The Chicago area’s recent warmth has been unprecedented. When averaged, the 83° and 81° highs Monday and Tuesday, rank second warmest of any April 18-19 since 1871. The same period in 1985 is the only one warmer. The recent warmth has capped a string of 23 days with temps at or above normal and makes April, 2005 the 4th warmest in 135 years.
Chicago has not been alone in enjoying warm weather. Twin Cities’ residents are in the midst of their warmest April ever. And, a series of new temp records were set in Michigan Tuesday, including the 84° at Traverse City, as well as the 81° high at Sault Ste. Marie and Lansing. Detroit topped out at 83°—also a new record.
The warm spell’s demise was accompanied by violent weather to Chicago’s west Tuesday. Tennis ball size hail fell near Hyannis, Neb. while 3.50” of rain doused Stacyville, Iowa causing basement flooding.
-Tom Skilling
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
