Spring in Chicago

It seems that the weather across the United States this year is crazy. And, it’s nodifferent in the Chicago land area. Spring officially arrived on Tuesday, 20 March. Temperatures for this time of year normally top out at 48 degrees. Imagine everyone’s surprise this year as we are experiencing our ninth consecutive day of record setting temperatures on Thursday, 22 March, mostly in the 80s. This temperature is generally unheard of this time of year. It might be true that we begin to see signs of Spring in March, but nothing close to 80-degree temperatures. Temperatures in the 80s are typical of July in Chicago, but definitely not March. Frequently often at this time of year in Chicago, you see large mounds of snow in parking lots where the snowplows have piled more than one snowfall accumulation. And, the snow mounds have more or less turned to compressed ice looking more like greasy dirt than snow. March 1970 saw a snowfall in excess of 14″. Combine the blustery winds that one normally experiences in Chicago with the snow and you have a typical Spring in Chicago. A distinct contrast to this year. There is the phrase “things happen for a reason.” I think we should consider this weather anomaly happening as another Summit preparation. Chicago is dressing our streets and neighborhoods with beautiful flowers in full bloom and trees with all shades of green. I hesitate to suggest what type of weather you will experience in two short months. Because the temperatures we are experiencing this March are typical of the “dog days” of summer in July. I can tell you historically speaking May temperatures border in the upper 50s. Last year those 50-degree temperatures carried well into June, so much so that we had a very short planting season. What can I share with you about May temperatures? The one thing I can trust is tht no matter what the outdoor temperature on 20 May, the atmosphere and environment in Rosemont will be fantastic! Chicagoland is making every effort to impress, including the weather, to prepare and welcome you for the 2012 Summit. Elizabeth Burke is a member of the STC Chicago 2012 Host Committee and currently serves as the President of the STC Chicago chapter.