72% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 10:06 this morning. Moonrise is at 21:50 tonight. Moonset is at 10:34 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 16 minutes which is 44 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Today is not a major snow day in O'Hare's history. The next one is in a couple of days and it occurred way back in 1894! Christmas Day is today, New Year's Eve is in six days and New Year's Day is in seven days. -Bernie-

December 24: ORD

Today is December 24th. It's the 358th day of the year. Seven days remain. It's week 52 of the year.

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

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), the normal high is 32 and the normal low is 18. The 32-year averages are 30 and 15.

On the warmer side, in 1982 the high was the near-record high of 62 with the record warmest low of 51. The record high of 64 remains, having being set way back in 1889. Three years earlier, in 1979, the high was 51 with a low of 37. In 1987 the high was 48 with a low of 34. In 2005 the high was 39 with a low of 34, a five degree spread. A year later, in 2006, the high was 44 with a low of 29. Other warm lows were 33 in 1997 and 32 last year. 29 of the last 32 highs (91%) were: 10s (5), 20s (10), 30s (9) and 40s (5). On the warmer side, one high was in the 50s and one high was in the 60s. On the cold side, one high was in the negative 10s (aka negative teens).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable. In 1976 the high was 40 with a cold low of 7, a 33 degree spread. In 1975 the high was 34 with a low of 28, a six degree spread. In 1973 the high was 38 with a warm low of 32, a six degree spread. In 1972 the high was 35 with a warm low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1971 the high was a warm 45 with a low of 28, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 16 with a low of 5, a cold day. In 1966 the low was a cold 5 degrees. In 1965 the high was 50 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1964 the high was a warm 47. In 1963 the low was a cold 4 degrees. In 1962 the high was 19 with a low of -4, a cold day.

More recently, we had a large spread of 30 degrees in 1980 (32/2). We also had small spreads of two degrees in 1997 (35/33), four degrees last year (36/32), six degrees in 1993 (18/12), six degrees in 1995 (28/22), six degrees in 2001 (21/15) and six degrees three years ago in 2007 (26/20).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the record coldest high of -11 with the record low of -25. Six years later, in 1989, the high was 14 with a low of -6. In 2000 the high was 11 with a low of -2. Four years later, in 2004, the high was 12 with a low of -2. In 1985 the high was 22 with a low of -8. Five years later, in 1990, the high was 16 with a low of 1. Two years later, in 1992, the high was 22 with a low of -3. Other cold lows were 0 in 1984, 2 in 1980 and 6 two years ago. Other cold highs were 18 in 1993 and 20 in 1999. 29 of the last 32 lows (94%) were negative single digits (5), single digits (6), 10s (aka teens)(6), 20s (8) and 30s (5). On the colder side, one low was in the negative 20s. On the warmer side, one low was in the 50s.

Today is a major snow day in O'Hare's history. In 1969, 2.1 inches fell. This was the fourth of four days of measurable snowfall, part of a total of 13.5 inches during the period.

Last year during December, Tom Skilling of the WGN-TV weather center, wrote the following in response to a question about Christmas '65: "Your recall is perfect. Christmas Eve, 1965, was mild and rainy with a high of 51 degrees. In fact it was Chicago's wettest Christmas Eve, with precipitation totaling 2.61 inches, accompanied by thunder and flooding. However, colder air moved in during the evening as a cold front passed through the area and temperatures plunged into the 30s. Rain turned to sleet and then snow with half an inch falling before midnight. At 6 a.m. on Christmas, 2 inches of snow covered the ground at the then official site at Midway Airport, and 1965 was officially declared a white Christmas. The snow cover remained through Dec. 29 then vanished as the mercury climbed to 56 degrees on Dec. 30 and to 60 degrees on New Year's Eve."

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:20. Sunset is at 16:26 and twilight ends at 16:58. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. We are staying at about the same daylight per day. It is the least amount of daylight of the year, at either 9:05 or 9:06. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:21. The moon is waning gibbous. Illumination was 89% at midnight, will be 86% at noon and 81% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 9:36 this morning. Moonrise is at 20:36 tonight. Moonset is at 10:06 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours exactly which is 40 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Christmas Eve is today and Christmas Day is tomorrow. -Bernie-

December 23: ORD

Today is December 23rd. It's the 357th day of the year. Eight days remain. It's week 51 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 32 and the normal low is 18. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 34 and 20.

