Just a year ago, Chicago’s high temperature surged to 94°, making it the fourth consecutive day with readings in the 90s. By comparison, Wednesday marks the fifth day the city’s been shrouded by clouds. September’s paltry 49% of its possible sunshine is well below the 62% considered normal. The month is on its way to becoming the fifth in a row with sub-normal sunshine.
With all the clouds, it’s little wonder September has averaged a stunning 7.5° cooler than the same period a year ago. Daytime highs the past four days alone have averaged just 68.1°—not only 6° below normal but cool enough to qualify as the chilliest Sept. 9-12 period in 13 years.
Thundery downpours hammered areas north of Chicago. Waukegan was hit by 1.42” while Kenosha was swamped by 2.09” and downtown Milwaukee recorded 2.30”. Over 300 lightning strokes were detected every 15 minutes Tuesday afternoon.
-Tom Skilling
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
