March 10: ORD

Today is March 10th. It's the 69th day of the year. 296 days remain. It's week 10 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 44 and the normal low is 27. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 41 and 23.

On the warm side, in 1990 the high was 62 with a low of 39. Five years before that, in 1985, the high was 64 with a low of 32, a 32 degree spread. Other warm highs were 58 in 1986 and 57 in 1997. The highs are fairly evenly distributed. 28 of the last 30 highs were: 20s (6), 30s (9), 40s (5) and 50s (8) . On the warmer side, two highs were 60s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 67 with a low of 41, a bonus 60s day. In 1974 the high was 42 with a low of 35, a seven degree spread. In 1973 the high was 62 with a low of 39, a bonus 60s day. In 1967 the high was 60 with a low of 37, a bonus 60s day. In 1962 the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread.

More recently, we had a small spread of six degrees in 1983 (30/24). There was another large spread of 32 degrees in 2001 (50/18).

On the cold side, in 2003 the high was 20 with the record low of 2. In 1979 the high was 22 with a low of 9. Five years later, in 1984, the high was 28 with a low of 6. In 1998 the high was 23 with a low of 13. Six years earlier, in 1992, the high was 24 with a low of 15. A decade later, in 2002, the high was 28 with a low of 14. Other cold highs were 30 in both 1983 and 1987. Another cold low was 14 in 1996. 21 of the last 30 lows were: 20s (12) and 30s (9). On the colder side, nine lows were: single digits (3) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1999, 1.0 inches fell. This was the sixth of six days in which a total of 18.2 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:45 and sunrise was at 7:13. Sunset is at 18:54 and twilight ends at 19:22. There's a total of 11 hours, 41 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 37 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:44 and sunrise is at 7:12. The moon is waxing gibbous and is full today (the full Worm moon) at 21:38. Illumination was 99% at midnight, will be 100% at noon and 100% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 6:45. Moonrise is at 18:49 and moonset is at 7:08 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 56 minutes which is 48 minutes shorter than yesterday.

A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday today. St. Patrick's Day is in a week. -Bernie-

March 9: ORD

Today is March 9th. It's the 68th day of the year. 297 days remain. It's week 10 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 43 and the normal low is 26. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 41 and 23.

On the warm side, in 1986 the high was 62 with a low of 38. Three years ago the high was 58 with a low of 38. Other warm highs were 63 in both 1992 and 2000, 62 in 2002 and 56 two years ago. Another warm low was 39 in 1990. 13 of the last 30 highs were 30s . On the warmer side, 13 highs were: 40s (5), 50s (4) and 60s (4). On the colder side, four highs were: 20s (3) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (1).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 37 with a low of 9, a cold day. In 1977 the high was 68 with a low of 50, a bonus 60s day. In 1974 the high was 68 with a low of 39, a bonus 60s day. In 1973 the high was 40 with a low of 37, a three degree spread. In 1964 the high was 36 with a low of 32, a four degree spread. In 1962 the high was 36 with a low of 33, a three degree spread. In 1960 the high was 25 with a low of 22, a three degree spread and cold. In 1959 the high was 32 with a low of 28, a four degree spread and cold.

More recently, we had a small spread of four degrees in 1999 (31/27). There were three days of large spreads: 35 degrees in 2000 (63/28), 40 degrees in 1992 (63/23) and 41 degrees in 2002 (62/21).

On the cold side, in 2003 the high was the record coldest high of 13 with a low of 6, a seven degree spread. In 1984 the high was 25 with the record low of 5. A couple years earlier, in 1982, the high was 27 with a low of 7. In 1996 the high was 26 with a low of 9. Another cold low was 13 in 1995. Other cold highs were 30 in 2005 and 31 in 1999. 19 of the last 30 lows were 20s. On the colder side, seven lows were: single digits (4) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (3). Four lows were in the warmer 40s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1999, 5.0 inches fell. This was the fifth of six days in which a total of 18.2 inches fell. In 1998, 10.9 inches fell at Midway and 7.0 inches fell at O'Hare.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:47 and sunrise was at 7:15. Sunset is at 18:53 and twilight ends at 19:21. There's a total of 11 hours, 38 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 34 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:45 and sunrise is at 7:13. The moon is waxing gibbous and will be full tomorrow (the full Worm moon) at 21:38. Illumination was 96% at midnight, will be 98% at noon and 99% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 6:19. Moonrise is at 17:35 and moonset is at 6:45 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 44 minutes which is 48 minutes shorter than yesterday.

A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday tomorrow. St. Patrick's Day is in a week and a day. -Bernie-

March 8: ORD

Today is March 8th. It's the 67th day of the year. 298 days remain. It's week 10 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 42 and the normal low is 26. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 42 and 25.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was the record high of 78 with the record warmest low of 56. In 1987 the high was 73 with a low of 36, a 37 degree spread. In 1992 the high was 63 with a low of 43. A decade later, in 2002 the high was 64 with a low of 37. In 1988 the high was 55 with a low of 39. Three years ago the high was 53 with a low of 39. 18 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (9) and 40s (9) . On the warmer side, seven highs were: 50s (3), 60s (2) and 70s (2). On the colder side, five highs were: 20s (4) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (1).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 70 with a low of 35, a 35 degree spread and bonus 70s day. In 1974 the high was 48 with a low of 41, a seven degree spread. In 1967 the high was 26 with a low of 7, a cold day. In 1964 the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. In 1962 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread.

More recently, we had a small spread of three degrees in 1998 (39/36).

