By Meteorologist Paul Dailey
With the record (11.15 inches) July rains adding on to already above-normal precipitation prior to this month, Chicago's official total for 2011 has reached 33.77 inches - or 13.80 inches above normal at this point in the season. Chicago's official rain gage at the O'Hare International Airport observing site has now registered 93 percent of the normal annual 36.27 inches. NEVER before in Chicago's 140 years of data dating back to 1871 has so much precipitation been measured at this point in the season.
Drier air this weekend
Dew points dropped into the 60s Friday, and with high pressure passing slowly through the western Great Lakes, these numbers will probably hold in the 60s through the weekend. So, even though abundant sunshine should push temperatures close to the 90-degree mark both Saturday and Sunday the air will "feel" more comfortable during outdoor activities.
With the record (11.15 inches) July rains adding on to already above-normal precipitation prior to this month, Chicago's official total for 2011 has reached 33.77 inches - or 13.80 inches above normal at this point in the season. Chicago's official rain gage at the O'Hare International Airport observing site has now registered 93 percent of the normal annual 36.27 inches. NEVER before in Chicago's 140 years of data dating back to 1871 has so much precipitation been measured at this point in the season.
Drier air this weekend
Dew points dropped into the 60s Friday, and with high pressure passing slowly through the western Great Lakes, these numbers will probably hold in the 60s through the weekend. So, even though abundant sunshine should push temperatures close to the 90-degree mark both Saturday and Sunday the air will "feel" more comfortable during outdoor activities.
