Weather Records in Chicago
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, here are the notable weather records:
- High temperature: 103 degrees in 2012
- Low temperature: 46 degrees in 1972
- Precipitation: 1.48 inches in 1930
- Snowfall: None
1980: Derecho Storm
On July 5, 1980, temperatures hit 94 degrees by 4 p.m., surpassing previous records for this date. By 11 p.m., a cold front dropped temperatures to 64 degrees. Winds reached a fierce 82 mph, leading to 100,000 homes losing power. The most significant damage was reported in Northbrook, where violent winds tore off half of a roof from a 20-car garage, damaging seven cars. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
2012: Heat Wave
During the heat wave of 2012, temperatures reached 103 degrees over two consecutive days, marking one of the hottest periods in Chicago’s history.
2019: Chicago Defender Transitions
On July 5, 2019, the Chicago Defender announced its transition to a digital format, ceasing its print publication. Founded in 1905 by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the newspaper played a crucial role in encouraging the Great Migration of Black Americans moving north. By World War I, the majority of the readership was located outside Chicago.
The Chicago Defender still operates as a digital publication at chicagodefender.com.