[Text Only] Chicago Weather Story | U.S. Climate At-a-Glance (NOAA) | Arlingtoncards.com/weather Chicago Metro Area Means & Extremes Aprioriathletics.com /timezone | Chicago Weather Story | Weather Discussion | Weather Links [Seasons] [Extremes, Heating & Cooling] [Precipitation & Storms] Chicago Weather Story (Illinois Counties Map) Chicago short term weather forecasts are probably less reliable than many other cities in the United States due to the proximity to Lake Michigan and the latitude which lies between Canadian air and Gulf Air. The Chicago Metro Area is located along the southwest shore of Lake Michigan on a plain which only rises from 600 to 800 feet above sea level. Lake Michigan averages 579 feet above sea level. The plain extends to about the Fox River Valley and does not significantly affect air flow in or near the city. The suburb of Crystal Lake, just west of the Fox River, is the highest point in the area at 951 feet above sea level. Far reaching areas just west of Crystal Lake (southwest of Bull Valley between Woodstock and Crystal Lake, just southeast of Woodstock Country Club) have elevations as high as 971 feet (but may not be considered part of the Chicago metro-Lake Michigan basin). The highest elevation in Illinois is Charles Mound (1235 feet) in Jo Daviess County, which is the farthest northwest county of Illinois. The site for the filming of motion picture Field of Dreams is 50 miles west of Charles Mound in Dyersville, Iowa. Hills east of the Fox River in the Barrington area run about 800 to 900 feet above sea level. The lesser frictional drag over Lake Michigan can cause winds to be stronger along the lakeshore, and often permits air masses moving from the north to reach shore areas an hour or more before affecting western parts of the city. Seasons Chicago experiences changeable weather from day to day and season to season. The climate is predominantly continental, ranging from relatively warm in summer to relatively cold in winter. However, the continental climate is partially modified by Lake Michigan, and to a lesser extent by other Great Lakes. In late autumn and winter, air masses that are initially very cold often reach the city only after being tempered by passage over one or more of the lakes. Similarly, in late spring and summer, air masses reaching the city from the north, northeast, or east are cooler because of movement over the Great Lakes. Very low winter temperatures most often occur in air that flows southward to the west of Lake Superior before reaching the Chicago area. Clear nights allow more heat to escape. In some years, cold, damp springs are prolonged from March until about June 1. Other years, relatively warm springs begin in March. Fall weather tends to stay warm from the heat lag of the warm water of the lake -- especially with warm sunny days -- but rainy Septembers can make a dreary, colder fall. Even warm days, yield to cool nights by the end of September. Normal highs are near 80 degrees Fahrenheit at the end of August, drop to around 70 degrees by the end of September, and are in the middle to upper 50's by the end of October. In summer the higher temperatures result from south or southwest flow and are therefore not influenced by the lake, the only modifying effect being a local lake breeze. Bike riders experiencing 90 degree temperatures west of Skokie Boulevard or Interstate 94 will notice a drop in temperature as they approach the lake, even when prevailing winds are from the West. However, an especially strong south or southwest flow may overcome the lake breeze and cause high temperature to extend over the entire city. During the warm season, when the lake is cold relative to land, there is frequently a lake breeze (from the lake, toward land) that reduces daytime temperature near the shore -- sometimes by 10 degrees or more below temperatures reached farther inland. When the breeze off the lake is light, this effect usually reaches inland only a mile or two, but with stronger on-shore winds the whole city and west suburbs are cooled. The larger effect is common in April and May. Frequently, spring days in these months start out sunny, but end up cool and cloudy by noon. On the other hand, temperatures at night are warmer near the lake so that 24-hour averages are only slightly different in various parts of the city and suburbs. Extremes, Heating & Cooling (see also Weather Data Center, Chicago Weather Extremes, Wind Chill & Heat Index) At O'Hare International Airport temperatures of 96 degrees or higher occur in about half the summers, while about half the winters have a minimum as low as -15 degrees. The average occurrence of the first temperature as low as 32 degrees in the fall is mid-October. The average occurrence of the last temperature as low as 32 degrees in the spring is in late April. May 15 is usually the last day gardeners worry about a late frost (Note: May 25, 1992 recorded a low of 32 degrees. October 1 is usually the first day to be alert for early frosts (Note: September 22, 1995 recorded a low of 32 degrees). The normal heating season lasts from mid-September until late May. Indoor relative humidity