Chicago experienced its warmest February 16th on record Monday, with temperatures reaching 65 degrees Fahrenheit at O’Hare International Airport, breaking a 125-year-old high temperature record for the date.
The milestone surpassed the previous record set in 1899, according to reports. The daily high of 65 degrees was recorded just before a significant shift in weather patterns is expected to bring cooler temperatures to the region.
The unseasonably warm weather follows a pattern of fluctuating temperatures in the region. Records indicate that similar conditions – warm temperatures and fog – preceded the severe blizzard of January 26-27, 1967.
While the warmth was a notable event, forecasts indicate a cooling trend is imminent. The Daily Herald reported that the area is expected to see a drop in temperatures in the coming days, though specific details regarding the extent of the cool-down were not immediately available.