On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 62 with a low of 46. That high of 62 ties the record, but O'Hare was not the official station of record in 1979. Just three years later, in 1982, the high was the record high of 62 with a low of 42. In 1996 the high was 52 with a low of 32. In 1988 the high was 48 with a low of 33. In 2005 the high was 44 with a low of 37, a seven degree spread. In 1994 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. In 2006 the high was 40 with a low of 33, a seven degree spread. Another warm high was 52 in 2007, just three years ago. Of course, the low that day was a cold 14 degrees, evidence of a cold front. Other warm lows were 32 in 1997, 31 in 1980, 31 last year and 30 in 1987. The record warmest low of 49 occurred way back in 1877. Over the last 32 years, 20 highs (63%) were in the: 30s (13) and 40s (7). Four highs (12%) were in the warmer: 50s (2) and 60s (2). Eight highs (25%) were in the cold: negative single digits (1), single digits (1), 10s (aka teens) (3) and 20s (3). Our most recent 20s high was 20 degrees a decade ago in 2000.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the low was a cold 6 degrees. In 1975 the high was 34 with a low of 27, a seven degree spread. In 1972 the high was 32 with a warm low of 30, a mere two degree spread. In 1971 the high was 46 with a low of 33, a warm day. In 1969 the high was 28 with a low of 24, a four degree spread. In 1965 the high was 55 with a low of 41, a warm day. In 1964 the high was 48 with a low of 37, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 22 with a cold low of -8, a 30 degree spread and cold day. In 1962 the high was 24 with a cold low of 0, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 31 with a low of 24, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 11 with a low of -17, a very cold day. In 1959 the high was 29 with a low of 25, a four degree spread.

More recently, there was a large spread of 38 degrees in 2007 (52/14). There were small spreads of one degree last year (32/31), five degrees in 1986 (34/29), five degrees in 1997 (37/32), seven degrees in 1980 (38/31) and seven degrees in 1995 (30/23).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was the record coldest high of -6 with the record low of -21. In 1989 the high was 8 with a low of -11. A year later, in 1990, the high was 11 with a low of 0. A decade later, in 2000, the high was 20 with a low of -4. A year earlier, in 1999, the high was 16 with a low of 3. Five years later, in 2004, the high was 18 with a low of 5. 27 of the last 32 lows (84%) were: single digits (6), 10s (aka teens)(4), 20s (8) and 30s (9). Three lows were in the cold: negative 20s (1), negative 10s (1) and negative single digits (1). Two lows were in the warmer 40s.

In 1969, O'Hare had 9.9 inches of snow today. This was the third of four days of a total of 13.5 inches of snow. In 1961 Midway had 10.2 inches of snow. O'Hare had 7.4 inches in 1961, part of a 3-day event of 8.2 inches (including half an inch on the 21st and three tenths on the 22nd).

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:20. Sunset is at 16:25 and twilight ends at 16:57. There's a total of 9 hours, 5 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. We are staying at about the same daylight per day. It is the least amount of daylight of the year, at either 9:05 or 9:06. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:20. The moon reached the full Cold or Long Nights moon two mornings ago at 2:13 and is waning gibbous. Illumination was 95% at midnight, will be 93% at noon and 89% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 9:02 this morning. Moonrise is at 19:22 tonight. Moonset is at 9:36 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 40 minutes which is 34 minutes shorter than yesterday. The Winter Solstice was two days ago at 17:38.

Christmas Eve is tomorrow and Christmas Day is in two days. -Bernie-

December 22: ORD

Today is December 22nd. It's the 356th day of the year. Nine days remain. It's week 51 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 32 and the normal low is 18. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 33 and 19.

On the warm side, in 1979 the high was 50 with a low of 44, a six degree spread. In 2006 the high was 54 with a low of 40. Three years ago, in 2007, the high was 50 with a low of 36. Four years prior, in 2003, the high was 47 with a low of 36. A couple years before that, in 2001, the high was 49 with a low of 33. In 1994 the high was 52 with a low of 27. Other warm highs were 48 in 1982 and 45 in 1988. Other warm lows were 33 in 1997, 31 in 1981 and 30 in 1987. The record high of 57 was set way back in 1875 and tied in 1957. The record warmest low of 50 occurred back in 1941. Over the last 32 years, 19 highs (59%) were in the: 30s (12) and 40s (7). Four highs (13%) were in the warmer 50s. Nine highs (28%) were in the cold: single digits (3), 10s (aka teens) (4) and 20s (2).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1974 the high was 42 with a cold low of 3, a 39 degree spread. In 1973 the low was a cold 3 degrees. In 1972 the high was 33 with a warm low of 31, a mere two degree spread. In 1970 the high was 36 with a warm low of 34, a mere two degree spread. In 1965 the high was a warm 46 with a low of 29, a warm day. In 1963 the high was 19 with a low of -13, a 32 degree spread and cold day. In 1961 the high was 35 with a warm low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1960 the high was 4 with a low of -11, a cold day. That high of 4 is just a degree warmer than the record coldest high of 3 which occurred in 1989.

