Dear Tom,
What is the latest 80(degrees) day that we have ever had here?
Nick Recchia, River Grove
Dear Nick,
Any number of hardy Midwesterners anxiously anticipate the bluster, snow and cold of winter, but far greater are the throngs of folks who, if given a choice, would opt for the sunny warmth of summer days.
And perhaps no day is as reminiscent of summer as an 80(degrees) day in late autumn. On average, Chicagoans experience that last touch of 80(degrees) warmth on Oct. 9, but it has occurred as late as today’s date, Nov. 1. On this date in 1950, Chicago’s temperature jumped to 81(degrees), the third consecutive day of 80(degrees)- plus temperatures–all record highs that still stand today. Then the bottom fell out. The high the very next day (Nov. 2, 1950) was only 47(degrees), and traces of snow were observed on the 3rd and 4th. Subzero readings occurred three weeks later, and the winter brought 54″ of snow.
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Tom Skilling is chief meteorologist at WGN-TV. His forecasts can be seen Monday through Friday on WGN-TV News at noon and 9 p.m.
Write to: ASK TOM WHY, 2501 Bradley Pl., Chicago, IL 60618 or asktomwhy@wgntv.com (Mail volume precludes personal response.)
WGN-TV meteorologists Steve Kahn, Richard Koeneman and Paul Dailey plus weather producer Bill Snyder contribute to this page.
