For only the fifth time this year, Chicago’s temperature appears headed to 50° or higher Tuesday. Nearly eight out of 10 Februarys have included at least one 50° day, so there’s nothing especially surprising about a reading at that level this time of year. But, such temperatures aren’t everyday occurrences in February. The predicted high of 52° Tuesday is 18° above normal and easily qualifies as our mildest temperature here since 55° on Jan. 19—more than three weeks ago! Chicago’s last 40°+ high (44°) occurred on Feb. 3
The mild air mass sent readings in the Plains soaring to the 50s and 60s Monday. While Miami, Florida only made it to 58°, Rapid City, S.D. surged to 59° while a series of Nebraska communities made it into the 60s, including Hastings with 64°, Hebron at 65° and McCook topped out at 63°.
The entire Florida peninsula was placed under a freeze warning Monday night.
-Tom Skilling
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
