On Track for Record Setting March

March

[updated March 30, 2012]
Based on data through March 29, the statewide average temperature was 54.7 degrees, 14.1 degrees above normal. Of course, we still have March 30-31 to go but all indications are that the much above normal temperatures will continue. So here are the ten warmest March’s in the Illinois statewide records that date back to 1895:

1. 2012: 54.7°F (as of March 29)
2. 1946: 51.6°F
3. 1910: 50.9°F
4. 1945: 50.5°F
5. 1921: 49.1°F
6. 1938: 48.1°F
7. 2007: 47.6°F
8. 1973: 47.5°F
9. 1907: 47.0°F
10. 1918: 46.4°F

January-March

Here are the ten warmest January-March’s in the Illinois statewide records. In this case, 2012’s hold on first place is more tenuous. Here you will notice that the 2000s are on the list three times as are the 1990s.

1. 2012: 40.8°F (as of March 29)
2. 1921: 39.2°F
3. 1990: 38.7°F
4. 1946: 38.1°F
5. 1938: 37.6°F
6. 1998: 37.3°F
7. 1992: 36.9°F
8. 2006: 36.7°F
9. 2000: 36.7°F
10. 1973: 35.9°F