More recently, there was a large spread of 32 degrees in 2005 (38/6). There were small spreads of two degrees in 1981 (33/31), four degrees in 1997 (37/33), five degrees in 2002 (30/25), five degrees last year (32/27) and seven degrees in 1991 (36/29).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was the record coldest high of 3 with a low of -12. In 2000 the high was 7 with a low of -9. In 1983 the high was 19 with a low of -18, a 37 degree spread. Two years ago the high was 7 with a low of -4. In 1998 the high was 14 with a low of 5. In 2004 the high was 14 with a low of 8. In 1999 the high was 17 with a low of 8. Other cold lows were 5 in 1990 and 6 in 2005. The record low of -21 was set way back in 1872. 26 of the last 32 lows (81%) were: single digits (5), 10s (aka teens) (5), 20s (10) and 30s (6). Our most recent 10s low was 15 in 1995. Four lows were in the cold: negative 10s (2) and negative single digits (2). Two lows were in the warmer 40s.

In the last 12 years, we've seen a wide variance of temperatures. Four days were much above normal (2001, 2003, 2006 and 2007). Five days were much below normal (1998, 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2008). Three days were within normal. Of those, 2002 and 2009 were slightly above normal while 2005 was slightly below normal. We've seen highs in the single digits, teens (10s), 30s, 40s and 50s. Note, no 20s highs in the last 12 years. 1995 produced the most recent at 29 degrees (also our most recent teens (10s) low).

In 1969, O'Hare had 1.2 inches of snow today. This was the second of four days of a total of 13.5 inches of snow.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:19. Sunset is at 16:25 and twilight ends at 16:57. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. We are staying at about the same daylight per day. It is the least amount of daylight of the year, at either 9:05 or 9:06. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:48 and sunrise is at 7:20. The moon reached the full Cold or Long Nights moon yesterday morning at 2:13 and is waning gibbous. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 98% at noon and 95% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 8:22 this morning. Moonrise is at 18:08 this afternoon. Moonset is at 9:02 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 14 minutes which is 25 minutes shorter than yesterday. The Winter Solstice was yesterday at 17:38.

Christmas Eve is in two days and Christmas Day is in three days. -Bernie-

December 21: ORD

Today is December 21st. It's the 355th day of the year. 10 days remain. It's week 51 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 33 and the normal low is 19. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 33 and 18.

On the warm side, in 2006 the high was 50 with a low of 38. In 1984 the high was 56 with a low of 30. A decade later, in 1994, the high was 51 with a low of 30. In 1979 the high was 48 with a low of 28. Other warm highs were 47 in 2003 (our most recent 40s high) and 45 in 1990. Another warm low was 33 three years ago. The record high of 62 was set in 1967. The record warmest low of 49 occurred way back in 1918. Over the last 32 years, 14 highs (44%) were in the 30s. Eight highs (25%) were in the warmer: 40s (5) and 50s (3). Ten highs (31%) were in the cold: 0s (aka single digits)(1), 10s (aka teens)(4) and 20s (5).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the high was 19 with a low of 4, a cold day. In 1973 the high was 20 with a low of 2, another cold day. In 1972 the high was 35 with a warm low of 33, a mere two degree spread. In 1967 the high was a warm 61 with a low of 19, a 42 degree spread, a warm day and also the year of the record high. Also in 1967, the temperature fell 53 degrees to a low of 8 on the 23rd. In 1965 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread. In 1964 the high was 40 with a low of 10, a 30 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 13 with a low of -11, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread. In 1960 the high was 9 with a low of -7, a cold day.

More recently, there were no large spreads of 30 degrees or more. There were small spreads of four degrees last year (29/25), five degrees in 1993 (29/24), five degrees in 2007 (38/33), six degrees in 2002 (34/28) and seven degrees in 1983 (23/16).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was the record coldest high of 0 with the record low of -14. Two years ago the high was 16 with a low of -6. In 2000 the high was 19 with a low of -7. In 1999 the high was 14 with a low of 1. In 1985 the high was 18 with a low of -2. In 2005 the high was 20 with a low of 3. In 1980 the high was 21 with a low of 5. 21 of the last 32 lows (66%) were: 10s (aka teens) (8) and 20s (13). Seven lows were in the cold: negative 10s (1), negative single digits (3) and single digits (3). Four lows were in the warmer 30s.

In 1969, O'Hare had 0.3 inches of snow today. This was the first of four days of a total of 13.5 inches of snow.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:19. Sunset is at 16:24 and twilight ends at 16:56. There's a total of 9 hours, 5 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. We are staying at about the same daylight per day. It is the least amount of daylight of the year, at either 9:05 or 9:06. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:19. The moon reaches the full Cold or Long Nights moon this morning at 2:13. Illumination was 100% at midnight, will be 100% at noon and 99% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 7:36 this morning. Moonrise is at 16:57 this afternoon. Moonset is at 8:22 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 39 minutes which is ten minutes shorter than yesterday. The Winter Solstice is today at 17:38.

Christmas Eve is in three days and Christmas Day is in four days. -Bernie-

December 20: ORD

Today is December 20th. It's the 354th day of the year. 11 days remain. It's week 51 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 33 and the normal low is 19. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 32 and 17.