On the cold side, in 1996 the high was 15 with a low of 1. In 1982 the high was 29 with a low of -1. A couple years later, in 1984, the high was 24 with a low of 9. Last year the high was 25 with a low of 14. Other cold lows were 12 in 1986, 13 in 2003 and 13 two years ago. Other cold highs were 29 in 1995, 30 in 1999 and 30 in 2005. The record low of -7 was set in 1943 and the record coldest high of 10 was set in 1932. 25 of the last 30 lows were: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (9), 20s (7) and 30s (9). Three lows were in the colder: single digits (2) and negative single digits (1). Two lows were in the warmer: 40s (1) and 50s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1999, 4.0 inches fell. This was the fourth of six days in which a total of 18.2 inches fell. Today 1.67 inches of rain fell. This broke the old record of 1.41 inches set in 1990.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:49 and sunrise was at 7:17. Sunset is at 18:52 and twilight ends at 19:20. There's a total of 11 hours, 35 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 31 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:47 and sunrise is at 7:15. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 90% at midnight, will be 93% at noon and 96% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 5:51. Moonrise is at 16:19 and moonset is at 6:19 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 32 minutes which is 44 minutes shorter than yesterday.

Daylight Saving Time began today. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two days. St. Patrick's Day is in a week and two days. -Bernie-

March 7: ORD

Today is March 7th. It's the 66th day of the year. 299 days remain. It's week 10 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 42 and the normal low is 26. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 40 and 25.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was the record high of 78 with the record warmest low of 53. In 1987 the high was 74 with a low of 45. In 1983 the high was 60 with a low of 44. In 1992 the high was 51 with a low of 44, a seven degree spread. Other warm highs were 57 in both 1988 and 2005. 22 of the last 30 highs were: 20s (6), 30s (9) and 40s (7) . On the warmer side, six highs were: 50s (3), 60s (1) and 70s (2). On the colder side, two highs were 10s (a.k.a. teens). A note about yesterday: it was just the 7th high of 60 degrees or more in O'Hare's history and also the 3rd warmest of the last 31 years. Highs were 65 at O'Hare (at 15:18), 64 at Rockford (at 14:27), 67 at Northerly Island, 67 at Midway, 65 at the NWS in Romeoville and 66 in West Chicago.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 30 with a low of 25, a five degree spread. In 1975 the high was 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1973 the high was 62 with a low of 44, a bonus 60s day. In 1968 the high was 54 with a low of 19, a 35 degree spread. In 1965 the high was 34 with a low of 30, a four degree spread. In 1960 the high was 24 with a low of 3, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1979 (37/33), five degrees in 2002 (38/33) and seven degrees two years ago (28/21). Large spreads were 30 degrees in 1997 (49/19) and 30 degrees in 2005 (57/27).

On the cold side, in 1996 the high was 17 with a low of 5. A decade earlier, in 1986, the high was 18 with a low of 7. Four years before that, in 1982, the high was 20 with a low of 6. Two years later, in 1984, the high was 25 with a low of 11. Last year the high was 26 with a low of 14. In 1999 the high was 26 with a low of 15. A decade before that, in 1989, the high was 28 with a low of 17. Another cold high was 28 two years ago. The record low of -2 and record coldest high of 14 were set on the same day in 1943. 12 of the last 30 lows were 30s. Nine lows were in the colder: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6) and single digits (3). Nine lows were in the warmer: 30s (5), 40s (3) and 50s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1999, 2.8 inches fell. This was the third of six days in which a total of 18.2 inches fell. Back in 1931 at the University of Chicago, where official stats for Chicago used to be kept, 10.9 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 5:50 and sunrise was at 6:18. Sunset is at 17:51 and twilight ends at 18:19. There's a total of 11 hours, 33 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 29 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:49 and sunrise is at 7:17. The moon is waxing gibbous. Illumination was 81% at midnight, will be 86% at noon and 90% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 4:17. Moonrise is at 14:01 and moonset is at 5:51 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 16 minutes which is 34 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is today. Daylight Saving Time begins tomorrow. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in three days. St. Patrick's Day is in a week and three days. -Bernie-

March 6: ORD

Today is March 6th. It's the 65th day of the year. 300 days remain. It's week 10 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 42 and the normal low is 25. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 41 and 24.

On the warm side, in 1983 the high was the co-record high of 70 with the record warmest low of 53. In 1992 the high was 62 with a low of 47. In 2000 the high was the co-record high of 70 with a low of 32, a 38 degree spread. Five years later, in 2005, the high was 64 with a low of 35. In 1994 the high was 58 with a low of 39. In 1987 the high was 67 with a low of 29, a 38 degree spread. Another warm low was 37 in 2004. 14 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, 11 highs were: 40s (3), 50s (3), 60s (3) and 70s (2). On the colder side, five highs were 20s. A note about yesterday: it was just the 5th high of 60 degrees or more in O'Hare's history and also the 3rd warmest. Highs were 65 at O'Hare (at 15:08), 64 at Rockford (at 15:09), 64 at Northerly Island, 64 at Midway, 65 at the NWS in Romeoville and 65 in West Chicago. Peak wind gusts were 43 MPH from the south at O'Hare and 40 MPH from the southwest at Rockford.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1973 the high was 64 with a low of 39, a bonus 60s day. In 1972 the high was 49 with a low of 12, a 37 degree spread. In 1969 the high was 39 with a low of 32, a seven degree spread. In 1966 the high was 27 with a low of 21, a six degree spread. In 1965 the high was 33 with a low of 31, a two degree spread. In 1964 the high was 55 with a low of 22, a 33 degree spread. In 1960 the high was 20 with a low of -1, the date of the record low.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1995 (35/31) and six degrees in 1990 (32/26). Another large spread was 30 degrees in 1988 (51/21).

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was 24 with a low of 4. Two years earlier, in 1980, the high was 28 with a low of 6. In 2003 the high was 28 with a low of 11. Four years later, in 2007, the high was 24 with a low of 16. In 1996 the high was 30 with a low of 11. A dozen years earlier, in 1984, the high was 27 with a low of 14. Other cold highs were 30 in both 1989 and 1999. The record low of 2 was set in 1960 and the record coldest high of 15 was set back in 1932. 15 of the last 30 lows have been 20s. Eight lows were in the colder: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6) and single digits (2). Seven lows were in the warmer: 30s (5), 40s (1) and 50s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1999, 1.6 inches fell. This was the second of six days in which a total of 18.2 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 5:52 and sunrise is at 6:20. Sunset is at 17:50 and twilight ends at 18:18. Chicago's sunset is at 17:47 and twilight ends at 18:15. There's a total of 11 hours, 30 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 26 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:50 and sunrise is at 6:18. The moon reached first quarter two days ago at 1:46. Illumination was 72% at midnight, will be 77% at noon and 81% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 3:34. Moonrise is at 12:44 and moonset is at 4:17 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 50 minutes which is 22 minutes shorter than yesterday.

