Chicago 2012 Record Watch

[Chicago Storm]

This thread will focus on records already broken along with records that are in jeopardy over the next several weeks, if the warmth continues at/near the current pace.

Stats coming shortly...

[Chicago Storm]

Even though it's not the warm season, I though I would just start the thread of with stats from the cold season.

Winter '11-12 was tied for the 9th warmest on record and the 2nd warmest on record since the official observation site was moved from downtown.

Winter Temps:
1. 37.2 - 1877/78
2. 35.7 - 1931/32
3. 35.2 - 1879/80
3. 35.2 - 1881/82
5. 34.7 - 1889/90
6. 33.6 - 1875/76
7. 33.2 - 1997/98
8. 33.1 - 1918/19
9. 32.8 - 2011/12
9. 32.8 - 1920/21

Most 40F+ Days In Met Winter:
1. 61 - 1881-82
2. 54 - 1877-78
3. 53 - 1879-80
4. 52 - 1889-90
5. 51 - 1875-76
6. 50 - 2011-12
6. 50 - 1931-32
8. 49 - 2001-02
9. 45 - 1998-99
9. 45 - 1932-33

Consecutive Days Without A Sub-32F High Temp:
1. 308 - 2/11-12/15/1878
2. 300 - 2/17-12/12/2004
3. 290 - 2/23-12/9/2011
4. 289 - 3/11-12/24/1918

Winters Without 0F Or Lower(Sub-Zero) Temp:
2011-12
1982-83
1959-60
1955-56
1938-39
1936-37
1931-32
1930-31
1905-06
1881-82

 

The Winter of 2011-12 featured the 10th least amount of snow on record, and it was only the 10th time less than 20.0" of snow has fallen in a season.

Top 10 Least Snowfall In A Season:
1. 9.8" - 1920-21
2. 11.5" - 1921-22
3. 12.0" - 1936-37
4. 14.3" - 1948-49
5. 18.0" - 1898-99
6. 18.2" - 1901-02
7. 18.9" - 1924-25
8. 19.0" - 1914-15
9. 19.1" - 1912-13
10. 19.8" - 2011-12

Winter of 2011-12 featured the 5th latest first measurable (0.1"+) snowfall on record.

Latest First Measurable (0.1"+) Snow:

1. Dec. 16th - 1965-66
2. Dec. 14th - 2001-02
3. Dec. 12th - 1946-47
4. Dec. 10th - 2003-04
5. Dec. 9th - 2011-12
5. Dec. 9th - 1948-49
7. Dec. 7th - 1914-15
8. Dec. 6th - 1994-95
9. Dec. 5th - 1999-00
9. Dec. 5th - 1984-85
9. Dec. 5th - 1973-74
9. Dec. 5th - 1909-10

Latest 2.0"+ Total Seasonal Snowfall:
1. 1/16/2002
2. 1/15/1890
3. 1/14/1937
4. 1/12/2012
5. 1/8/1944
6. 1/7/1940
6. 1/7/1913
8. 1/5/1994
9. 1/4/2004

10. 1/3/1972

 

Latest 3.0"+ Total Seasonal Snowfall:
1. 1/21/1937
2. 1/18/1913
3. 1/16/2002
4. 1/15/1890
5. 1/12/2012
6. 1/11/1983
6. 1/11/1924
8. 1/8/1944
9. 1/7/1940
10. 1/5/1994

 

Latest 4.0"+ Total Seasonal Snowfall:
1. 2/10/1944
2. 2/4/1937
2. 2/4/1900
4. 1/23/1890
5. 1/20/1913
6. 1/16/2002
7. 1/15/1924
8. 1/13/2000
8. 1/13/1939
10. 1/12/2012
10. 1/12/1983
10. 1/12/1907

 

Least Days With 1.0"+ Snowcover:
1. 8 - 1948-49
1. 8 - 1936-37
1. 8 - 1931-32
4. 10 - 1905-06
5. 12 - 1889-90
6. 13 - 2011-12
6. 13 - 1930-31
6. 13 - 1921-22
6. 13 - 1890-91
10. 14 - 1982-83
10. 14 - 1952-53
10. 14 - 1943-44

 

Latest 2.0"+ Snow Cover:
1. 2/4/1989
2. 2/3/1983
3. 1/27/1923
4. 1/21/1937
5. 1/20/2000
6. 1/18/1914
7. 1/16/2002
7. 1/16/1924
7. 1/16/1907
10. 1/13/2012

 

November 2011 was tied with 21 other years with only a trace of snowfall.

