Aug. 24--Since the summer solstice on June 21, the daily duration of sunlight in Chicago has decreased by 1 hour and 42 minutes. Average daily temperatures reflect this trend and have begun to lower since peaking in mid-July.
As the intensity and duration of sunshine continues to wane, average temperatures begin to decrease more rapidly.
Recent spells of cool, windy weather also suggest that summertime warmth has passed, and we may be in for an early fall season. However, if current computer model forecasts prove correct, the area can expect 80-degree temperatures to return and persist through early September.
Forecasts are in close agreement that a dome of hot air which has persisted over the western U.S. much of the summer will shift to the central and southern Plains by this weekend.
