Warming enters its third day Wednesday, but the process is occurring far too slowly for many area residents, weary of the relentless nature of this month’s chill. Arctic air has dominated, allowing only fleeting respites from the bitter chill. That’s evident from the fact 90% of the month’s daily temperatures have averaged below normal.
December has managed only three days above 32°—one-fifth of last year’s 15 to date and well below the 136 year average of 14 days by the 21st. The month’s mildest single temperature has been 35°, a far cry from the three 50° highs which had occurred by this point in December one year ago.
The month’s 18.2° average maintains December’s rank as Chicago’s 4th coldest, far from the 30.2° average since 1870.
Things are improving. Highs here reached 11° Monday, 21° Tuesday and should hit 31° Wednesday and 37° Thursday.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