My birthday is tomorrow. Daylight Saving Time begins in two days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in four days. St. Patrick's Day is in three days short of two weeks. -Bernie-

March 5: ORD

Today is March 5th. It's the 64th day of the year. 301 days remain. It's week 10 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 41 and the normal low is 25. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 41 and 26.

On the warm side, in 1983 the high was the record high of 75 with the record warmest low of 56. In 1992 the high was 63 with a low of 43. In 2000 the high was 69 with a low of 34, a 35 degree spread. Four years later, in 2004, the high was 61 with a low of 39. Another warm low was 37 in 1987. 15 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, 11 highs were: 40s (4), 50s (3), 60s (3) and 70s (1). On the colder side, four highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 23 with a low of -3, a cold day and day of the record low (0 at Midway). In 1977 the high was 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1972 the high was 22 with a low of 7, another cold day. In 1967 the high was 35 with a low of 29, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 34 with a low of 32, a two degree spread. In 1962 the high was 26 with a low of 19, a seven degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1979 (32/29), four degrees in 1996 (33/29), six degrees in 1990 (36/30), six degrees in 2005 (41/35), seven degrees in 1995 (38/31) and seven degrees in 1998 (39/32).

On the cold side, in 1982 the high was 34 with a low of 7. In 2003 the high was 24 with a low of 19, a five degree spread. Other cold lows were 12 in 2002 and 15 in 1980. Other cold highs were 27 in 1989, 28 in 2001 and 29 in 1985. The record low of 0 was set in 1978, tying 0 way back in 1873. The record coldest high of 12 was set back in 1901. 27 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8), 20s (11) and 30s (8). One low was in the colder single digits. Two lows were in the warmer: 40s (1) and 50s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1999, 3.8 inches fell. This was the first of six days in which a total of 18.2 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 5:54 and sunrise is at 6:22. Sunset is at 17:48 and twilight ends at 18:16. Chicago's sunset is at 17:46 and twilight ends at 18:14. There's a total of 11 hours, 26 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 22 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:52 and sunrise is at 6:20. The moon reached first quarter yesterday at 1:46. Illumination was 61% at midnight, will be 66% at noon and 72% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 2:42. Moonrise is at 11:30 and moonset is tomorrow at 3:34. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 12 minutes which is 3 minutes shorter than yesterday.

My birthday is in two days. Daylight Saving Time begins in three days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in five days. St. Patrick's Day is in two days short of two weeks. -Bernie-

March 4: ORD

Today is March 4th. It's the 63rd day of the year. 302 days remain. It's week 9 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 41 and the normal low is 25. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 42 and 25.

On the warm side, in 1983 the high was the record high of 73 with the record warmest low of 50. In 1992 the high was 64 with a low of 35. In 2000 the high was 62 with a low of 29, a 33 degree spread. Another warm low was 38 in 2004. 24 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (12) and 40s (12). On the warmer side, four highs were: 50s (1), 60s (2) and 70s (1). On the colder side, two highs have been: 20s (1) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (1).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 18 with a low of 3, a cold day. In 1968 the high was 60 with a low of 27, a 33 degree spread and bonus 60s day. In 1967 the high was 32 with a low of 26, a six degree spread. In 1963 the high was 38 with a low of 33, a five degree spread. In 1960 the high was 19 with a low of 7, another cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of three degrees in 1993 (36/33), five degrees in 1981 (37/32) and six degrees in 2004 (44/38).

On the cold side, in 2002 the high was 19 with a low of -7. Another cold low was 10 in 1996. Another cold high was 27 in 1982. The record low of -12 was set way back in 1873. The record coldest high of 17 was set way back in 1890. 17 of the last 30 lows have been 20s. Five lows were in the colder: negative single digits (1) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (4). Eight lows were in the warmer: 30s (7) and 50s (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 2002, 0.3 inches fell. This was the fourth of four days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. This comprised 91% of the month's total of 11.2 inches. In 1982, 8.5 inches fell. This was the third of three days in which 12.1 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 5:55 and sunrise is at 6:23. Sunset is at 17:47 and twilight ends at 18:15. Chicago's sunset is at 17:45 and twilight ends at 18:13. There's a total of 11 hours, 24 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 20 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:54 and sunrise is at 6:22. The moon reached first quarter today at 1:46. Illumination was 49% at midnight, will be 55% at noon and 61% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 1:40. Moonrise is at 10:25 and moonset is tomorrow at 2:42. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 15 minutes which is 16 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is in three days. Daylight Saving Time begins in four days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in six days. St. Patrick's Day is in a day short of two weeks. -Bernie-

March 3: ORD

Today is March 3rd. It's the 62nd day of the year. 303 days remain. It's week 9 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 41 and the normal low is 24. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 39 and 22.

On the warm side, in 1983 the high was 73 with a low of 37, a 36 degree spread. Another warm high was 56 last year. Other warm lows were 38 in 2004 and 36 in 1992. The record high of 80 was set in 1974 and the record warmest low of 48 was set way back in 1880. 15 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, 11 highs were: 40s (9), 50s (1) and 70s (1). Remarkably, there have been no highs in the 60s at O'Hare on this date ever. On the colder side, four highs have been 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 46 with a low of 39, a seven degree spread. In 1974 the high was 76 with a low of 42, a 34 degree spread, bonus 70s day and also the day of the record high. In 1968 the high was 46 with a low of 10, a 36 degree spread.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1992 (40/36), seven degrees on three days: 1985 (36/29), 1998 (37/30) and two years ago (27/20). There was one large spread of 32 degrees last year (56/24).