usually drops to dry levels by October 1. Indoor humidified air is recommended from about October 1 until late March or April. Indoor air in December and January, especially, gets dry enough to dry out nasal passages, wood furniture and indoor house plants. The dry, unhumidified air frequently causes sore throats; burning nasal passages; dry, itchy skin, and electrostatic shocks. Inflamed throats and nasal passages may increase the chance of catching the common cold or flu. The shocks can disrupt computer systems. People who live in upper floors of high rises may require a longer humidification period because the higher altitudes carry even drier air. The normal air conditioning season lasts from June until early September. June is the first month of the year to offer consistent balmy weather. October brings clear, crisp days with beautiful sunsets. However, many residents complain about the loss of daylight and the impending Winter season. Precipitation & Storms (see also Weather Data Center and Chicago Weather Extremes) Precipitation falls mostly from air that has passed over the Gulf of Mexico. In winter there is some snowfall that is light inland, but locally heavy near the lakeshore, with Lake Michigan providing the moisture. Heavy lakeshore snow occurs when initially cold air moves from the north with a long trajectory over Lake Michigan. When the air crosses the Chicago lakeshore, the air mass is warmed and its moisture content increases up to a height of several thousand feet. Snowfall is produced by upward currents that become stronger when the air moves from the lake onto land and experiences frictional effects. This type of snowfall therefore tends to be heavier and to extend farther inland in south-shore areas of the city and in Indiana suburbs, where the angle between wind-flow and shoreline is greatest. The effect of Lake Michigan, both on winter temperatures and lake-produced snowfall, is enhanced by the lack of ice cover over much of the lake during the winter, even though areas and harbors are often ice-choked. (Some years the southern tip of Lake Michigan is totally ice covered during winter.) During extreme cold outbreaks over lake water that has not yet frozen, great walls of fog/clouds rise out of Lake Michigan like a giant cloud factory, which is quite a site to see -- especially just after sunrise. A departing low pressure system associated with its departing snow storm often prolongs snowfall (a snow backlash) as the low pressure system -- spinning counter clockwise east of the lake -- sends strong northeast winds over the lake toward Northern Illinois. The highest recorded snowfall rate in Chicago is 3 inches per hour, as in the Big Snow of 1967. Summer thunderstorms are often locally heavy and variable. Some suburbs of the city may receive substantial rainfall -- even hail -- while other suburbs experience sunshine. While the tornado season begins in March, the peak tornado season for the Chicago area is July through September. June is usually the month with the most thunderstorms. The summer thunderstorms often bring relief after several days of a hot spell. Many of the late summer and early fall thunderstorms move in from the north-northwest. These storms often produce turbulent severe-looking squall lines with sudden drops in temperatures from 90 to 60 degrees. Tall thunderheads that are passing to the south of the city or storms that have recently departed -- leaving sunny skies -- provide spectacular sights. The upward growth of the thunderheads are clearly visible and the onset of dusk brings spectacular cloud-to-cloud lightning displays. Using the Flash-to-Bang System you can judge the distance of a lightning bolt. Every 5 seconds between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder equals 1 mile. Many thunderstorms, which are detected on radar as strengthening as they pass the Mississippi River and Rockford area, seem to weaken as they approach Lake Michigan. But, many of the severest storms seem to brew rapidly, giving little time for warning. Frequently, the local media broadcasts first warnings for areas that have already experienced storms for at least 20 minutes. The storms are already 2 or 3 suburbs east of the suburbs receiving the warnings. Longer periods of continuous precipitation occur mostly in autumn, winter, and spring. From November through April -- on average -- more than half of the months are days with full overcast. About one-half the precipitation in winter, and about 10 percent of the yearly total precipitation, falls as snow. Snowfall from month to month and year to year is greatly variable. There is a 50 percent likelihood that the first and last l-inch snowfall of a season will occur by December 5 and March 20, respectively. The first hint of any snow usually occurs around Thanksgiving and brings a mess to rush hour as many drivers have forgotten the effects of slick roadways. Significant snowfalls (6 inches in 24 hours) have occurred as early as mid October. Snow that falls in February and March often melts rapidly -- within a few days in a strengthening sun. Snow in December and January frequently covers the