December 2023 Climate Summary

Overview & Graphics
Monthly Summary
Events

Overview & Graphics

Average temperatures were roughly 8-9 degrees above normal this past December, making it one of the top five warmest Decembers on record for Chicago and Rockford. A number of weather systems brought above average rainfall to the area, but with the mild temperatures, monthly snowfall for the region was below normal.

CoCoRaHS Observer Monthly Precipitation Summary

CoCoRaHS Observer Monthly Snowfall Summary

Chicago and Rockford Monthly Summary

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Chicago IL
430 PM CST Mon Jan 1 2024 /530 PM EST Mon Jan 1 2024/

...A Look Back at the Climate for the Month of December 2023 for
Chicago and Rockford...

At Chicago, the average high temperature was 44.2 degrees, which
is 7.6 degrees above normal. The average low temperature was
33.8 degrees, which is 9.4 degrees above normal. The average
temperature for the month was 39.0 degrees, which is 8.5 degrees
above normal. 2.97 inches of liquid precipitation were recorded,
which is 0.86 inches above normal. 1.2 inches of snow were
recorded, which is 6.4 inches below normal.

The following daily records were set for Chicago during the month
of December 2023:
* Record highest minimum temperature of 50 degrees on the 25th.

The following top ten monthly records were set for Chicago during
the month of December 2023:
** Tied 2015 for 4th warmest December on record since 1872 with a
   mean average temperature of 39.0 degrees. The warmest December
   happened in 1877 at 43.4 degrees.


At Rockford, the average high temperature was 42.3 degrees, which
is 8.0 degrees above normal. The average low temperature was
30.4 degrees, which is 10.2 degrees above normal. The average
temperature for the month was 36.3 degrees, which is 9.0 degrees
above normal. 3.13 inches of liquid precipitation were recorded,
which is 1.20 inches above normal. 2.8 inches of snow were
recorded, which is 6.6 inches below normal.

The following daily records were set for Rockford during the
month of December 2023:
* Record highest minimum temperature of 42 degrees on the 8th.
* Tied record highest minimum temperature of 40 degrees on the
  16th.
* Record highest minimum temperature of 47 degrees on the 24th.
* Record highest minimum temperature of 45 degrees on the 25th.

The following top ten monthly records were set for Rockford
during the month of December 2023:
** 2nd warmest December on record since 1905 with a mean average
   temperature of 36.3 degrees. The warmest December happened in
   2015 at 37.7 degrees.


$$

Latest Monthly Climate Report: Chicago | Rockford

Events

There were no notable weather events in the area this past December.

NWS Chicago Science and Past Events Page