On the cold side, in 2002 the high was 21 with a low of 0. In 1996 the high was 25 with a low of 1. In 2003 the high was 31 with a low of 8. In 1980 the high was 35 with a low of 8. Another cold low was 12 in 1995. Other cold highs were 27 in 1982 and 27 two years ago. The record low of -6 and the record coldest high of 8 were set on the same day way back in 1873. 14 of the last 30 lows have been 20s. Ten lows were in the colder: single digits (4) and 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6). Six lows were in the warmer 30s. Today has been one of our coldest March 3rd days. In Crystal Lake, the temperature at 5:10 is 9 degrees. In Des Plaines (next to O'Hare) the temperature is 18 degrees.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 2002, 0.8 inches fell. This was the third of four days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. This comprised 91% of the month's total of 11.2 inches. In 1982, 0.1 inches fell. This was the second of three days in which 12.1 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 5:57 and sunrise is at 6:25. Sunset is at 17:46 and twilight ends at 18:14. Chicago's sunset is at 17:44 and twilight ends at 18:12. There's a total of 11 hours, 21 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 17 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:55 and sunrise is at 6:23. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 38% at midnight, will be 44% at noon and 49% at midnight tonight. Moonset was at 0:30. Moonrise is at 9:31 and moonset is tomorrow at 1:40. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 59 minutes which is 23 minutes shorter than yesterday.

My birthday is in four days. Daylight Saving Time begins in five days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a week. St. Patrick's Day is in two weeks. -Bernie-

March 2: ORD

Today is March 2nd. It's the 61st day of the year. 304 days remain. It's week 9 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 41 and the normal low is 24. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 40 and 23.

On the warm side, in 1983 the high was 65 with a low of 30, a 35 degree spread. In 1992 the high was 58 with a low of 32. Last year the high was 57 with a low of 32. Four years before that, in 2004, the high was 48 with a low of 39. The record high of 71 was set in 1974 and the record warmest low of 44 was set in 1973. In looking at O'Hare's temperatures for 1973, the high was 52 with a low of 41. So as you can read below, O'Hare had a warmer low in 1974 at 45 but the record of 44 was set at Midway in 1973. 20 of the last 30 highs were 30s (10) and 40s (10). On the warmer side, four highs were 50s and one was a 60. On the colder side, five highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 43 with a low of 38, a five degree spread. In 1974 the high was 68 with a low of 45, a bonus 60s day. In 1970 the high was 43 with a low of 36, a seven degree spread. In 1966 the high was 58 with a low of 28, a 30 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 22 with a low of 10, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 63 with a low of 30, a 33 degree spread and bonus 60s day.

More recently, we had small spreads of six degrees in 1979 (37/31) and seven degrees two years ago (32/25).

On the cold side, in 1980 the high was 21 with a low of -1. In 1996 the high was 28 with a low of 2. A year earlier, in 1995, the high was 28 with a low of 7. In 2005 the high was 27 with a low of 13. Another cold high was 27 in 1989. Other cold lows were 10 in 2003 and 11 in 1994. The record low of -4 was set in 1913 and the record coldest high of 10 was set thirty years later in 1943. 21 of the last 30 lows have been: 20s (12) and 30s (9). Nine lows were in the colder: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6), single digits (2) and negative single digits (1).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 2002, 7.1 inches fell. This was the second of four days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. This was 91% of the month's total of 11.2 inches. In 1982, 3.5 inches fell. This was the first of three days in which 12.1 inches fell. In 1954 at Midway, 11.5 inches fell. In 1948 at Rockford, 13.0 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 5:59 and sunrise is at 6:27. Sunset is at 17:45 and twilight ends at 18:13. Chicago's sunset is at 17:43 and twilight ends at 18:10. There's a total of 11 hours, 18 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 14 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:57 and sunrise is at 6:25. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 28% at midnight, will be 33% at noon and 38% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 8:38 and moonset is tomorrow at 0:30. Moonrise is at 9:31 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 22 minutes which is 19 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is in five days. Daylight Saving Time begins in six days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a week and a day. -Bernie-

March 1: ORD

Today is March 1st. It's the 60th day of the year. 305 days remain. It's week 9 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 41 and the normal low is 24. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 42 and 26.

On the warm side, in 1992 the high was the record high of 71 with a low of 38, a 33-degree spread. In 2004 the high was 62 with the co-record warmest low of 45. In 1991 the high was 51 with the co-record warmest low of 45, a six degree spread. In 2000 the high was 56 with a low of 36. Three years earlier, in 1997, the high was 55 with a low of 33. Another warm high was 56 in 1983. 19 of the last 30 highs were 30s (10) and 40s (9). On the warmer side, five highs were 50s, one was a 60 and one was a 70. On the colder side, three highs were 20s and three were 10s (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first March at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 40 with a low of 35, a five degree spread. In 1972 the high was 57 with a low of 19, a 38 degree spread. In 1970 the high was 38 with a low of 32, a six degree spread. In 1968 the high was 51 with a low of 15, a 36 degree spread. In 1967 the high was 35 with a low of 3, a 32 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 34 with a low of 3, a 31 degree spread. In 1962 the high was 17 with a low of -8, a cold day. In 1960 the high was 23 with a low of 0, another cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of four degrees in 1981 (35/31) and six degrees in 1998 (38/32). The lone large spread was 33 degrees in 1983 (56/23).

