Fall, 2004’s chilliest weather couldn’t have arrived at a more appropriate time. Friday marks the 93rd anniversary of Chicago’s largest day to next temperature plunge on record. Around 4 p.m. Nov. 11, 1911, the city’s temperature peaked at 74°—a record for the date. Just 20 hours later on Nov. 12, the mercury had skidded to a bonechilling 13°—a plunge of 61°. It’s the greatest 24 hour temp change on record here.
Friday’s predicted 45° high isn’t nearly as extreme. But, it’s lower than the 46° high recorded Monday, Nov. 8, the season’s chilliest daytime temp to date.
Despite the chill, Chicagoans are enjoying a third consecutive month of above normal temperatures. November, 2004 is running a 4.3° above normal. Even more impressive, however, is the fact this month is averaging nearly 6° warmer than the same period a year ago.
-Tom Skilling
