Chicago has the characteristics of a continental climate with distinct four seasons.

The temperature and weather changes throughout the year are significant, and being adjacent to Lake Michigan, the lake effect greatly influences the climate.

This time, I will summarize Chicago's average rainfall, snowfall, and major natural disaster records.

Average Annual Rainfall and Snowfall

① Average Rainfall

  • Annual Average Rainfall: about 36 inches (about 91 cm)
    • Rain mainly concentrates in spring (March to May) and summer (June to August).
    • In summer, sudden heavy rains or thunderstorms often occur, and there are many times when humidity increases.

② Average Snowfall

  • Annual Average Snowfall: about 38 inches (about 96 cm)
    • Snow mainly falls between November and March, with January and February being the months with the most snowfall.
    • Due to "Lake Effect Snow," areas near Lake Michigan tend to accumulate more snow than other places.

③ Average Humidity

  • Average Humidity: about 70%
    • In summer, humidity can rise above 80%.

Natural Disaster Records

Severe natural disasters are rare in Chicago, but various forms of natural disasters can occur under certain conditions.

① Flooding

  • Chicago has many flat areas and is close to Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, so heavy rainfall and rising water levels can cause flooding.
  • Major records:
    • 1996 Chicago Flood: Large-scale flooding damage occurred due to heavy rain.
    • 2013: 5.5 inches (14 cm) of rain fell in 24 hours, flooding roads and subway stations.

② Tornadoes

  • Chicago is not located in "Tornado Alley," but due to the characteristics of the Midwest, strong thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.
  • Major records:
    • 1967 Oak Lawn Tornado: An EF4 rated tornado struck the outskirts of Chicago, causing significant damage.
    • Recently, tornadoes often affect areas outside the city center.

③ Lake Effect Snow

  • The warm air from Lake Michigan meets the cold atmosphere, causing heavy snowfall.
  • Major records:
    • 1979 Chicago Blizzard: 21 inches (about 53 cm) of snow fell over two days, paralyzing the city.
    • 2011 "Snowmageddon": 20 inches (about 51 cm) of snow accumulated in one day, causing a massive traffic crisis.

④ Severe Thunderstorms

  • In summer, strong thunderstorms often occur with strong winds, lightning, and hail.
  • Major records:
    • August 2020: A powerful straight-line wind known as "Derecho" hit Chicago, damaging thousands of buildings.

⑤ Extreme Cold

  • Chicago experiences a rapid drop in temperature during winter, leading to extreme cold.
  • Major records:
    • January 2019 Polar Vortex: Temperatures dropped to -30°C (-22°F), effectively shutting down the city.

Disaster Preparedness in Chicago

Chicago has established various measures to prepare for the possibility of natural disasters.

  • Flood Preparedness:
    • It operates a large-scale sewage treatment and flood prevention project called the "Deep Tunnel Project."
  • Snow Response:
    • Snow removal vehicles and calcium chloride spreading systems are well established, allowing for relatively quick recovery even during large snowfalls.
  • Warning System:
    • Real-time warning notification systems inform citizens of tornadoes, heavy rains, and thunderstorms.

4. Summary of Chicago's Climate

  • Rainfall: 36 inches (91 cm)
  • Snowfall: 38 inches (96 cm)
  • Temperature Range:
    • Summer: Average high temperature 85°F (29°C)
    • Winter: Average low temperature 20°F (-7°C)

Chicago is a city where you can experience various weather conditions due to its unique climate and natural environment.

Despite somewhat harsh weather, the citizens of Chicago are well-prepared and maintain a stable urban life.