December 2011 had 20 40F+ days, which is the 6th most on record.

The 4.7" of snow that fell on Jan. 12th, 2012 was the first 2.0"+ snow event of the 2011-12 season. This made it the 12th latest first 2.0"+ snowfall on record.

[Chicago Storm]

Moving on to the warm season...

Spring 2012 was the warmest on record.

Spring Temps:

1. 56.6 - 2012

2. 56.2 - 1977

3. 53.9 - 1921

4. 52.7 - 2010

4. 52.7 - 1991

4. 52.7 - 1955

7. 51.7 - 1987

7. 51.7 - 1946

9. 51.5 - 1968

10. 51.2 - 1998

10. 51.2 - 1938

With help from the early season "heat wave", March 2012 was easily the warmest on record. Several record high and max low temps were set during the warm spell.

March Temps:

1. 53.5 - 2012

2. 48.6 - 1945

2. 48.6 - 1910

4. 47.2 - 1946

5. 45.8 - 1921

6. 45.3 - 1878

7. 45.1 - 1973

7. 45.1 - 1938

9. 44.7 - 1977

10. 44.2 - 2000

Most 80+ Days In March:

1. 8 - 2012

2. 2 - 1986

Most 70+ Days In March:

1. 12 - 2012

2. 9 - 1945

3. 6 - 1910

3. 6 - 1907

Least Sub-32F Low Temp Days In March:

1. 2 - 1878

2. 6 - 2012

2. 6 - 1927

4. 7 - 1973

4. 7 - 1946

4. 7 - 1910

Daily Records:

Highs...

3/14 - 81 (3rd earliest 80+ temp on record)

3/15 - 81

3/16 - 82 (Warmest temp this early in a year ... 82 - 27th 1945)

3/17 - 82

3/18 - 81

3/19 - 78

3/20 - 85 (3rd warmest March temp on record)

3/21 - 87 (1F off the all time March record high 88 - 29th 1986. Warmest high temp this early in a year.)

3/22 - 83

*Earliest back-to-back 80+ day records set for 2 consecutive, 3 consecutive, 4 consecutive and 5 consecutive 80+ days.

Max Lows...

3/7 - 54

3/17 - 58

3/19 - 61

3/20 - 63 (Warmest low temp this early in a year ... 63 - 26th 2007)

3/21 - 61

3/22 - 61

3/23 - 55

*Temp records were tied or broken 9 consecutvie days from March 14-22nd, which is the 2nd longest stretch on record. The record is 10 consecutive days on Aug 25-Sept 3rd 1953.

*Prior to March 2012 there had only been 10 80+ days in March on record. March 2012 neary doubled that total, bringing that total up to 18 days.

March 2012 had one of the lowest snowfall totals on record for the month, with only 0.3" recorded.

Least Amount Of Snow In March:

1. T - 2000

1. T - 1997

1. T - 1994

1. T - 1921

1. T - 1910

6. 0.1" - 1908

7. 0.3" - 2012

7. 0.3" - 1985

7. 0.3" - 1939

10. 0.4" - 1946

10. 0.4" - 1927

April 2012 was tied with 11 other years with no snowfall recorded.

May 2012 ended tied for the 6th warmest on record, with a few record highs and max low temps set.

May Temps:

1. 69.3 - 1977

2. 67.1 - 1962

3. 66.0 - 1964

4. 65.9 - 1911

5. 65.8 - 1959

6. 65.6 - 2012

6. 65.6 - 1991

8. 65.5 - 1896

9. 65.2 - 1934

10. 65.0 - 1880

Daily Records:

Highs...

5/27 - 97 (1F off the all time May record high 98 - 31st 1934. Warmest high temp this early in a year.)

5/28 - 95

Max Lows...

5/28 - 77 (Warmest low temp this early in a year(77 - 6/5/1925)

[Chicago Storm]

June 2012 ended tied for the 6th warmest and the 5th driest on record.

