Dear Tom,
On April 25, Chicago's temperature dropped 28 degrees in 14 minutes. What is the greatest change on record?
Ryan Thomas, Chicago
Dear Ryan,
Lake breezes aside, sudden temperature declines around here are not confined to any particular time of the year, but they do show a marked preference for the spring, and Lake Michigan is the culprit.
Very cool air approaching Chicago from the north travels the full 310-mile length of Lake Michigan, whose water in the spring is still cold. Such air arrives at Chicago with unabated chill. If the city happens to be enjoying a warm spring day, the arrival of cold air from the north sends temperatures plunging.
This happened on May 9, 1963 -- the date of Chicago's most stunning short-term temperature drop. Beginning at 1:47 p.m., the temperature at Grant Park plunged 22 degrees (from 84 to 62) in 150 seconds.
On April 25, Chicago's temperature dropped 28 degrees in 14 minutes. What is the greatest change on record?
Ryan Thomas, Chicago
Dear Ryan,
Lake breezes aside, sudden temperature declines around here are not confined to any particular time of the year, but they do show a marked preference for the spring, and Lake Michigan is the culprit.
Very cool air approaching Chicago from the north travels the full 310-mile length of Lake Michigan, whose water in the spring is still cold. Such air arrives at Chicago with unabated chill. If the city happens to be enjoying a warm spring day, the arrival of cold air from the north sends temperatures plunging.
This happened on May 9, 1963 -- the date of Chicago's most stunning short-term temperature drop. Beginning at 1:47 p.m., the temperature at Grant Park plunged 22 degrees (from 84 to 62) in 150 seconds.
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