On the warm side, in 1988 the high was 56 with a low of 32. This is one of only two highs in the 50s in the history of O'Hare (see 1967 below). Two years later, in 1990, the high was 49 with a low of 30. Four years after that, in 1994, the high was 42 with a low of 34 (our most recent 30s low). The record high of 67 and record warmest low of 55 were set on the same day way back in 1877. Back then, official readings for the area were taken adjacent to Lake Michigan. Over the last 32 years, 14 highs (44%) were in the 30s. Eight highs (25%) were in the warmer: 40s (7) and 50s (1). Ten highs (31%) were in the cold: 0s (aka single digits)(1), 10s (aka teens)(4) and 20s (5). The most recent 10s high was 17 in 2000.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1976 the low was a cold 6. In 1972 the high was 37 with a warm low of 34, a mere three degree spread. In 1968 the high was 33 with a low of 26, a seven degree spread. In 1967 the high was 55 with a low of 36, a warm day. In 1966 the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread. In 1965 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread. In 1964 the low was a cold 7 degrees. In 1963 the high was 6 with a low of -16, a cold day. That low of -16 was colder than the record low of -9, set at Midway. The high of 6 was near the record coldest high of 4, set way back in 1901. In 1960 the high was 22 with a cold low of 6, a cold day. In 1959 the high was 31 with a low of 28, a mere three degree spread. In 1958 the high was a cold 21 with a low of 8, a cold day.

More recently, there was a large spread of 32 degrees in 1999 (37/5). There were small spreads of five degrees in 1991 (35/30) and six degrees in 2002 (35/29).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was 5 with a low of -6. In 1980 the high was 10 with a low of -1. In 2000 the high was 17 with a low of -5, our most recent negative single digit low. In 1983 the high was 20 with a low of -1. In 1996 the high was 17 with a low of 3. In 1981 the high was 22 with a low of -1. In 1985 the high was 19 with a low of 3. In 2005 the high was 21 with a low of 5. Another cold low was 5 in 1999. The record low of -9 was set in 1963. The record coldest high of 4 occurred way back in 1901. 14 of the last 32 lows (44%) were 20s. 14 lows (44%) were in the cold: negative single digits (5), single digits (4) and 10s (aka teens) (5). Four lows (12%) were in the warmer 30s.

In 1973, O'Hare had 0.1 inches of snow today. This was the eighth day of a string of eight days which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches. In 1960, Midway had 11 inches while O'Hare had just 3.1 inches. O'Hare also had 1.1 on the 19th.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:18. Sunset is at 16:24 and twilight ends at 16:56. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. We are staying at about the same daylight per day. It is the least amount of daylight of the year, at either 9:05 or 9:06. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:19. The moon is waxing gibbous, heading towards the full Cold or Long Nights moon tomorrow morning at 2:13. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 100% at noon and 100% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 6:41 this morning. Moonrise is at 15:52 this afternoon. Moonset is at 7:36 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 49 minutes which is four minutes longer than yesterday and is at it's peak. The Winter Solstice is tomorrow at 17:38.

Christmas Eve is in four days and Christmas Day is in five days. -Bernie-

December 19: ORD

Today is December 19th. It's the 353rd day of the year. 12 days remain. It's week 51 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 33 and the normal low is 19. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 32 and 18.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 55 with a low of 34. In 1997 the high was 50 with a low of 31. In 1988 the high was 56 with a low of 23, a 33 degree spread. Other warm lows were 33 in 1993, 31 in 1978 and 31 in 1987. The record high of 64 and record warmest low of 57 were set on the same day way back in 1877. Over the last 32 years, 14 highs (44%) were in the 30s. Nine highs (28%) were in the warmer: 40s (6) and 50s (3). Nine highs (28%) were in the cold: 0s (aka single digits)(1), 10s (aka teens)(7) and 20s (1).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 39 with a warm low of 35, a four degree spread. In 1976 the high was 49 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1973 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread. In 1972 the high was 37 with a warm low of 35, a mere two degree spread. In 1970 the high was a warm 46 degrees. In 1968 the high was 47 with a low of 31, a warm day. In 1966 the high was 37 with a warm low of 31, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 2 with a low of -14, a cold day. That high of 2 was colder than the record coldest high and the low of -14 equals the record low. In 1962 the high was 45 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1961 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread. In 1960 the high was 24 with a cold low of 5, a cold day. Note the absence of a high in the 50s between 1958 and 1977.

