My timing stinks. Look out the window. This is not the day a sane and rational person posts a thought about Chicago's climate have a relative degree of moderation.

Apparently I'm not that sane and rational person.

So ignore all the white out there (and the lake effect that's supposed to follow). Think about Chicago's climate wholistically.

I'll go out on the limb to say this (and perectly acceptably, too; perception of climate is highly subjective):

CHICAGO'S CLIMATE IS NOT NEARLY AS EXTREME AS PEOPLE THINK.

People in other parts of the country think we enter a deep freeze in the winter, buried in snow and parkas until March. That's never been my perception. I see the last 10-15 years of winter weather to be much more benign. I expect some freezing temperatures and get them, but I'm well aware of all those days in the 30's and even the 40's (and those occasional 50's), days that are not unexpected. The vast majority of the winter, weather has absolutely no effect on me or my enjoyment of being outdoors.

Meanwhile, in summer, sure we get days in the 90's, but that is anything but the norm. There is lots of great weather, not only in the 80's, but 70's as well. And despite being a lover of cool rather than warm weather, there are days in the summer when even I put on a sweater or a jacket. Pacific air masses are not unusual, the oppressive and prolonged heat of St Louis, DC, FLA, etc, is not an issue.

Look, I can be as much of a wimp as the next guy. But even I don't have a hard time getting through a year of Chicago weather.

I think that much of the rest of the country gets it wrong on our extremities. Do you agree or disagree?

I grew up in the Central Valley of California (Sacramento), known as land of heat or fog. I then spent 13 years in Seattle, land of mist and fog. Based upon my entire life experience (up to that point), and what other West Coasties told me, when I made the decision to move to Chicago, my biggest concern was the weather.

I moved here in July of 1999, and while there have been moments of extremes, the weather here is nowhere near as frightful as so many outsiders would like to make it out to be. I agree, that while there are times when it is bitter cold or blisteringly hot and humid, the one thing you can rely upon here is that no weather pattern lasts for more than a few days, a week at the most.

Yes, in the dead of winter the average daily temp is around 28, but that is not that cold, really... I think those who visit from warmer climes need to realize that the first day the temp drops below freezing every fall, all Chicagoans are cold. But once you have gone through several weeks of cold temps, you get used to it. Hell, if it is 35 in January, it feels downright balmy... Time to pull off the hat, scarf, and gloves for a moment and rejoice in all that winter can be. Yeah, the snow my be somewhat of an inconvenience, but, it is all the while, absolutely beautiful (for about ten seconds after if falls, and before it get's dirty.) When it is bitter cold, it only last for a few day's and then it is back up into the 30's.

As for summer, I was more concerned about the heat and humidity than anything else, and it has turned out that it isn't that bad at all. Most of summer is in the 80's and beautiful. On those occasions when it it gets up into the 90's and humid, just like winter, it doesn't last long. I will admit, having air conditioning is a huge help, and makes the worst days of heat tolerable.

The one thing I love about being here is that we actually have seasons (although spring and fall tend to be short ones), whereas on the West Coast you will see flowers bloom in January, here, here in the winter everything is dead, dead, dead. But, then there is that magical few weeks in April and May, when everything comes to life at once, and that has been one of the most wonderful experiences of the natural world I have had. The weather and climate here have given me a whole new appreciation for nature and it's process.

So, that's my 2 cents worth...

I agree, I think that our winters are extremely over exaggerated, I don't think they are that bad. That being said, I've never really lived anywhere else, so who knows ;)

Amen, brother. I think I would get bored with 80F every day in LA--in the Midwest, the weather is powerful and dramatic--tornadoes, floods, huge storms, and then beautiful spring and fall weather, compounded by days like today where you are kept inside by the cold and snow. Viva Midwest!

^ Our winters are exaggerated. I think the thing that usually gets me is a howling, biting wind when it is cold out. That's what hurts. Plus, as Chicagoans, we are usually exposed to the cold more often because we are more likely to walk places than dive in a car.

I love winter, and the fact that we get all of the seasons. Yes, we have cold winters, but we're not exactly Buffalo either. I spent 4 years going to school in St. Louis, and the winters are about 10 degrees warmer there with less snow, but the summers are MISERABLY hot and humid. Miserable. Our summers are just fine.

Like everyone else said, our winters & summers are definently overexaggerated. I was dumbfounded when I first came onto these forums and saw people posting about how 'extreme' Chicago weather is.

Summer isn't nearly as bad as people make it out to be. I always thought our summers were comfortable. If you want real hot and humid weather, go down to central florida.

Winter definently isn't as bad as people make it out to be either. The only times that I hate the winter coldness is when I'm getting out of the shower in the morning. Other than that, put on a jacket and enjoy the snow (when it comes).

The only times that I hate the winter coldness is when I'm getting out of the shower in the morning. Other than that, put on a jacket and enjoy the snow (when it comes).

digital, a little trick some of us have learned to stay warm and cozy is to restrict our showering and bathing to the times between April and October.

