It’s been nearly 5 weeks since Chicagoans have enjoyed 80°. Since 1928, only 13 Mays have failed to produce at least one 80° in the month’s opening 19 days. Even more remarkable, May 2006—averaging 1.2° below normal—hasn’t even managed a 75° high. That hasn’t happened since 1948.
Small hail within several scattered thunderstorms pelted parts of the Chicago area for a second day Thursday. With cloud tops Thursday morning at 29,000 ft. and freezing temperatures just 5,000 ft. above the ground, the majority of Thursday’s shower clouds were below freezing—a situation which fostered hailstone development and growth.
Thursday’s 0.03” of rain marked the 9th consecutive day this month with measurable precipitation. Only three other Mays—including 1949 (with 11 straight days of measurable rain), 1945 and 2001—have hosted as many consecutive days with measurable rain.
-Tom Skilling
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