More recently, there were no other large spreads of 30 degrees or more. There were small spreads of three degrees in 1993 (36/33), four degrees last year (33/29), six degrees in 1978 (37/31), six degrees in 1982 (35/29) and six degrees in 1987 (37/31).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 6 with the record low of -14. In 2005 the high was 11 with a low of -1. In 1985 the high was 15 with a low of -5. In 1996 the high was 13 with a low of 3. In 1989 the high was 15 with a low of 1. In 1980 the high was 16 with a low of 2. A year later, in 1981, the high was 19 with a low of 1. In 2004 the high was 18 with a low of 4. In 2000 the high was 20 with a low of 7. Another cold low was 6 in 1991. The record coldest high of 5 was set in 1963 at Midway. 15 of the last 32 lows (47%) were 20s. 11 lows (34%) were in the cold: negative 10s (1), negative 0s (2), single digits (7) and 10s (aka teens) (1). Six lows (19%) were in the warmer 30s.

In 1973, O'Hare had 3.5 inches of snow today. This was the seventh day of a string of eight days (through tomorrow) which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:46 and sunrise was at 7:18. Sunset is at 16:23 and twilight ends at 16:55. There's a total of 9 hours, 5 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. We are losing a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:18. The moon is waxing gibbous, heading towards the full Cold or Long Nights moon in two days at 2:13. Illumination was 95% at midnight, will be 97% at noon and 99% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 5:41 this morning. Moonrise is at 14:56 this afternoon. Moonset is at 6:41 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 45 minutes which is 15 minutes longer than yesterday and is just about at it's peak.

Christmas Eve is in five days and Christmas Day is in six days. -Bernie-

December 18: ORD

Today is December 18th. It's the 352nd day of the year. 13 days remain. It's week 51 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 33 and the normal low is 19. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 32 and 18.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 55 with a low of 37. In 1998 the high was 53 with a low of 32. A year earlier, 1997, the high was 46 with a low of 32. Four years later, in 2001, the high was 48 with a low of 29. In 1993 the high was 41 with a low of 35, a six degree spread. In 1982 the high was 43 with a low of 32. Other warm lows were 33 in 1995, 31 in 1978 and 31 last year. The record high of 62 and record warmest low of 43 were set on the same day way back in 1877. Over the last 32 years, 14 highs (44%) were in the 30s. Eight highs (25%) were in the warmer: 40s (6) and 50s (2). Ten highs (31%) were in the cooler: 0s (aka single digits)(1), 10s (aka teens)(5) and 20s (4).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 42 with a warm low of 36, a six degree spread and warm day. In 1976 the high was a warm 47 degrees. In 1975 the high was 17 with a low of 4, a cold day. In 1973 the high was 26 with a low of 20, a six degree spread. In 1970 the high was 46 with a low of 37, a warm day. In 1968 the high was 37 with a warm low of 32, a five degree spread. In 1967 the high was 48 with a low of 33, a warm day. In 1964 the high was 18 with a low of 0, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 9 with a low of -9, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 53 with a low of 32, a warm day. In 1961 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread.

More recently, there were no large spreads of 30 degrees or more. There were small spreads of four degrees in 1995 (37/33), five degrees in 1986 (34/29), five degrees last year (36/31) and seven degrees in 1990 (37/30).

On the cold side, in 1983 the high was 3 with the record low of -11. Two years later, in 1985, the high was 10 with a low of -9. In 2000 the high was 16 with a low of -1. In 1989 the high was 16 with a low of 2. In 2005 the high was 15 with a low of 4. In 1996 the high was 18 with a low of 7. Two years ago the high was 23 with a low of 3. In 1991 the high was 22 with a low of 7. Other cold lows were 6 in 1999 and 7 in 1981. The record coldest high of 1 was set way back in 1884. 29 of the last 32 lows (91%) were: 0s (aka single digits)(7), 10s (aka teens)(7), 20s (6) and 30s (9). Three lows were in the cold: negative 10s (1) and negative 0s (aka negative single digits)(2).

In 1973, O'Hare had 0.6 inches of snow today. This was the sixth day of a string of eight days through the 20th which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:17. Sunset is at 16:23 and twilight ends at 16:55. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. We are losing a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:46 and sunrise is at 7:18. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 89% at midnight, will be 92% at noon and 95% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 4:38 this morning. Moonrise is at 14:08 this afternoon. Moonset is at 5:41 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 30 minutes which is 27 minutes longer than yesterday.

Christmas Eve is in six days and Christmas Day is in seven days. -Bernie-

December 17: ORD

Today is December 17th. It's the 351st day of the year. 14 days remain. It's week 51 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 34 and the normal low is 20. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 31 and 19.