I hope my sharing this information will not keep me from being invited to any future Chicago forum reunions, or trips on a crowded elevator I might be making with you.

Just a little something to consider for those of you young enough to care.




Climate Change in Illinois




Climate Change Projections:
Illinois' climate is known for it's hot and humid summers—summers projected to last longer, and grow warmer due to climate change. Over the past 15 years, Illinois has experienced an increase in extreme weather events, such as a severe drought in 1988, heat waves in 1995 and 1996, Mississippi River floods in 1993 and 2002, and numerous tornadoes and severe storms. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of these types of events.

The latest, most reliable projections of future climate change combine 100 years of historical data for Illinois with the most up-to-date general circulation models of the Earth's climate system. In general Illinois' climate will grow considerably warmer and probably drier during this century, especially in the summer. As a result of these changes, by 2030 summer in Illinois may feel more like current-day summer in Oklahoma or Arkansas, while winter may feel like present day Missouri. By 2095 summer climate will resemble that of eastern Texas today with winters that feel like Oklahoma.

Below is more detail on these projections. For a graphical depiction, see the Migrating Climates feature.

Projected Climate Changes in Illinois

Warmer Temperatures:

A 7-13oF rise in winter temperatures and a 9-17oF rise in summer temperatures are expected by the end of the century.


Precipitation Changes:

Although average annual precipitation may not change much, an overall drier climate is expected because rainfall cannot compensate for the increase in evaporation resulting from greater temperatures. Seasonally, winter precipitation is expected to increase by as much as 20% and decrease by as much as 15% in summer. Thus Illinois may see drier soils and more droughts in the summer.

Extreme Events:

Extreme heat will be more common, and the frequency of heavy rainstorms will increase and could be 50-150% higher than today.

Growing Season:

The growing season could be 3-6 weeks longer.
:)

^^^ I forgot to mention, that info is courtesy of the Union of Concerned Scientists that work in conjunction in the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

I got up this morning planing to go to the museum of contemparary photography. And I found a good way to get there by only going on the subway/L. But then I looked out the window. I thought the weather was colder in minnesota.......its probably the wind. before I went on vacation here someone told me since I was from minneapolis the winter wouldent shock me..........he was rong. My point being chicago is colder then I thought.

^^^ I forgot to mention, that info is courtesy of the Union of Concerned Scientists that work in conjunction in the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Is that for all of Illinois, or is it specific to certain regions?

I would imagine that the difference in climate between northern and southern Illinois would still be somewhat significant.

This was Minneapolis about a week or so ago:
http://www.philipmalenfant.com/minneapolis

Is that for all of Illinois, or is it specific to certain regions?

I would imagine that the difference in climate between northern and southern Illinois would still be somewhat significant.

That should be for all of Illinois. The only major difference between northern and southern Illinois in terms of climate is the difference in temperature averages and the forms of precipitation resulting from that (rain vs. snow). I suspect that the large average temperature spread across the state will remain proportional to what it is today, just warmer across the board.

Hey guys just go back from Cabo San Lucas!
What the f... happened! WoW! This must have been a pretty bad storm. Our connecting flight was delayed in Houston for about 2 hours.
Interesting thread, I read this same report on climate change in the U.S. and it's various regions due to global warming and greenhouse gases.. Here is a simulation of what we in Chicago and the sorrounding region can expect in a hundred years (not that we'll be around for this but...)
http://www.ucsusa.org/greatlakes/winmigrating/map_il.gif

Here is a climate change model for New York;
http://www.ucsusa.org/greatlakes/winmigrating/map_ny.gif

^ Is that a certainty? I mean, those are VERY drastic changes. I'm not sure I would like to have East Texas' summer, or Oklahomas winter. One the other hand, I would have to make it to 116 years old to find out, so I probably don't have to worry about it.

Who knows,
These are computer model forecasts which are based on current trends.

It may even take substantially less than a century. That projection is based on the Global warming rates if the current yearly growth of atmospheric carbon dioxide is maintained. However, for every year over the last 50 years, carbon dioxide growth rates have gone up exponentially. The Earth will likely warm at a much faster rate in the near future if carbon dioxide emissions are not curtailed. In short, that projection may prove to be highly conservative. :runaway:

^
So I guess many coastal cities in the U.S. and around the globe will have serious problems to deal with. A typical summer in Chicago will be the summer of 95' in the next century. Winters will be more mild, yet also, more unpredictable.
http://www.usgcrp.gov/usgcrp/Library/nationalassessment/LargerImages/RegionGraphics/Midwest/MWClimate.jpg

I read an article one time saying that by the year 2075, Chicago will have a habitable climate to grow palm trees for most of the year. Which kinda freaked me out because this pizza place down the street from me planted palm trees for the summer, and covered them with all these tarps after the first frost.

Palm trees, here? well, that would be rather disconcerting.