ground for weeks, which is excellent for skiers, but not so good for runners and joggers. Fog is most common in March. Much of this fog is advection fog, which occurs when warmer air passes the cold, snow-covered ground. Snow storm tracks seem to be difficult to predict. Winter Storm watches are frequent, but the storms often turn to the north or pass to the south affecting Wisconsin or Central Illinois, respectively. Many surprises occur when storms that were expected to hit Central Illinois turn toward Chicago for a direct hit. The City of Chicago is known as the "Windy City"; but, the average wind speed is not greater than in many other parts of the U.S. The "Windy City" nickname came from a reference to political hot air, not the weather. Channeling of winds between tall buildings often causes locally stronger gusts in the downtown area, helping the city of Chicago keep the nickname. Occasionally in winter, huge chunks of ice have fallen off high rises and caused injuries and even fatalities. March and April are the windiest months. On March 9, 2002 scaffolding fell from the exterior of the 43rd story of the John Hancock building while winds were reported as high as 58 mph at nearby Miegs Field. Three people were killed and two people were critically injured when 25 feet of the scaffolding fell and crushed three cars traveling on Chestnut Street just south of the building. The John Hancock building is a 100-story building, standing 1,127 feet tall. July is the calmest month, excluding thunderstorm gusts.   For more information, please contact Mark D. Bostrom Apriori, Inc. 126 East Wing Street, #220, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Please send comments (APRIORI@aol.com) Arlingtoncards.com/weather  U.S. Weather at Intellicast HOME | Site Map | Center Stage | Our Solutions | Our Satisfied Clients | Fitness Topics PFP Newsletter | Company Profile | Contact Information | Help | Glossary | ?Mark | About the Author | Disclaimer ©Copyright 1999-2004 Apriori, Inc. All Rights Reserved. APRIORIATHLETICS and Progressive Fitness Personality are Service Marks of Apriori, Inc. All products mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Apriori, Inc. is a State of Illinois Corporation, established the Eighth Day of May A.D. 1987.

Business & Office Children's Software Education & How-To Games Graphics Home & Hobbies Language & Travel Licenses Linux Macintosh Networking Operating Systems Personal Finance Programming Software for Handhelds Utilities Video & Music Web Development Month-by-Month ... What you can expect Almost anything can happen with Chicago weather, but here is a month-by-month breakdown of what the weather usually brings and how it might affect your mood ... January Snow! Greatest potential for snow (as much as 20 inches can fall in a little more than 24 hours and greatest potential for the lowest temperatures of the year and all-time record lows. Snow cover can stay around for the entire month. Fog possible if a warm day occurs with snow on the ground. Days start getting longer around January 5, but nobody notices. January 15-21 the normal low in Chicago hits and maintains the year's lowest normal temperature of 13F. Mid-January is the coldest part of the winter in Chicago. Record highs in January are in the 50's and 60's F. Record low ranges -9 to -27 F. February Still snow. Still cold! Usually around Valentine's Day you start to notice a little warmth. You might feel some decent warmth when the strengthening sunshine hits your face. The interior of your car sitting outside in the sun might feel a little warm, too. With the sun a little stronger, there is a greater potential for big icicles forming from a snow-covered roof. The sky starts to look a little more interesting, less gray and more 'summer-like' cumulus clouds. Fog possible if a warm day occurs with snow on the ground. February 10 is first day of the year that the Chicago temperature has a normal high of 32 F. Record highs in February are in the 50's, 60's and 70's F. Record low ranges 0 to -21 F. March Big snowflakes. Big snowfalls are possible, but they usually melt pretty fast. This is potentially the foggiest month ... made possible when warmer days rapidly evaporate (actually sublime) snow cover. The days are getting noticeably brighter and interesting (more blue, less gray) and more 'summer-like' cumulus clouds. Bright stars often shine in a broken ceiling of big fluffy clouds at night. Potentially, a very windy month. "If March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb" or "If March comes in like a lamb it goes out like a lion" -- March Proverb. March 3 normal high in Chicago hits 40F. March 25 normal high in Chicago hits 50F. Record highs in March are in the 60's, 70's and 80's F. Record low ranges -13 to +12 F in March. First Day of Spring March 20 or 21. April Seems like there are a lot of rainy, cloudy days. You can get a little spoiled ... the 40-50 degree days that felt warm in February or March, now feel chilly. First Sunday in April Daylight Savings Time begins: Turn clocks forward 1 hour to Daylight Savings Time (-5 GMT/UT) "Spring Forward"... Daylight begins