Record-breaking warmth? Not quite
February 17, 2011 12:58PM
People walking east on Randolph with their coats open and taking in the unusually warm weather. Thursday, February 17, 2011. | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times
Article Extras
Updated: February 18, 2011 6:58AM
It was warm in Chicago Thursday — but not record warm.
The mercury topped out at 56 degrees at O’Hare Airport Thursday afternoon, but starting tailing off at 5:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
The warmest February 17 on record in Chicago was 60 degrees in 1880.
But there’s another record in sight — although a less joyous one.
If we get another 1.7 inches of snow this month, Chicago can reach the record 27.8 inches of snowfall recorded in 1896, according to National Weather Service Meterologist Richard Castro.
As of now, Chicago has seen 26.1 inches, making it the third snowiest February on record. A total of 26.2 inches fell in February, 1994.
“We stand a shot,” Castro said.
That snow could come as soon as Sunday, although it’s no sure thing.
Friday is expected to have highs in the lower 50s or upper 40s — still a boost from the average temperature of 36 degrees this time of year.
Saturday is expected to be in the lower 40s, with a chance of rain late in the night. A storm system is expected to move in late Saturday, with a chance of freezing rain or snow Sunday.
Comments Click here to view or make a comment