Climate trends at Chicago (1942–2025)
Chicago, with a population of approximately 8.5 million, is experiencing significant climate changes. The data from the Chicago Midway Airport station indicates a warming trend over the past decades. In the first ten years of observation from 1942 to 1951, the mean temperature was 9.87°C, while the last ten years from 2016 to 2025 show a mean temperature of 11.99°C. This represents an increase of 2.12°C, highlighting the ongoing impacts of climate change in the region.
Trend Summary
From 1942 to 2025, Chicago has shown a consistent warming trend. The mean temperature for the period 1961–1990 was 10.31°C, which increased to 11.12°C for 1991–2020. The recent decade from 2016 to 2025 has a mean temperature of 11.99°C, indicating a rise of 1.02°C compared to the prior decade of 2006–2015. This upward trend is evident, with a warming of approximately 1.5°C since 1980.
Climate change impacts
The warming trends observed in Chicago may lead to increased risks of heat waves, altered precipitation patterns, and prolonged drought conditions. These changes can significantly affect local ecosystems, water supply, and public health. As temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are likely to increase, posing challenges for the city.
Comparison vs national benchmark and vs Paris
When comparing Chicago's climate data to national benchmarks, the mean annual temperature for the top 500 cities in the U.S. from 1991 to 2020 is approximately 15.02°C, which is significantly higher than Chicago's recent mean of 11.96°C. Furthermore, Chicago's temperature is 1.48°C lower than the Paris climate target, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.
Top-5 warm years
- 2024: 13.43°C
- 2012: 12.98°C
- 1998: 12.73°C
- 2023: 12.47°C
- 2016: 12.46°C
The record coldest temperature recorded in Chicago was 8.91°C in 1979, showcasing the variability in climate conditions over the years.
For more detailed data, you can download the raw data in CSV format here or view the data in JSON format here. Additionally, explore our interactive map here to see climate data from various locations.