June Temps:

1. 76.2 - 1933

2. 75.8 - 1971

3. 75.7 - 1954

4. 74.3 - 1952

5. 74.2 - 2005

6. 74.0 - 2012

6. 74.0 - 1949

8. 73.9 - 1956

9. 73.8 - 1921

10. 73.6 - 1953

June Precip:

1. 0.12" - 1922

2. 0.55" - 1904

3. 0.76" - 2005

4. 0.78" - 1956

5. 0.90" - 2012

6. 0.91" - 1910

7. 0.94" - 1886

8. 0.95" - 1991

9. 1.03" - 1936

10. 1.05" - 1988

No daily records were set during the month, but the high of 100 on the 28th was the first 100+ temp since 7/24/2005 (102).

[Chicago Storm]

Moving on to July...

There's still about 2 weeks left of the month so a lot can change, but there are a few records in jeopardy for the month if the things continue at the current pace.

Most 90+ Days In July:

19 - 1987

19 - 1955

...2012 - 14...

Most 80+ Days In July:

1. 31 - 1955

2. 30 - 2010

2. 30 - 1999

4. 29 - 1944

...July 2012 - 17...

July Temps:

1. 83.1 - 2012

2. 81.3 - 1955

3. 81.2 - 1921

4. 79.0 - 2011

5. 78.5 - 1977

6. 78.5 - 1916

7. 78.4 - 1999

8. 78.3 - 1966

9. 77.8 - 1949

10. 77.7 - 2010

11. 77.6 - 1995

Daily Records So Far:

Highs...

7/4 - 102*

7/5 - 103*^

7/6 - 103*^

*Tied for the most consecutive 100+ days on record (7/3-5/1911 & 8/4-6/1947)

^Tied for the 3rd warmest offical high temps on record. Also the highest temps since 7/13/1995 (104) and the first back-to-back 100+ days since 7/13-14/1995.

Max Lows...

7/6 - 82 (Tied for the 4th warmest max low temp on record)

[Chicago Storm]

Here are a few other records that could eventually be in jeopardy as we move into early August. (The last two categories are also listed in the previous post as July records.)

100+ Days In A Year:

1. 7 - 1988

2. 4 - 2012

2. 4 - 1953

2. 4 - 1947

2. 4 - 1934

6. 3 - 1918

6. 3 - 1911

90+ Days In A Year:

1. 47 - 1988

2. 46 - 1955

3. 42 - 1983

3. 42 - 1953

5. 39 - 1959

6. 38 - 1952

7. 36 - 1954

8. 35 - 1964

9. 34 - 1944

10. 33 - 1987

10. 33 - 1977

...2012 - 31...

Consecutive 80+ Days:

1. 46 - 7/2-8/16/2010

2. 42 - 6/27-8/7/1955

3. 34 - 8/4-9/6/1995

4. 32 - 7/8-8/8/1983

5. 30 - 6/20-7/19/1921

6. 29 - 7/21-8/18/1988

7. 27 - 7/11-8/6/1999

7. 27 - 6/18-7/14/1966

9. 25 - 7/22-8/15/2007

10. 24 - 7/3-26/2005

...2012 - 22 - 6/26-Present...

All Time Warmest Months:

1. 83.1 - July 2012

2. 81.3 - July 1955

3. 81.2 - July 1921

4. 80.2 - August 1947

5. 79.0 - July 2011

5. 79.0 - August 1995

7. 78.7 - August 1959

7. 78.7 - August 1955

9. 78.5 - July 1977

9. 78.5 - July 1916

11. 78.4 - July 1999

Most 90+ Days In Any Month:

19 - July 1987

19 - July 1955

...July 2012 - 14...

[Chicago Storm]

Below is a graphic LOT created a few years back comparing 90+ days in the 2000's. I decided to re-create something similar to compare 90+ days this year to the top years on record and average.

[daddylonglegs]

Never knew Chicago hit 90F so often..especially being so close to the lake...For La Crosse the avg is 14.6 and we have hit 90F or better 24 times.

[McDude]

Some great work! Incredible year, winter and summer! I don't think we will break the record for most 90s.

[Chicago Storm]

The current streak of 80+ days (24) is now tied for the 11th longest on record, for Chicago.