On the warm side, in 2006 the high was 54 with a low of 41 (our only 50s high and only 40s low). Five years prior, in 2001, the high was 46 (our most recent 40s high) with a low of 33. In 1993 the high was 41 with a low of 36, a five degree spread. Another warm high was 48 in 1997. Other warm lows were 34 in 1990, 33 in 1986 and 32 in 1994. The record high of 60 and record warmest low of 44 were set on the same day in 1977 at Midway. Over the last 32 years, 14 highs (44%) were in the 30s. Seven highs (22%) were in the warmer: 40s (6) and 50s (1). 11 highs (34%) were in the cold: 0s (aka single digits)(1), 10s (aka teens)(4) and 20s (6).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 56 with a low of 41, a warm day and year of both the record high and record warmest low. In 1975 the high was 20 with a low of 8, a cold day. In 1973 the low was a cold 7 degrees. In 1972 the high was 23 with a cold low of -5, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 38 with a warm low of 36, a mere two degree spread. In 1966 the low was a warm 32. In 1964 the high was 24 with a cold low of 2, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 15 with a low of -9, a cold day. In 1962 the high was a warm 50. In 1961 the high was 34 with a low of 31, a three degree spread.

More recently, there were no large spreads of 30 degrees or more. There were small spreads of five degrees in 1990 (39/34), six degrees in 1992 (33/27) and seven degrees in four years: 1982 (32/25), 1986 (40/33), 2002 (37/30) and 2003 (26/19).

On the cold side, in 1985 the high was 13 with a low of -6. Two years prior, in 1983, the high was 9 with a low of 0. In 2000 the high was 16 with a low of -1. In 1989 the high was 16 with a low of 3. In 1979 the high was 19 with a low of 1. Two years ago the high was 20 with a low of 6. In 2005 the high was 20 with a low of 11. In 1988 the high was 21 with a low of 10. The record low of -7 was set in 1951. The record coldest high of 8 was set in 1945. 25 of the last 32 lows (78%) were: 10s (aka teens)(12), 20s (7) and 30s (6). Our most recent 30s low was 30 in 2002. Six lows were in the cold: negative 0s (2) and 0s (aka single digits)(4). One low was in the warmer 40s.

In 1973, O'Hare had 1.4 inches of snow today. This was the fifth day of a string of eight days through the 20th which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:16. Sunset is at 16:23 and twilight ends at 16:54. There's a total of 9 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. We are losing a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:17. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 83% at midnight, will be 86% at noon and 89% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 3:33 this morning. Moonrise is at 13:30 this afternoon. Moonset is at 4:38 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 3 minutes which is 41 minutes longer than yesterday.

Christmas Eve is in seven days and Christmas Day is in eight days. -Bernie-

December 16: ORD

Today is December 16th. It's the 350th day of the year. 15 days remain. It's week 50 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 34 and the normal low is 20. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 34 and 21.

On the warm side, in 1984 the high was the record high of 60 with a low of 37. In 2006 the high was 55 with a low of 32. Five years earlier, in 2001, the high was 45 with a low of 39, a six degree spread. In 1997 the high was 45 with a low of 32. Other warm lows were 35 in 1986, 34 in 1994, 33 in 1990, 33 in 1993 and 32 in 1998. The record warmest low of 43 was set back in 1928. Over the last 32 years, 28 highs (88%) were in the: 20s (7), 30s (13) and 40s (8). The most recent 30s high was 33 in 2002. The most recent 40s highs were 43 in 2003 and 43 in 2004. Two highs were in the warmer: 50s (1) and 60s (1). Two highs were in the cold: 0s (aka single digits)(1) and 10s (aka teens)(1).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was a warm 54 with a low of 30, a warm day. In 1974 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread. In 1972 the high was 9 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1971 the high was 39 with a warm low of 33, a six degree spread. In 1970 the high was 39 with a warm low of 36, a mere three degree spread. In 1966 the high was 34 with a warm low of 32, a mere two degree spread. In 1965 the high was 30 with a low of 24, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 15 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1959 the high was 51 with a low of 35, a warm day. In 1958 the high was 36 with a cold low of 0, a 36 degree spread.

More recently, there was a large spread of 32 degrees in 1979 (37/5). There were small spreads of three degrees in 1980 (33/30), three degrees in 1990 (36/33), three degrees in 2002 (33/30), five degrees in 1986 (40/35), five degrees in 1994 (39/34), six degrees in 1996 (32/26), six degrees in 2005 (24/18) and seven degrees in 1993 (40/33).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was 9 with a low of -5. A year earlier, 1988, the high was 17 with a low of 4. Three years prior, 1985, the high was 23 with a low of 3. Two years before that, 1983, the high was 23 with a low of 3. Last year the high was 23 with a low of 5. Two years ago the high was 22 with a low of 6. In 1981 the high was 22 with a low of 9. Other cold lows were 5 in 1979 and 6 in 1991. The record low of -12 and record coldest high of 2 were set on the same day in 1951. 19 of the last 32 lows (59%) were: 20s (7) and 30s (12). 13 lows (41%) were in the cold: negative 0s (1), 0s (aka single digits)(8) and 10s (aka teens)(4).

Yesterday was the second coldest December 15th of the past 33 years which puts it in the top 6% of coldest for the date. December 13th and 14th were the third coldest of the past 33 years which puts them as the top 9% of coldest for each date.

