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

Early Season Heat Numbers
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.