Consecutive 80+ Days:

1. 46 - 7/2-8/16/2010

2. 42 - 6/27-8/7/1955

3. 34 - 8/4-9/6/1995

4. 32 - 7/8-8/8/1983

5. 30 - 6/20-7/19/1921

6. 29 - 7/21-8/18/1988

7. 27 - 7/14-8/9/2011

7. 27 - 7/11-8/6/1999

7. 27 - 6/18-7/14/1966

10. 25 - 7/22-8/15/2007

11. 24 - 6/26-Present

11. 24 - 7/3-26/2005

[McDude]

Some great work! Incredible year, winter and summer! I don't think we will break the record for most 90s.

Eh, after this and next week we will probably be at (40) 90 degree days. Safe to say the record might be broken considering we have all of August yet to come...

[Chicago Storm]

2012 is now tied for 10th most 90+ in a year on record.

90+ Days In A Year:

1. 47 - 1988

2. 46 - 1955

3. 42 - 1983

3. 42 - 1953

5. 39 - 1959

6. 38 - 1952

7. 36 - 1954

8. 35 - 1964

9. 34 - 1944

10. 33 - 2012

10. 33 - 1987

10. 33 - 1977

[Chicago Storm]

The current 80+ streak is now tied for 5th longest on record at 30 days.

Consecutive 80+ Days:

1. 46 - 7/2-8/16/2010

2. 42 - 6/27-8/7/1955

3. 34 - 8/4-9/6/1995

4. 32 - 7/8-8/8/1983

5. 30 - 6/26-Present

5. 30 - 6/20-7/19/1921

7. 29 - 7/21-8/18/1988

8. 27 - 7/14-8/9/2011

8. 27 - 7/11-8/6/1999

8. 27 - 6/18-7/14/1966

[Chicago Storm]

An update on a few monthly records that are in jeopardy as we head into the final days of the month...

Most 80+ Days In July:

1. 31 - 1955

2. 30 - 2010

2. 30 - 1999

4. 29 - 1944

...July 2012 - 26...

Most 90+ Days In Any Month (Also July Records):

19 - July 1987

19 - July 1955

...July 2012 - 17...

July Temps:

1. 82.0 - 2012

2. 81.3 - 1955

3. 81.2 - 1921

4. 79.0 - 2011

5. 78.5 - 1977

5. 78.5 - 1916

7. 78.4 - 1999

8. 78.3 - 1966

9. 77.8 - 1949

10. 77.7 - 2010

All Time Warmest Months:

1. 82.0 - July 2012

2. 81.3 - July 1955

3. 81.2 - July 1921

4. 80.2 - August 1947

5. 79.0 - July 2011

5. 79.0 - August 1995

7. 78.7 - August 1959

7. 78.7 - August 1955

9. 78.5 - July 1977

9. 78.5 - July 1916

[Chicago Storm]

July 2012 will finish as the 3rd warmest July on record. It will also finish as the 3rd warmest month and only the 4th month to feature an 80+ average on record. July 2012 will also finish with 18 90+ days, which is the 2nd most on record for July and the 2nd most on record for any month. All 31 days during the month featured a high temp of 80+, which ties for the most on record.

Most 90+ Days In Any Month (Also July Records):

19 - July 1987

19 - July 1955

...July 2012 - 18...

Most 80+ Days In July:

1. 31 - 2012

1. 31 - 1955

3. 30 - 2010

3. 30 - 1999

5. 29 - 1944

July Temps:

1. 81.3 - 1955

2. 81.2 - 1921

3. 81.1 - 2012

4. 79.0 - 2011

5. 78.5 - 1977

5. 78.5 - 1916

7. 78.4 - 1999

8. 78.3 - 1966

9. 77.8 - 1949

10. 77.7 - 2010

All Time Warmest Months:

1. 81.3 - July 1955

2. 81.2 - July 1921

3. 81.1 - July 2012

4. 80.2 - August 1947

5. 79.0 - July 2011

5. 79.0 - August 1995

7. 78.7 - August 1959

7. 78.7 - August 1955

9. 78.5 - July 1977

9. 78.5 - July 1916

Daily Records:

Highs...

7/4 - 102*

7/5 - 103*^

7/6 - 103*^

*Tied for the most consecutive 100+ days on record (7/3-5/1911 & 8/4-6/1947)

^Tied for the 3rd warmest offical high temps on record. Also the highest temps since 7/13/1995 (104) and the first back-to-back 100+ days since 7/13-14/1995.

Max Lows...