On the cold side, in 1980 the high was 19 with a low of 8. In 1995 the high was 23 with a low of 10. In 1989 the high was 23 with a low of 11. Another cold high was 27 in 2005. The record low of -5 was set in 1962 and the record coldest high of 14 was set way back in 1890. 22 of the last 30 lows have been: 20s (10) and 30s (12). Six lows were in the colder: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (5) and single digits (1). Two lows were in the warmer 40s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 2002, 2.0 inches fell. This was the first of four days in which a total of 10.2 inches fell. This was 91% of the month's total of 11.2 inches.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:00 and sunrise was at 6:28. Sunset is at 17:44 and twilight ends at 18:12. There's a total of 11 hours, 16 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 12 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 5:59 and sunrise is at 6:27. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 18% at midnight, will be 23% at noon and 28% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 8:13 and moonset is at 23:16. Moonrise is at 8:38 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 15 hours, 3 minutes which is 45 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is in six days. Daylight Saving Time begins in a week. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a week and two days. -Bernie-

February 29: ORD

Today is February 29th. It's the xxth day of the year. xxx days remain. It's week x of the year. There is no February 29th this year, so I'm doing this for 2012.

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 39 and the normal low is 23. I've calculated the 8-year averages at 40 and 22.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was 64 with the record warmest low of 44. In 2004 the high was 61 with a low of 32. The record high of 65 was set in 1972. Three of the last eight highs were 30s. On the warmer side, two highs were 60s and one highs was in the 40s. On the colder side, one high was a 10s (a.k.a. teens) high and one high was in the 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first leap day at O'Hare in 1960, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 58 with a low of 35, a bonus 50s day. In 1972 the high was 62 with a low of 36, a bonus 60s day. In 1964 the high was 50 with a low of 28, another bonus 50s day.

More recently, there were no large or small spreads.

On the cold side, in 1980 the high was the record coldest high of 17 with a low of 0. In 1996 the high was 24 with a low of 10. The record low of -3 was set way back in 1884. Six of the last eight lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (2), 20s (2) and 30s (2). One low was in the colder single digits and one low was in the warmer 40s.

Today is not a major day in Chicago's snow history.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:xx and sunrise was at 6:xx. Sunset is at 17:xx and twilight ends at 18:xx. There's a total of 11 hours, xx minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, x minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:xx and sunrise is at 6:xx. The moon is xxxxx xxxxxx. Illumination was xx% at midnight, will be xx% at noon and xx% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at yy:yy and moonset is at yy:yy. Moonrise is at yy:yy tomorrow. Moonlight time is yy hours, yy minutes which is yy minutes longer/shorter than yesterday.

My birthday is in a week. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a week and three days. -Bernie-

February 28: ORD

Today is February 28th. It's the 59th day of the year. 306 days remain. It's week 9 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 39 and the normal low is 23. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 39 and 22.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was 55 with a low of 30. Other warm highs were 56 in 1983 and 55 in 2004. Another warm low was 37 in 1987. The record high of 61 and record warmest low of 46 were both set on the same day way back in 1895. 20 of the last 30 highs were 30s (9) and 40s (11). On the warmer side, four highs were 50s. On the colder side, six highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 55 with a low of 34, a bonus 50s day. In 1974 the high was 54 with a low of 30, a second bonus 50s day. In 1972 the high was 50 with a low of 32, a third bonus 50s day. In 1967 the high was 38 with a low of 34, a four degree spread. In 1965 the high was 57 with a low of 21, a fourth bonus 50s day. In 1962 the high was 23 with a low of 0, a cold day.

More recently, we had small spreads of five degrees in 1984 (28/23), six degrees in 1987 (43/37), six degrees in 1999 (40/34) and seven degrees two years ago (35/28). The lone large spread was 30 degrees five years ago (55/25).

On the cold side, in 1986 the high was 25 with a low of 8. Last year the high was 29 with a low of 8. In 2001 the high was 28 with a low of 11. The record low of 0 was set way back in 1884 and the record coldest high of 14 was set way back in 1891. 20 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (10) and 20s (10). Three lows were in the colder single digits and seven lows were in the warmer 30s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. At the Auditorium Tower back in 1900, 11.3 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight began at 6:02 and sunrise was at 6:30. Sunset is at 17:42 and twilight ends at 18:11. There's a total of 11 hours, 12 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 9 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:00 and sunrise is at 6:28. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 11% at midnight, will be 14% at noon and 18% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 7:45 and moonset is at 22:03. Moonrise is at 8:13 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 14 hours, 18 minutes which is 47 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is in a week. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a week and three days. -Bernie-

February 27: ORD

Today is February 27th. It's the 58th day of the year. 307 days remain. It's week 9 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 39 and the normal low is 23. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 38 and 22.

On the warm side, in 1981 the high was 60 with a low of 35. Nearly two decades later, in 2000, the high was 52 with a low of 38. A year earlier, in 1999, the high was 48 with a low of 38. Another warm high was 52 in 1998 and another warm low was 35 in 1987. The record high of 75 was set in 1976. This was at Midway. For O'Hare, see the next paragraph. The record warmest low of 42 was set way back in 1896. 19 of the last 30 highs were 30s (11) and 40s (8). On the warmer side, three highs were 50s and one was a 60. On the colder side, seven highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 32 with a low of 26, a six degree spread. In 1976 the high was 71 with a low of 38, a bonus 70s day. In 1971 the high was 40 with a low of 34, a six degree spread. In 1970 the high was 33 with a low of 27, a six degree spread. In 1967 the high was 34 with a low of 27, a seven degree spread. In 1959 the high was 50 with a low of 28, a bonus 50s day.

More recently, we had small spreads of two degrees in 1995 (33/31), three degrees in 1997 (36/33), four degrees in 1984 (29/25), four degrees two years ago (33/29) and seven degrees in 1980 (30/23).

On the cold side, in 1994 the high was 27 with a low of -5, a 32 degree spread. A year earlier, in 1993, the high was 29 with a low of 6. Last year the high was 23 with a low of 15. Nearly two decades earlier, in 1989, the high was 27 with a low of 11. The record low of -6 was set way back in 1897. It was also -6 way back in 1879. The record coldest high of 10 was set way back in 1888. 27 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8), 20s (11) and 30s (8). Two lows were in the colder single digits and one low was in the negative single digits.

