The last time as many days of above normal temperatures occurred consecutively—the winter of 1997-98—a strong El Nino was influencing the world’s weather. A string of 49 daily temperature surpluses was logged.
This winter’s record, while not quite as dramatic, is still impressive. Tuesday’s 40° high marked the 33rd straight day with a daily temperature surplus. The longest string of above normal days ever to occur here ran from June 7 through July 30, 1921—a string of 54 days!
Tuesday’s 40° also marked the 14th time this month readings have reached or exceeded 40°. Only three other Januarys have produced more 40s by this date—the last occurring 73 years ago in 1933.
Gusts hit 43 m.p.h. Tuesday in west suburban Aurora and at Valparaiso, Ind. Lightning accompanied snow in LaPorte, Indiana late Tuesday evening.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
