Chicago may post its coolest daytime temperature of the autumn Thursday afternoon. Much will depend on the extent of sunshine. Limited sun would result in a mid 50° peak reading, the city’s lowest of the season. Until now, the 58° highs October 2 and 4 have been the chilliest afternoon readings.
Temps since the start of meteorological autumn on Sept. 1 have averaged 68.9°—ranking in the middle of the 133 other Sept. 1 through October 13 readings on record for the 43 day period since 1871. City temp records reveals 20 other early autumn periods with similarly mild readings and limited precipitation. Novembers which followed produced above normal readings 15 of the 20 years. The ensuing three month “meteorological” winter periods (Dec.-Feb.) also posted surpluses. Many factors affect seasonal weather, so there’s no guarantee that will be the outcome this year—but the implication is interesting.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
