Chicago, Illinois Weather and Climate Guide
In 1995, a heat wave lasting five days led to hundreds of deaths in the city. July 12th to 16th of that year saw record temperatures, reaching as high as 106°F, or 41°C, as well as unusually hot nights.
Chicago winters usually see roughly 38 inches, or 94 cm of snow. Huge variations in temperature in a given week are not uncommon, however daytime temperatures in January and February hover around freezing. Throughout winter, there are on average 15 days where the temperature falls below 0°F, or -18°C.
Until recently, it was thought that Chicago’s "windy city" nickname was thought to refer not to the weather, but to local politicians being full of hot air. Recently it has been said that the term was coined to promote tourism to the city. Chicago is cooled by the gentle winds off Lake Michigan, and is therefore a perfect summer spot.
