May 25--In what could be a taste of the season to come, Chicago hit the highest temperature of the year Tuesday afternoon at O'Hare Airport, topping out at 86 degrees at 2:47 p.m.
The city didn't come close to the record temperature for May 24, 93 degrees set in 1950, although the temperature at Midway Airport -- the city's official weather station until 1980 -- did hit 89 degrees just after 5 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters have said Chicago may be in for a hot summer, comparing the weather patterns leading up to the beginning of meteorological summer June 1 to the record-setting years of 1988 and 1995.
The next few days could see temperatures almost as warm as Tuesday, but with an increased chance of thunderstorms, said National Weather Service meteorologist David Beachler. If storms roll through, they could cool things down a bit, keeping temperatures in the low 80s -- or just add to the humidity and discomfort, Beachler said.
On Wednesday, temperatures were expected to hit 83 or 84, but it's likely that "because of the humidity, it's going to feel like 86," Beachler said.
The official forecast calls for highs in the low 80s inland on Wednesday and the upper 70s near the lake, with the chance of thunderstorms increasing as the day continues. Highs Thursday are expected to be in the mid- to upper-80s, with a greater chance of thunderstorms Thursday night. With storms likely Friday, highs are forecast for the low 80s, with a chance of showers and highs again in the low 80s Saturday.
Persistent storms could delay the scheduled Friday opening of Chicago's beaches to swimming.
For more information, check the Tribune's weather page.
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