Weather Diary Entry - Illinois, 2023
Date: December 15, 2023
Dear Future Readers,
Today, I want to share what the weather was like in Illinois this year. 2023 was a remarkable year with some interesting weather patterns that I hope will help you understand our climate history!
In January, we had a very cold start to the year. Many places in Illinois were covered in a thick blanket of snow. Temperatures dropped below freezing, and we even had some icy roads that made traveling tricky. People bundled up in their warm coats, scarves, and hats, and kids enjoyed snow days, making snow forts and having snowball fights.
As spring arrived in March, the weather began to warm up. The snow melted, and flowers started to bloom. However, this year, we had a lot of rain, and some areas experienced flooding, especially near rivers. It was a bit scary for those living close to the water. Farmers were worried about their fields being too wet to plant crops on time.
During the summer, temperatures soared, and it was hotter than usual. We experienced some really warm days that felt like a heat wave. The temperature often reached into the 90s (Fahrenheit). People found ways to cool off, like going to the pool or enjoying ice cream. Unfortunately, the heat and humidity sometimes made it hard for people to go outside and enjoy summer activities.
As summer turned into fall, the weather finally cooled down. In September and October, we had beautiful days with clear skies and colorful leaves. The changing leaves were especially vibrant this year, with shades of red, orange, and yellow covering the trees. It was a perfect time for apple picking and enjoying the outdoors.
However, in November, we faced some challenges again. A few unexpected storms brought strong winds and rain, and in some areas, there were even reports of tornadoes! It reminded us how powerful nature can be and how quickly the weather can change.
So, overall, 2023 was a year of ups and downs in the weather for Illinois. From snowy and chilly beginnings to hot summers and colorful falls, it showed us how varied our climate can be. I hope this journal helps future generations understand how important weather really is to our lives and the environment.
Until next time!
Sincerely,
A Climate Historian