Wednesday almanac: Chicago has fifth-warmest start to spring of past 97 years

NOTE: This article is now an almanac of Wednesday’s weather. We have published a new weather story for Thursday.

Climatological Spring update: As the month of April closes, we’re two-thirds of the way through Climatological Spring. The data shows it’s been a warm one thus far.

Since March 1, it ranks tied for the fifth-warmest on the books since records began at Midway Airport in 1928. Interestingly, it’s been slightly cooler than last year, which ranked third-warmest through the end of April. 

The temperature downturn continued on Wednesday, coming off the unseasonable, July-level warmth just 48 hours ago. 

The day featured highs in the low 60s at both airports, but only the low 50s at the Lakefront, a significant day to day temperature decline. 

Sunshine was limited to early in the day. Clouds increased by lunchtime and the first round of light, scattered showers arrived just prior to the afternoon rush hour.