Chicagoans reveled in warm temperatures not seen here in five months
Tuesday, and many were unaware of just how unusual the record-tying
74-degree highs at O'Hare and Midway Airports were this early in the
season. The metro area enjoyed its warmest St. Patrick's Day in 115
years. Only 9 of the past 139 years have logged a temperature of 74
degrees or higher through March 17. The infrequency of
70-degree-or-warmer days this early is further evidenced by the fact
that only 40 of the 17,950 days credited with such warmth have occurred
by March 17 since official Chicago weather records dating back to the
closing months of 1870.
The area's warmest readings Tuesday included 76 degrees at Buffalo
Grove and New Lenox. Records were broken in Rockford (75 degrees) and
Milwaukee (74). Powerful southwest winds gusted to over 40 m.p.h.
Wednesday's promises much different weather. The passage of a cold
front overnight shifts winds northeast, forcing lake-chilled air into
the city. Predicted highs will be nearly 30-degrees colder than Tuesday.
Warming is slated to begin again this weekend and 70s could return by
Monday.
Tuesday's 70s marked warmest temperatures in 5 months
Not since Oct.ober 13 when the high hit 77 degrees has the city enjoyed
warmer weather.
