Chicagoland Weather Update

CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicagoland on Monday enjoyed some summer-like warmth to start the workweek, making it up to 80 degrees or warmer for the second time this year at O’Hare International Airport and the fourth at Midway International Airport.

Typical high temperatures for this time of year are getting close to 70 and average low is almost to 50 degrees.

Rainfall and Drought Conditions

So far this month, we’ve only seen two days with measurable rainfall. May is typically our soggiest month of the year. We’re about an inch and a half behind where we should be almost halfway into the month.

The lack of rainfall has pushed many of us around Chicagoland back into some form of drought condition. The latest USDA Drought Outlook that’s released weekly on Thursdays has most of us in “abnormally dry” which is the lowest drought level and some spots with “moderate drought” towards the NW corner of Illinois. Much more significant drought conditions persist this planting season on the Great Plains just to our west.

Lake Michigan Water Temperatures

Water temperatures continue to gradually climb and more Great Lakes buoys are coming back online for the warm season. The coldest areas still have water temps in the 30s, which is why some areas see such dramatic cooling when the winds blow off the chilly lake water. At least along the Chicago shore, we’re seeing temps consistently in the 50s. Water takes longer to both heat up and cool down, so we have many more weeks of the “cooler by the lake” season.

Swimming and Water Safety

With temps getting close to 90 degrees on Thursday, the water remains cold. So, use extra caution if you’re trying to beat the heat by dipping into the lake. Cold Water Shock can kill even the strongest of swimmers and Cold Water Fatigue can sap your energy very quickly in water this cold.

Warm Air Temperatures and Allergy Report

This is now the prime season to see such warm air temperatures. We usually see our first day of 85 or warmer by the 8th of May.

In the most recent allergy report, we’re seeing High levels of grass and tree pollen. May is typically when tree pollen eases and grass pollen really starts to take off.

Outlook and Temperature Trends

And while we’re warm this week, the trend is actually cooler for the following few weeks. Below average temps are looking more likely in the outlook going out to the 22nd.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicagoland has experienced a warm start to the week, with temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees or warmer. However, the lack of rainfall has led to drought conditions in some areas, and water temperatures in Lake Michigan remain cold. It’s essential to exercise caution when swimming and to be aware of the potential for Cold Water Shock and Cold Water Fatigue. The warm air temperatures and high levels of grass and tree pollen also pose a challenge for those with allergies. As we look ahead to the next few weeks, cooler temperatures are expected, with below average temps looking more likely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current temperature trend in Chicagoland?

A: The current temperature trend in Chicagoland is warm, with temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees or warmer. However, the trend is expected to cool down in the following few weeks, with below average temps looking more likely.

Q: What are the current drought conditions in Chicagoland?

A: The current drought conditions in Chicagoland are “abnormally dry” to “moderate drought” in some areas, with more significant drought conditions persisting on the Great Plains just to the west.

Q: How cold are the water temperatures in Lake Michigan?

A: The water temperatures in Lake Michigan are still quite cold, with temps in the 30s in some areas and consistently in the 50s along the Chicago shore.

Q: What are the risks of swimming in cold water?

A: The risks of swimming in cold water include Cold Water Shock, which can kill even the strongest of swimmers, and Cold Water Fatigue, which can sap your energy very quickly in water this cold.

Q: What are the current allergy conditions in Chicagoland?

A: The current allergy conditions in Chicagoland are High levels of grass and tree pollen, with May being typically the time when tree pollen eases and grass pollen really starts to take off.