In 1973, O'Hare had 4.5 inches of snow today. This was the fourth day of a string of days through the 20th which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:44 and sunrise was at 7:16. Sunset is at 16:22 and twilight ends at 16:54. There's a total of 9 hours, 6 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. We are losing a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:16. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 74% at midnight, will be 79% at noon and 83% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 2:20 this morning. Moonrise is at 12:58 this afternoon. Moonset is at 3:33 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 22 minutes which is 24 minutes longer than yesterday.

Christmas Eve is in eight days and Christmas Day is in nine days. -Bernie-

December 15: ORD

Today is December 15th. It's the 349th day of the year. 16 days remain. It's week 50 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 34 and the normal low is 20. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 38 and 22.

On the warm side, in 1998 the high was 51 with a low of 37. In 1992 the high was 56 with a low of 31. A year later, in 1993, the high was 46 with a low of 38. In 1984 the high was 50 with a low of 33. In 1990 the high was 45 with a low of 34. Other warm highs were 47 in 1986, 46 in 1996 and 46 in 1997. Other warm lows were 33 in both 1982 and 1999. The record high of 64 was set in 1971. The record warmest low of 44 was set back in 1928. Over the last 32 years, 23 highs (72%) were in the: 30s (13) and 40s (10). Three highs were in the warmer 50s. Six highs were in the cold: 10s (aka teens)(1) and 20s (5).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. In 1974 the high was 43 with a warm low of 36, a seven degree spread. In 1973 the high was 28 with a low of 26, a mere two degree spread. In 1971 the high was 62 with a low of 39, a warm day and year of the record high. In 1964 the high was 30 with a cold low of 1, a cold day. In 1963 the high was 11 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1959 the high was 52 with a low of 34, a warm day. In 1958 the high was 14 with a low of -9, a cold day.

More recently, there were no large spreads of 30 degrees or more. There were small spreads of five degrees in 1982 (38/33), five degrees in 1999 (38/33) and six degrees three years ago (31/25).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was 16 with a low of -8. In 2000 the high was 31 with a low of 3. In 1988 the high was 27 with a low of 7. In 1981 the high was 22 with a low of 12. Other cold lows were 5 two years ago, 7 in 1991 and 8 last year. The record low of -12 and record coldest high of -2 were set on the same day way back in 1901. 21 of the last 32 lows (66%) were: 20s (11) and 30s (10). 11 lows (34%) were in the cold: negative 0s (1), 0s (aka single digits)(5) and 10s (aka teens)(5). Yesterday was the 3rd coldest December 14 of the last 33 years as was the previous day, December 13. This represents the coldest 9% of each date.

In 1973, O'Hare had 3.2 inches of snow today. This was the third day of a string of days through the 20th which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches. In 1987, O'Hare had 8 inches, day two of a two-day storm of 9.1 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:43 and sunrise is at 7:15. Sunset is at 16:22 and twilight ends at 16:54. There's a total of 9 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. We are losing a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:44 and sunrise is at 7:16. The moon reached first quarter two mornings ago at 7:59 and is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 66% at midnight, will be 70% at noon and 74% at midnight tonight. Moonset is at 1:29 this morning. Moonrise is at 12:31 this afternoon. Moonset is at 2:20 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 58 minutes which is 35 minutes longer than yesterday.

Bill of Rights Day is today. Christmas Eve is in nine days and Christmas Day is in ten days. -Bernie-

December 14: ORD

Today is December 14th. It's the 348th day of the year. 17 days remain. It's week 50 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 35 and the normal low is 21. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 37 and 23.

On the warm side, in 2006 the high was 50 with a low of 35. In 1993 the high was 44 with a low of 38, a six degree spread. Two years ago the high was 50 with a low of 31. Other warm highs were 47 in both 1988 and a decade later in 1998. Another warm low was 36 in 1999. The record high of 66 and record warmest low of 47 were set on the same day in 1975. Over the last 32 years, 25 highs (78%) were in the: 30s (16) and 40s (9). Our most recent 40s high (40 in 1999) was the last of five straight years of 40s highs from 1995 to 1999. Two highs were in the warmer 50s. Five highs were in the cold: 10s (aka teens)(2) and 20s (3).

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 36 with a low of 33, a mere three degree spread. In 1975 the high was 64 with a low of 44, a warm day, year of the record high and record warmest low. In 1974 the high was 41 with a warm low of 35 degrees, a six degree spread. In 1972 the high was 26 with a cold low of 2, a cold day. In 1965 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1963 the high was 11 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 26 with a cold low of 2, a cold day. In 1959 the high was 40 with a warm low of 33, a seven degree spread. In 1958 the high was 12 with a low of -3, a cold day.