Today is not a major day in Chicago's snow history. Yesterday's former record for precipitation in Chicago was 0.92 inches in 1899. That was broken as 1.95 inches fell at O'Hare yesterday. Rockford had 1.31 inches, breaking their prior record of 0.80 inches in 1912. At Rockford in 1912, this precipitation was 8.0 inches of snow. Midway had 1.60 inches which broke their previous record of 0.87 inches set in 1971.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:03 and sunrise is at 6:31. Sunset is at 17:41 and twilight ends at 18:09. Chicago's sunset is at 17:39 and twilight ends at 18:07. There's a total of 11 hours, 10 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 6 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:02 and sunrise is at 6:30. The moon is waxing crescent. Illumination was 5% at midnight, will be 8% at noon and 11% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 7:21 and moonset is at 20:52. Moonrise is at 7:45 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 13 hours, 31 minutes which is 46 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is in a week and a day. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a week and four days. -Bernie-

February 26: ORD

Today is February 26th. It's the 57th day of the year. 308 days remain. It's week 9 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 39 and the normal low is 23. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 38 and 23.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was the record high of 64 with the record warmest low of 48. Two years earlier, in 1998, the high was 63 (former record high with 1932) with a low of 45. Another warm high was 58 in 1988 and another warm low was 38 in 1996. 16 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, ten highs were: 40s (7), 50s (1) and 60s (2). On the colder side, four highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 61 with a low of 37, a bonus 60s day. In 1973 the high was 33 with a low of 28, a five degree spread. In 1971 the high was 56 with a low of 40, a bonus 50s day. In 1969 the high was 37 with a low of 30, a seven degree spread. In 1967 the high was 34 with a low of -1, a 35 degree spread and indeed cold. In 1963 the high was 15 with a low of -8, a cold day. In 1960 the high was 26 with a low of 21, a five degree spread.

More recently, we had a spread of four degrees in 1997 (38/34), four degrees two years ago (34/30), five degrees in 1995 (33/28), six degrees in 1981 (36/30), six degrees in 1996 (44/38) and a lone large spread of 36 degrees in 1988 (58/22).

On the cold side, in 1994 the high was 20 with a low of 2. In 1980, the high was 26 with a low of 2. In 2003, the high was 30 with a low of 5. In 1991, the high was 27 with a low of 12. The record low of -1 was set in 1963 and the record coldest high of 10 was set way back in 1888. 20 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (8) and 20s (12). Three lows were in the colder single digits. Seven lows were warmer: five 30s and two 40s.

Today is not a major day in Chicago's snow history. But since we are supposed to get lots of rain, the record for precipitation today is 0.92 inches in 1899.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:05 and sunrise is at 6:33. Sunset is at 17:40 and twilight ends at 18:08. Chicago's sunset is at 17:38 and twilight ends at 18:06. There's a total of 11 hours, 7 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 3 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:03 and sunrise is at 6:31. The moon is waxing crescent and reached new two nights ago at 19:35. Illumination was 2% at midnight, will be 3% at noon and 5% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:59 and moonset is at 19:44. Moonrise is at 7:21 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 12 hours, 45 minutes which is 46 minutes longer than yesterday.

My birthday is in a week and two days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two days short of two weeks. -Bernie-

February 25: ORD

Today is February 25th. It's the 56th day of the year. 309 days remain. It's week 8 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 38 and the normal low is 22. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 38 and 21.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was the record high of 72 with a low of 38, a 34 degree spread. The old record high of 66 occurred in 1932. Four years earlier, in 1996, the high was 59 with a low of 33. In 2002 the high was 52 with a low of 32. Four years before that, in 1998, the high was 52 with a low of 31. Three years later, in 2001, the high was 55 with a low of 28. The record warmest low of 52 was set in 1957. 12 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, 11 highs were: 40s (6), 50s (4), 60s (0) and 70s (1). On the colder side, six highs were 20s and just one in the 10s (a.k.a. teens).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 40 with a low of 33, a seven degree spread. In 1976 the high was 65 with a low of 46, a bonus 60s day. In 1973 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread. In 1971 the high was 56 with a low of 29, a bonus 50s day. In 1969 the high was 38 with a low of 31, a seven degree spread. In 1967 the high was 11 with a low of -8, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1960 the high was 28 with a low of 25, a three degree spread.

More recently, we had a spread of three degrees in 1992 (35/32), three degrees last year (34/31), six degrees in 1979 (28/22), six degrees in 1985 (38/32), and seven degrees two years ago (38/31).

On the cold side, in 2003 the high was 17 with a low of -2. A decade earlier, in 1993, the high was 21 with a low of -2. Three years earlier, in 1990, the high was 21 with a low of 2. A decade earlier, in 1980, the high was 29 with a low of 8. Another cold low was 7 in 1994. The record low of -9 and record coldest high of 10 occurred on the same day back in 1900. 25 of the last 30 lows have been: 10s (a.k.a. teens) (7), 20s (9) and 30s (9). Five lows were colder: three in the single digits and two in the negative single digits.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1994, 6.7 inches fell. This was the fourth of four days in which 16.1 inches fell. In 1965, 1.5 inches fell. This was the third of three days in which 10.0 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:06 and sunrise is at 6:35. Sunset is at 17:39 and twilight ends at 18:07. Chicago's sunset is at 17:37 and twilight ends at 18:05. There's a total of 11 hours, 4 minutes of daylight today and 12 hours, 1 minute between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:05 and sunrise is at 6:33. The moon is waxing crescent and reached new last night at 19:35. Illumination was 0% at midnight, will be 1% at noon and 2% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:38 and moonset is at 18:37. Moonrise is at 6:59 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 59 minutes which is 44 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is today. My birthday is in a week and three days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in a day short of two weeks. -Bernie-

February 24: ORD

Today is February 24th. It's the 55th day of the year. 310 days remain. It's week 8 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 38 and the normal low is 22. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 38 and 23.

