The chill has returned. Gone are Monday's well-timed 80s which, in combination with
generous sunshine and southwest winds, pushed the warmth out past the Lake Michigan
shore, where temperatures hit 83 degrees in Lincoln Park. The sunshine and warmth
provided ideal conditions for Memorial Day barbecuing.
Midway Airport's 84-degree high was the city's warmest thus far in 2008 and only the
third 80-degree-plus high of the year. Over the past half century, just four years have had
fewer 80s by this date. The warmest area highs included 85 degrees at southwest
suburban New Lenox and 84 at both Wheaton and Orland Park.
Sinking air in the center of the continent beneath two merging jet streams is behind the
development of a sprawling high pressure responsible for Tuesday's strong northeast
winds, and is likely to keep cool temperatures in place through midweek.
--Tom Skilling, Chief Meteorologist, WGN-TV/Chicago Tribune
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