7/6 - 82 (Tied for the 4th warmest max low temp on record)

7/23 - 81

[Chicago Storm]

Update for some of the records to watch for the rest of the summer/warm season...

90+ Days In A Year:

1. 47 - 1988

2. 46 - 1955

3. 42 - 1983

3. 42 - 1953

5. 39 - 1959

6. 38 - 1952

7. 36 - 2012

7. 36 - 1954

9. 35 - 1964

10. 34 - 1944

Consecutive 80+ Days:

1. 46 - 7/2-8/16/2010

2. 42 - 6/27-8/7/1955

3. 37 - 6/26-Present

4. 34 - 8/4-9/6/1995

5. 32 - 7/8-8/8/1983

6. 30 - 6/20-7/19/1921

7. 29 - 7/21-8/18/1988

8. 27 - 7/14-8/9/2011

8. 27 - 7/11-8/6/1999

8. 27 - 6/18-7/14/1966

Most 80+ Days In A Summer (Jun-Aug):

1. 78 - 1995

2. 76 - 1949

3. 75 - 2010

3. 75 - 2005

3. 75 - 1955

...2012 - 54...

Most 80+ Days In A Year:

1. 103 - 2005

2. 102 - 2007

2. 102 - 1952

4. 101 - 1963

4. 101 - 1944

6. 100 - 1991

7. 98 - 2010

7. 98 - 1987

7. 98 - 1955

...2012 - 76...

Warmest Summers On Record (Jun-Aug):

1. 77.5 - 2012

2. 76.4 - 1955

3. 76.3 - 1995

4. 75.9 - 1921

5. 75.5 - 1959

5. 75.5 - 1949

7. 75.3 - 1973

7. 75.3 - 1953

9. 75.2 - 2010

9. 75.2 - 1954

Driest Summers On Record (Jun-Aug)

1. 3.16" - 1894

2. 4.56" - 2012

3. 5.08" - 1991

4. 5.18" - 2005

5. 5.54" - 1936

6. 5.57" - 1922

7. 5.62" - 1918

8. 5.78" - 1910

9. 5.85" - 1886

10. 5.85" - 1919

[beavis1729]

Is 1988 really not in the Top 10 driest Jun-Aug periods? Hard to believe...but obviously the damage of the drought was already done anyway.

A rogue storm could have simply parked itself over ORD too...not sure.

[Chicago Storm]

Is 1988 really not in the Top 10 driest Jun-Aug periods? Hard to believe...but obviously the damage of the drought was already done anyway.

A rogue storm could have simply parked itself over ORD too...not sure.

It was the 19th driest on record (7.08").

June: 1.05" - 10th driest.

July: 2.74"

Aug: 3.29"

[Chicago Storm]

2012 now has the 5th most 90+ days on record, with 40 days.

As you can see on the graphic below the pace has slowed a bit, but it's still running a bit ahead of '88 and well ahead of the other top years. So even as the pace continues to slow, there's a good chance the record goes down...Especially since '88 hit a wall around mid-August (Unless that were to happen this time around too).

90+ Days In A Year:

1. 47 - 1988

2. 46 - 1955

3. 42 - 1983

3. 42 - 1953

5. 40 - 2012

6. 39 - 1959

7. 38 - 1952

8. 36 - 1954

9. 35 - 1964

10. 34 - 1944

[Geos]

Looks like it will be awhile before ORD tacks on another 90° high. I think it will be close to the record come September though.

[Chicago Storm]

The high temp on Thursday failed to hit 80+ at ORD, which means the 80+ streak will end at 44 days...just short of the record.

Consecutive 80+ Days:

1. 46 - 7/2-8/16/2010

2. 44 - 6/26-8/8/2012

3. 42 - 6/27-8/7/1955

4. 34 - 8/4-9/6/1995

5. 32 - 7/8-8/8/1983

6. 30 - 6/20-7/19/1921

7. 29 - 7/21-8/18/1988

8. 27 - 7/14-8/9/2011

8. 27 - 7/11-8/6/1999

8. 27 - 6/18-7/14/1966

[Chicago Storm]

It would seem that we have hit an '88-esque wall recently, but given the upcoming pattern several 90+ days are quite possible...add in that we still have about a month left for any real shot at 90+, the record is still in play.

Through Aug 21st this is the 3rd warmest summer on record. Given the upcoming pattern if looks like we'll finish in the top 5, with the record still in play.