later; Nightfall arrives later. The body feels like it loses an hour. Brush and grass fires are more common this month with dead winter vegetation serving as fuel. Look for NWS Red Flag Warning on the NWS Illinois Alerts Page. April 18 normal high in Chicago hits 60F. Record highs in April are in the 70's, 80's and 90's F. Record low ranges 7 to 31 F in April. Severe thunderstorms possible. May Usually freeze safe and OK to plant on May 15, but the thermometer has hit freezing as late as May 25. Some real warm days can happen and Spring is definitely in the air, but don't get too shocked, even Memorial Day at the end of the month brings some rainy, raw days in the 40's and 50's. You really can't count on Summer arriving AND staying until June 1 or later! Mornings often start sunny and warm, but a lake effect brings clouds and cooler temps by afternoon. May 15 normal high in Chicago hits 70F. Record highs in May are in the 80's and 90's F. Record lows in May are in the 20's and 30's F. Severe thunderstorms possible. June First Day of Summer June 20 or 21. Summer Solstice is the longest daylight of the year. We feel a little cheated of Summer if we don't get some 80's in the first week of June ... really cheated if we are still stuck in the 60's. June 14 normal high in Chicago hits 80F. Record highs in June are in the 90's and 100's F. Record lows in June are in the 30's, 40's and 50's F. Severe thunderstorms possible. July July is probably the sunniest month, counting perfectly clear and partly cloudy days. Muggy, sunny, hot days are common. A crackling thunderstorm can come out of nowhere, unless you're really paying attention to fast uprising cumulus clouds. Nights are often warm and breezy, with fast clouds moving past a bright moon. July 10 through August 3 normal high in Chicago hits and maintains the year's highest normal temperature of 84F. Record highs in July are in the 90's and 100's F. Record lows in July are in the 40's and 50's F. Severe thunderstorms possible. You might start noticing the daylight getting a little shorter by the last week of July. August Days can be a little muggier and hazier than July. By the end of the month, the dew is heavier late at night and early morning. August has the highest humidity readings of any month in the early morning. By the end of August, vegetation in open field starts to look a little motley with the decreased sunlight. The days taken on a more golden tint by the end of the month and a sweet smell fills the air. Potentially the rainiest month, but mixed with a lot of sun. August 25 normal high in Chicago drops to 80F. Record highs in August are in the 90's and 100's F. Record lows in August are in the 40's and 50's F. Severe thunderstorms possible; they tend to come from organized squall lines from the north. September There can be a lot rain, but still sunny days, too. The smell of smoke from Fall fireplaces start to become noticeable. The days (and especially nights) are especially crisper by the start of the second week of September. The earliest day to fall to 32 Degrees occurred on September 22, 1995. That's way too early! We don't usually expect any chance of freeze until October 1. Normal low of 32F isn't supposed to arrive until about the middle of November. First day of Fall is September 21 or 22. September 29 normal high in Chicago drops to 70F. Record highs in September are in the 80's, 90's and 100's F. Record lows in September are in the 20's, 30's and 40's F. October Frost!Crisp, cool Fall days with beautiful clear blue skies. Trees turn color. You definitely notice the chill in the air and the shortening daylight. Beautiful sunsets. Last Sunday in October Daylight Saving Time ends: Turn clocks back 1 hour to Central Standard Time (-6 GMT/UT) "Fall Back" ... Daylight begins earlier; Nightfall arrives earlier. The body feels like it gains an hour. October 1 is the first day to expect a possible freeze. October 23 normal high in Chicago drops to 60F. Record highs in October are in the 70's, 80's and 90's F. Record lows in October are in the teens, 20's and 30's F. November One of the cloudiest months and especially noticeable because the days are getting colder. First snowfalls usually not expected until around Thanksgiving. November 12 normal high in Chicago drops to 50F. Record highs in November are in the 60's, 70's and 80's F. Record low ranges 21 to -2 F in November. Most leaves have fallen off the trees by now. December OK, you probably are going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark. But what are you missing? A lot of gray days anyway, but the excitement of the holidays and ski season keeps this month interesting. December 1 normal high in Chicago drops to 40F. December 19 normal high in Chicago drops to 32F. December 27 normal high in Chicago drops to 30F. Record highs in December are in the 50's, 60's and 70's F. Record low ranges -1 to -25 F in December. First Day of Winter around December 20-23. Winter Solstice has the shortest daylight of the year. Hey, you might think this Winter isn't so bad. Just wait until January; have you forgotten? (see also Weather Data Center and Chicago Weather Extremes)