On the warm side, in 2002 the high was 61 with a low of 38. A couple of years earlier, in 2000, the high was 57 with a low of 41. Four years before that, in 1996, the high was 58 with a low of 34. Two years later, in 1998, the high was 54 with a low of 36. In 2001 the high was 56 with a low of 30. Two decades earlier, in 1981, the high was 53 with a low of 32. The record high of 64 was set in 1930 and the record warmest low of 46 was set in 1936. 14 of the last 30 highs were 30s. On the warmer side, ten highs were: 40s (4), 50s (5) and 60s (1). On the colder side, six highs were 10s (1) and 20s (5).

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 51 with a low of 33, a bonus 50s day. In 1976 the high was 63 with a low of 38, a bonus 60s day. In 1967 the high was 9 with a low of -6, a cold day. In 1965 the high was 24 with a low of 19, a five degree spread. In 1963 the high was 26 with a low of -1, a cold day. In 1962 the high was 29 with a low of 24, a five degree spread. In 1960 the high was 29 with a low of 23, a six degree spread.

More recently, we had a spread of six degrees five years ago (37/31), a spread of six degrees two years ago (32/26), seven degrees in 1979 (30/23), seven degrees in 1985 (39/32), seven degrees in 1992 (40/33) and a large spread of 32 degrees three years ago (47/15).

On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 15 with a low of -5. In 1989 the high was 22 with a low of 4. In 2003 the high was 23 with a low of 6. In 1994 the high was 22 with a low of 8. Another cold low was 7 in 1990 and another cold high was 26 in 1988. The record low of -11 was set way back in 1873 and the record coldest high of 8 was set way back in 1889. 19 of the last 30 lows have been: 20s (10) and 30s (9). Ten lows were colder: in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) (5), single digits (4) and negative single digits (1). One low was in the warmer 40s.

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1994, 0.3 inches fell. This was the third of four days in which 16.1 inches fell. In 1965, 6.7 inches fell. This was the second of three days in which 10.0 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:08 and sunrise is at 6:36. Sunset is at 17:37 and twilight ends at 18:06. Chicago's sunset is at 17:35 and twilight ends at 18:03. There's a total of 11 hours, 1 minute of daylight today and 11 hours, 58 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:06 and sunrise is at 6:35. The moon is waning crescent and heading towards new tonight at 19:35. Illumination was 1% at midnight, will be 0% at noon and 0% at midnight tonight. Moonrise is at 6:17 and moonset is at 17:32. Moonrise is at 6:38 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 11 hours, 15 minutes which is 41 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is tomorrow. My birthday is in a week and four days. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two weeks. -Bernie-

February 23: ORD

Today is February 23rd. It's the 54th day of the year. 311 days remain. It's week 8 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 37 and the normal low is 22. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 40 and 25.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was the record high of 66 with the record low of 51. The old record high of 60 occurred in 1977 and the old record warmest low of 43 occurred in 1961. In 1984 the high was 59 with a low of 37. In 1996 the high was 54 with a low of 37. In 1985 the high was 50 with a low of 33. Other warm highs were 51 in 1995, 50 in 1998 and 49 in 1983. Another warm low was 37 in 2004. 20 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (12) and 40s (8). On the warmer side, five highs were 50s and one was a 60. On the colder side, four highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1978 the high was 26 with a low of 19, a seven degree spread. In 1977 the high was 58 with a low of 39, a bonus 50s day. In 1975 the high was 37 with a low of 33, a four degree spread. In 1971 the high was 35 with a low of 31, a four degree spread. In 1969 the high was 40 with a low of 35, a five degree spread. In 1968 the high was 37 with a low of 7, a 30 degree spread. In 1966 the high was 32 with a low of 25, a seven degree spread. In 1961 the high was 50 with a low of 38, another bonus 50s day.

More recently, we had a spread of five degrees in 1981 as the high was 38 with a low of 33.

On the cold side, in 1993 the high was 20 with a low of 2. In 1989 the high was 23 with a low of 4. The record low of -18 was set way back in 1873 and the record coldest high of -2 was set way back in 1889. 21 of the last 30 lows have been: 20s (11) and 30s (10). Eight lows were colder: in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) (6) and single digits (2). One low was in the warmer 50s (the record warmest low).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1994, 5.1 inches fell. This was the second day of a four day stretch in which 16.1 inches fell. In 1965, 1.8 inches fell. This was the first of three days in which 10.0 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:09 and sunrise is at 6:38. Sunset is at 17:36 and twilight ends at 18:05. Chicago's sunset is at 17:34 and twilight ends at 18:02. There's a total of 10 hours, 58 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 56 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:08 and sunrise is at 6:36. The moon is waning crescent and heading towards new tomorrow night at 19:35. Illumination was 3% at midnight, will be 2% at noon and 1% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 5:53 and moonset is at 16:27. Moonrise is at 6:17 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 10 hours, 34 minutes which is 39 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is in two days. My birthday is in two days short of two weeks. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two weeks, one day. -Bernie-

February 22: ORD

Today is February 22nd. It's the 53rd day of the year. 312 days remain. It's week 8 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 37 and the normal low is 21. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 40 and 26.

On the warm side, in 2000 the high was 59 with a low of 39. In 1984 the high was 60 with a low of 32. In 1998 the high was 50 with a low of 37. In 1981 the high was 48 with a low of 37. Four years later, in 1985, the high was 46 with a low of 39, a seven degree spread. In 1992 the high was 50 with a low of 34. Another warm high was 49 in 1982. Other warm lows were 34 in 1980 and 33 in 1983. The record high of 68 was set back in 1922 and the record warmest low of 52 was set in 1930. 21 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (9) and 40s (12). On the warmer side, four highs were: 50s (3) and 60s (1). On the colder side, five highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1977 the high was 53 with a low of 33, a bonus 50s day. In 1970 the high was 50 with a low of 33, another bonus 50s day. In 1969 the high was 41 with a low of 35, a six degree spread. In 1968 the high was 32 with a low of 1, a 31 degree spread. In 1963 the high was 19 with a low of -8, a cold day. In 1961 the high was 50 with a low of 25, yet another bonus 50s day.