Warmest Summers On Record (Jun-Aug):

1. 76.4 - 1955

2. 76.3 - 1995

3. 76.1 - 2012

4. 75.9 - 1921

5. 75.5 - 1959

5. 75.5 - 1949

7. 75.3 - 1973

7. 75.3 - 1953

9. 75.2 - 2010

9. 75.2 - 1954

[beavis1729]

Does anyone know the record for most 80+ degree days in a year for Chicago?

So far in 2012, there have been 87 days. I would expect 8 more in August based on the current NWS forecast...and then if we get about 10 in September, that would mean 2012 would end up with 105 days.

[Chicago Storm]

Does anyone know the record for most 80+ degree days in a year for Chicago?

So far in 2012, there have been 87 days. I would expect 8 more in August based on the current NWS forecast...and then if we get about 10 in September, that would mean 2012 would end up with 105 days.

103 days in 2005.

[beavis1729]

103 days in 2005.

Thanks...2012 should end up close to that.

[Chicago Storm]

Through Aug 28th, the summer of 2012 is the 3rd warmest on record (76.1)...and will finish as 3rd warmest if the current forecast works out.

Warmest Summers On Record (Jun-Aug):

1. 76.4 - 1955

2. 76.3 - 1995

3. 76.1 - 2012

4. 75.9 - 1921

5. 75.5 - 1959

5. 75.5 - 1949

7. 75.3 - 1973

7. 75.3 - 1953

9. 75.2 - 2010

9. 75.2 - 1954

Today was the 91st 80+ day of the year for Chicago. Closing in on both the top 10 and the record...

Most 80+ Days In A Year:

1. 103 - 2005

2. 102 - 2007

2. 102 - 1952

4. 101 - 1963

4. 101 - 1944

6. 100 - 1991

7. 98 - 2010

7. 98 - 1987

7. 98 - 1955

...2012 - 91...

[Chicago Storm]

Summer 2012 will fall short of the warmest on record, at 76.1...which is 3rd warmest on record.

Warmest Summers On Record (Jun-Aug):

1. 76.4 - 1955

2. 76.3 - 1995

3. 76.1 - 2012

4. 75.9 - 1921

5. 75.5 - 1959

5. 75.5 - 1949

7. 75.3 - 1973

7. 75.3 - 1953

9. 75.2 - 2010

9. 75.2 - 1954

Summer 2012 will also come up a few days short of having the most 80+ days on record.

Most 80+ Days In A Summer (Jun-Aug):

1. 78 - 1995

2. 76 - 1949

3. 75 - 2010

3. 75 - 2005

3. 75 - 1955

...2012 - 72...

Summer 2012 will also finish as the 13th driest on record.

Driest Summers On Record (Jun-Aug)

1. 3.16" - 1894

2. 5.08" - 1991

3. 5.18" - 2005

4. 5.54" - 1936

5. 5.57" - 1922

6. 5.62" - 1918

7. 5.78" - 1910

8. 5.85" - 1886

8. 5.85" - 1919

10. 6.03" - 1887

11. 6.07" - 1934

12. 6.29" - 1930

13. 6.63" - 2012

14. 6.69" - 1941

15. 6.77" - 1897

[Chicago Storm]

From Bill Snyder at WGN...

"Today makes 75 days of 85 degrees or warmer. Never in 142 years of weather records have there been that many 85º+ days in a year, surpassing the previous record of 74 days in 1953."

[Chicago Storm]

September ended 0.5F below normal at ORD. This ended a stretch of 11 consecutive months above normal.

This was the longest stretch of above normal temps since a 29 month period from September 1920 to January 1923. This was the longest period of one side of normal departures since an 11 month period beow normal, from February 1989 to December 1989.

[Chicago Storm]

In terms of 80+ days, Chicago will likely fall short of the record with 101 days. On the other hand, 2012 has set a new record for the most 85+ days on record.

Most 85+ Days In A Year:

1. 77 - 2012

2. 74 - 1953

Most 80+ Days In A Year:

1. 103 - 2005

2. 102 - 2007

2. 102 - 1952

4. 101 - 2012

4. 101 - 1963

4. 101 - 1944

7. 100 - 1991

8. 98 - 2010

8. 98 - 1987

8. 98 - 1955