October, until recently among the 7 warmest here since records began in 1871, has shifted meteorological gears in dramatic fashion. That was evident to anyone who braved Wednesday’s chilly temperatures amid wind gusts which topped 35 m.p.h. at times. The day’s 55° high was the coolest in two weeks and the second coolest daytime temperature of Fall, 2007 to date. By this time a year ago, fall had already produced 11 days as cool or cooler than Wednesday. October alone had averaged 11° cooler than the 61.4° on the books for the month’s opening 24 days this year.
What’s happened to Chicago’s temps in recent days—and what is predicted to occur in terms of temperatures over the coming two weeks—is stunning when compared to October’s opening week which averaged more than 13° above normal. By comparison, the coming week is predicted to run 3° below normal with a 1° deficit in week #2 as November gets underway.
--By Tom Skilling, WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
