The Windy City – Chicago, IL – Unpredictable Weather
Chicago is called the Windy city for a reason and locals living in Chicago would usually say that if you don’t like the weather, all you have to do is wait. Certainly, days that start out bright and sunny can end up stormy and rainy—and that is Chicago’s unpredictable weather.
Chicago, the largest city in Illinois is located in the northeastern Illinois and southwestern tip of Lake Michigan. The Lake Michigan moderates Chicago’s climate by making the waterfront neighborhoods slightly warm during the winter, and cool during the summer. The city sits within the humid continental zone. Additionally, Chicago experiences four various seasons, the hot and humid summer, snowy and windy winters, and slightly humid spring, as well as fall.
During the summer, the temperature rise to about 32⁰, but Chicago usually faces thunderstorms, which are sometimes accompanied by rainfall. The most unexpected phenomenon during the summer is that it is the wettest season in Chicago. In average, Chicago experiences about 36 inches or 920 mm of rainfall.
On the other hand, during the winter season, the weather in Chicago is inconsistent. The city has an average snowfall of about 37.0 inches or 94 cm, but the snowfall can vary from month to month, as well as year to year. There are times where the snowfall ranges between 9.8 and 87 inches. The snow in Chicago is brought by the northeastern winds.
What is more, even the weekly variation in the temperature in Chicago is a very usual phenomenon. The temperature in the city can even drastically drop down to below 0⁰.
The recorded highest temperature ever in Chicago is 109⁰F or 44⁰C, which is considered as unusual, because the official record of the highest temperature of Chicago during the Chicago heat wave was only about 105⁰F or 41⁰C. On the contrary, the coldest temperature recorded in Chicago during the month of January is -27⁰F or -33⁰C, along with the wind chill recorded as -83⁰F or-64⁰C. The recorded Chicago winds are about 8 mph or 13 km/hr during the late summer and 12 mph or 19 km/h during the months of spring, living up to its name of the Windy city. For this reason, the summer season is said to be the best time to go to Chicago. During this month it is also studied that Chicago experiences microclimatic effect, due to its close proximity to the Lake Michigan.
Clearly, if someone has plans on going to Chicago, it is best to look at the weather forecast first. Nonetheless, bringing light comfortable clothes, as well as thick heavy warm jackets will be best. In addition, one should bring clothes that will keep them dry during a rainstorm.
Keep in mind that there are a lot of things to see in Chicago, from their rich history and culture to their delectable culinary delight, and skyscrapers, one will really want to go and visit Chicago. Perhaps, their unpredictable weather is part of the whole experience one will get in visiting the Chicago.