More recently, there were small spreads of four degrees in 1980 (38/34), five degrees (1993: 24/19, 1994: 29/24), six degrees last year (27/21) and seven degrees in 1996 (39/32).

On the cold side, in 1989 the high was 24 with a low of 10. The record low of -14 was set way back in 1873 and the record coldest high of 8 was set back in 1901. 25 of the last 30 lows have been: 20s (13) and 30s (12). Five lows were in the 10s (a.k.a. teens).

Today is a major day in Chicago's snow history. In 1994, 4.0 inches fell. This was the first day of a four day stretch in which 16.1 inches fell.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:11 and sunrise is at 6:39. Sunset is at 17:35 and twilight ends at 18:03. There's a total of 10 hours, 56 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 52 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:09 and sunrise is at 6:38. The moon is waning crescent and heading towards new on Tuesday night. Illumination was 8% at midnight, will be 5% at noon and 3% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 5:27 and moonset is at 15:22. Moonrise is at 5:53 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 55 minutes which is 34 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is in three days. My birthday is in a day short of two weeks. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two weeks, two days. -Bernie-

February 21: ORD

Today is February 21st. It's the 52nd day of the year. 313 days remain. It's week 8 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 37 and the normal low is 21. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 40 and 24.

On the warm side, in 1991 the high was 58 with a low of 34. In 1980 the high was 46 with a low of 36. Other warm highs were 50 in 2003 and 49 in 1983. Other warm lows were 37 in 1985 and 33 in 2005. The record high of 67 and the record warmest low of 47 were set on the same day back in 1930. 26 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (13) and 40s (13). On the warmer side, two highs were 50s. On the colder side, two highs were 20s.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1974 the high was 51 with a low of 36, a bonus 50s day. In 1968 the high was 22 with a low of -1, a cold day. In 1966 the high was 26 with a low of -1, another cold day. In 1963 the high was 4 with a low of -8, another very cold day. In 1961 the high was 54 with a low of 21, a 33 degree spread and another bonus 50s day.

More recently, there were small spreads of three degrees in 2005 (36/33), five degrees in 2002 (34/29), six degrees in 1985 (43/37) and seven degrees in 1996 (35/28).

On the cold side, in 2001 the high was 21 with a low of 9. Last year the high was 23 with a low of 8. Two decades earlier, in 1988, the high was 32 with a low of 1, a 31 degree spread. The record low of -11 was set way back in 1873 and the record coldest high of 3 was set in 1963. 17 of the last 30 lows have been 20s. Six lows were colder: three in the 10s (a.k.a. teens) (3) and single digits (3). Seven lows were in the warmer 30s.

Today is a not a major day in Chicago's snow history.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:12 and sunrise is at 6:41. Sunset is at 17:34 and twilight ends at 18:02. There's a total of 10 hours, 53 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 50 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:11 and sunrise is at 6:39. The moon is waning crescent and heading towards new on Tuesday night. Illumination was 13% at midnight, will be 10% at noon and 8% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 4:57 and moonset is at 14:18. Moonrise is at 5:27 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 9 hours, 21 minutes which is 27 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is in four days. My birthday is in two weeks. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two weeks, three days. -Bernie-

February 20: ORD

Today is February 20th. It's the 51st day of the year. 314 days remain. It's week 8 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 36 and the normal low is 21. I've calculated the 30-year averages at 41 and 24.

On the warm side, in 1983 the high was 61 with a low of 36. In 1994 the high was 57 with a low of 33. In 2002, the high was 54 with a low of 34. In 1996 the high was 53 with a low of 34. A year earlier, in 1995, the high was 50 with a low of 31. Other warm highs were 50 in 2003 and 48 in 1992. Other warm lows were 35 (1980, 1998) and 33 in 2004. The record high of 64 and record warmest low of 49 were set on the same day back in 1930. 23 of the last 30 highs were: 30s (11) and 40s (12). On the warmer side, five highs were 50s and one was in the 60s. On the colder side, one high was in the 10s (a.k.a. teens). Today's high is forecast to be in the 20s. We haven't had a high in the 20s since sometime before 1979.

In looking back through the years to the first February at O'Hare in 1959, the following instances were notable: In 1976 the high was 56 with a low of 28, a bonus 50s day. In 1973 the high was 36 with a low of 30, a six degree spread. In 1966 the high was 17 with a low of -5, a cold day. In 1965 the high was 51 with a low of 23, a bonus 50s day. In 1963 the high was 30 with a low of -2, a 32 degree spread and another cold day. In 1959 the high was 21 with a low of -3, yet another cold one.

More recently, there were small spreads of six degrees on three occasions: in 1980 (41/35), 1989 (30/24) and 2005 (37/31). There was a spread of seven degrees in 1998 as the high was 42 with a low of 35.

On the cold side, last year the high was 19 with a low of 5. The record low of -9 and record coldest high of 7 were both set way back in 1896. 13 of the last 30 lows have been 30s. All of the other lows (17 of them) were colder: single digits (3), 10s (a.k.a. teens) (7) and 20s (7). In Crystal Lake our low today has been at least 3 degrees.

Today is a not a major day in Chicago's snow history.

The following astronomical data is provided by the United States Naval Observatory. In Crystal Lake, twilight begins at 6:14 and sunrise is at 6:42. Sunset is at 17:33 and twilight ends at 18:01. Chicago's sunset/end of twilight times are three minutes earlier. There's a total of 10 hours, 51 minutes of daylight today and 11 hours, 47 minutes between twilights. Tomorrow twilight begins at 6:12 and sunrise is at 6:41. The moon is waning crescent. Illumination was 20% at midnight, will be 17% at noon and 13% at midnight tonight. Moonrise was at 4:21 and moonset is at 13:15. Moonrise is at 4:57 tomorrow. Moonlight time is 8 hours, 54 minutes which is 15 minutes longer than yesterday.

Ash Wednesday is in five days. My birthday is in two weeks, one day. A sister of mine, Christina, has a birthday in two weeks, four days. -Bernie-