Understanding the Cold April in Chicago
Why has April in Chicago been cold so far? A big factor is the disruptions in the polar vortex, even as the “polar vortex season” is winding down, according to NBC 5 Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes.
When the polar vortex begins to wobble and allows arctic air to spill south into northern Illinois in January, we usually end up with dangerously-cold air around Chicago. When it happens in April, we may just have chilly days in the 30s and 40s. That’s thanks to more daylight and the higher angle of the sun to warm things up.
The Role of the Polar Vortex
The polar vortex plays a significant role in determining the weather patterns in Chicago, especially during the winter months. However, its effects can still be felt in April, albeit in a milder form. The polar vortex is a circulation of air that forms over the polar regions during the winter months, and it can sometimes weaken or split, allowing cold air to escape and move towards the equator.
Chicago’s Weather Patterns in April
This isn’t unusual for Chicago, however. The city still averages 1.2 inches of snow in April, and we had nearly 8 inches of snow in April 2017. Record low and high temperatures range from 7 degrees to 91 degrees. Such cold spells could continue even going into May.
Current Weather Conditions
April 2025 has been roughly 3 degrees below average through the first nine days, though the area still has yet to break any daily high or low records this year.
What to Expect Next
So what’s next? We’ll still have another warmup and cooldown cycle over the next week, but there are signs of a milder and steadier temperature trend after April 20. The ECMWF model runs have highs in the upper 60s around Chicago, while the American GFS model suggests the possibility of the low 80s.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cold weather in Chicago in April is due to the disruptions in the polar vortex. While it’s not unusual for Chicago to experience cold spells in April, the city’s weather patterns can be unpredictable. As we move into the later part of the month, we can expect a milder and steadier temperature trend, with the possibility of highs in the upper 60s and low 80s.
FAQs
Q: What is the polar vortex and how does it affect Chicago’s weather?
A: The polar vortex is a circulation of air that forms over the polar regions during the winter months. When it weakens or splits, it can allow cold air to escape and move towards the equator, affecting Chicago’s weather.
Q: Is it unusual for Chicago to experience cold weather in April?
A: No, it’s not unusual for Chicago to experience cold weather in April. The city averages 1.2 inches of snow in April and has had significant snowfall in the past, including nearly 8 inches in April 2017.
Q: What can we expect the weather to be like in the coming weeks?
A: We can expect another warmup and cooldown cycle over the next week, followed by a milder and steadier temperature trend after April 20, with the possibility of highs in the upper 60s and low 80s.
