May 26-29, 2018: Impressive Early Season Heat Observed

Storm Impacting the Northwest U.S.; Fire Weather Conditions in Southern California; Severe Weather in the South

A Pacific storm is bringing areas of low elevation rain, moderate to heavy mountain snow, and high winds to the Northwest. Strong Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are producing elevated to critical fire weather conditions in southern California. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible through early Wednesday morning across parts of northeast Texas into western Tennessee. Read More >

Public Information Statement National Weather Service Chicago IL 409 AM CDT Wed May 30 2018 /509 AM EDT Wed May 30 2018/ ...May 26-29 Heat Numbers... An impressive heat episode for this early in the season enveloped the Midwest over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This stretch was comparative to May heat seen in 2012, and then prior to that back to 1977. Here are some early season heat facts for the episode. CHICAGO - The 97 on May 27 tied for the daily record high temperature previous set in 2012. - The 97 on May 27 also tied for second hottest temperature in May on record with May 27, 2012, and only behind 98 on May 31, 1934. - 97 was the warmest temperature reached anytime of the year since July 25, 2012 (99). - The 95 on May 28 tied the daily record high temperature previously set in 2012. This also tied the record high temperature for the Memorial Day holiday (a floating date). - The earliest three day stretch of 90s since a nine day stretch in 1977 (May 16-24). A three day stretch like this has now happened only seven times this early. - Second time on record with two days of 95+ in May (2012). ROCKFORD - The 97 on May 27 tied for the third hottest temperature in May on record with May 29, 1934, and only behind May 31, 1934 (106) and May 27, 2012 (99). - 97 was the warmest temperature reached anytime of the year since July 25, 2012 (99). - The earliest three day stretch of 90s since May 17-19, 1962. A three day stretch like this has now happened only five times this early. Normal First 90 Degree Day: Chicago June 8 Rockford June 11 Note: Chicago records date back to 1871 while Rockford to 1905.