Canadian air arrives today, abruptly ending Chicago’s brief flirtation with spring warmth. Tuesday’s temperatures surged into the 70s across the area, and records tumbled. The mercury peaked at a record-shattering 73º officially at O’Hare, thereby establishing a new record high for the day -- and it was Chicago’s highest reading in 160 days (since 76º last Oct. 4).
Unseasonable early-spring warmth, pleasant though it is, always carries the possibility of severe thunderstorms, and that risk looms for areas immediately to the south and east of the city area today as a strong cold front sweeps in.
Yesterday’s temperatures reminded us that spring is just around the corner, but yet another reminder comes from dermatologist Dr. Bryan Schultz, who informs us that yesterday’s sunshine was powerful enough to cause sunburn after 41 minutes of exposure during the early afternoon sun peak.
--By Richard Koeneman, WGN Weather Center Meteorologist
