Last month warmest May on record in Illinois

Posted on June 1, 2018
Thermometer
Last month’s average temperature beat the previous May record by more than a degree. (Flickr/Robert Couse-Baker)

By WJBC Staff

SPRINGFIELD – The state climatologist says last month was the warmest May on record in Illinois.

State Climatologist Jim Angel says the numbers should not be a surprise.

“Based on preliminary data, the statewide average temperature for May in Illinois was 70.6 degrees. That’s 7.9 degrees above normal and the warmest May on record,” Angel said. “The old record was 69.4 degrees set back in 1962.”

Statewide average precipitation for May was just under four inches which is more than a half inch below normal. Areas in northern and southwestern Illinois received the most rain last month, while spots in east central and southeastern Illinois got the least amount of precipitation.

 

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