Friday’s sunshine lifts Chicagoland to mildest temperatures in six days

NOTE: This article has been turned into an almanac of Friday’s weather. We have published a

new forecast/weather story for Saturday.

Following four straight days with highs in the 40s, the mercury finally reached the 50s Friday afternoon, peaking at 52 degrees officially at O’Hare. It marked the mildest temperatures here in six days and only the fifth time this month highs have been 50 degrees or warmer.

The nearly 100% sunshine was the major factor in the warmer temperatures. Late afternoon readings were substantially warmer than the same period on Thursday. 

Lake breezes were again prevalent and set up a large area temperature spread: highs ranged from the middle 50s at the warmest inland locations to the lower to middle 40s for areas in close proximity to Lake Michigan.   

Friday’s pollen count was unchanged with both mold and tree pollen low. Per Allergist Rachna Shah, MD, Loyola Medicine Allergy Count, more pollen is likely coming next week with the warmer temperatures on the way.

A large ridge of high pressure across the western U.S. resulted in temperatures well above normal and scores of new record highs Friday afternoon, including 103-degrees in Phoenix!