More recently, there were no large spreads of 30 degrees or more. There were small spreads of four degrees in 1999 (40/36), six degrees in 1992 (32/26), six degrees in 2003 (31/25), seven degrees in 2001 (38/31), seven degrees in 2002 (38/31) and seven degrees in 2005 (35/28).

On the cold side, in 1985 the high was 16 with a low of -8. Four years later, in 1989, the high was 18 with a low of -3. As you can see, the negative lows occurred back in the 1980's. In 2000 the high was 26 with a low of 7. The record low of -9 was set way back in 1901. The record coldest high of 5 occurred way back in 1903. 16 of the last 32 lows (50%) were 20s. Eight lows were in the cold: negative 0s (2), 0s (aka single digits)(1) and 10s (aka teens)(5). Eight lows were in the warmer 30s. Yesterday was the 3rd coldest December 13 of the past 33 years which puts it among the top 9% of coldest days for the date.

In 1973, O'Hare had 0.3 inches of snow today. This was the second day of a string of days through the 20th which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches. In 1987, O'Hare had 1.1 inches, part of a two-day storm of 9.1 inches. In 1951 Midway had ten inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:43 and sunrise was at 7:14. Sunset was at 16:22 and twilight ends at 16:53. There's a total of 9 hours, 8 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 10 minutes between twilights. We are losing a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:43 and sunrise is at 7:15. The moon reached first quarter yesterday morning at 7:59 and is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 56% at midnight, will be 61% at noon and 66% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 29 minutes past midnight this morning. Moonrise was at 12:06 this afternoon. Moonset is at 1:29 tomorrow morning. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 23 minutes which is 7 minutes longer than yesterday.

Bill of Rights Day is tomorrow. Christmas Eve is in 10 days and Christmas is in 11 days. -Bernie-

December 13: ORD

Today is December 13th. It's the 347th day of the year. 18 days remain. It's week 50 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 35 and the normal low is 21. I've calculated the 32-year averages at 36 and 22.

On the warm side, in 1993 the high was 46 with a low of 35. In 2006 the high was 45 with a low of 33. Another warm high was 49 in 1998. Another warm low was 33 in 2002. The record high of 67 was set in 1975. The record warmest low of 46 occurred back in 1920. Over the last 32 years, 18 highs (56%) were in the 30s. Eight highs (25%) were in the warmer 40s. Six highs (19%) were in the cold: 10s (aka teens)(1) and 20s (5). The last time it hit 50 or higher was 35 years ago in 1975. That year, it was 64 at O'Hare, 57 in Rockford, 67 at Midway and 60 in Marengo.

In looking back through the years to the first December at O'Hare in 1958, the following instances were notable: in 1977 the high was 39 with a warm low of 36, a mere three degree spread. In 1976 the high was 23 with a low of 2, a cold day. In 1975 the high was 64 with a low of 38, a warm day and year of the record high of 67. In 1972 the high was 22 with a low of 8, a cold day. In 1970 the high was 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1968 the high was a warm 49 with a low of 18, a 31 degree spread. In 1966 the high was 29 with a low of 23, a six degree spread. In 1965 the low was a warm 33 degrees. In 1964 high was 35 with a low of 28, a seven degree spread. In 1963 the high was 12 with a low of -2, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 20 with a low of 2, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 16 with a low of 1, a cold day. In 1958 the high was 12 with a low of -8, a cold day.

More recently, there were no other large spreads of 30 degrees or more. There were small spreads of four degrees in 1983 (35/31), five degrees in 1984 (37/32), five degrees in 2005 (28/23), five degrees last year (37/32), six degrees in 2002 (39/33), six degrees in 2007 (34/28) and seven degrees in 1981 (36/29).

On the cold side, in 1985 the high was 12 with a low of -3. In 2000 the high was 24 with a low of -8, a 32 degree spread. In 1989 the high was 20 with a low of 6. Three years earlier, in 1986, the high was 25 with a low of 1. The record low of -13 and record coldest high of 3 were both set on the same day in 1903. 15 of the last 32 lows (47%) were 20s. Nine lows (28%) were in the cold: negative 0s (2), 0s (aka single digits)(2) and 10s (aka teens)(5). Eight lows (25%) were in the warmer 30s.

In 1973, O'Hare had 4 inches of snow today. This was the first day of a string of days through the 20th which produced 17.6 inches, or 94% of the month's total of 18.8 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:42 and sunrise was at 7:14. Sunset is at 16:21 and twilight ends at 16:53. There's a total of 9 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 10 hours, 11 minutes between twilights. We are losing a minute of daylight per day. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:43 and sunrise is at 7:14. The moon reaches first quarter this morning at 7:59. Illumination was 47% at midnight, will be 52% at noon and 56% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 11:44 this morning. Moonset is at 29 minutes past midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 12:06 tomorrow afternoon. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 16 minutes which is 8 minutes longer than yesterday.

Bill of Rights Day is in two days. Christmas Eve is in 11 days. -Bernie-