Blame Chicago’s record rainy spring for cold June temperatures

The beginning of summer in Chicago isn’t exactly the weather we had all envisioned. Instead, the city has endured a chilly temperatures, dense fog, and rainy thunderstorms.

Later this week, thunderstorms will roll in putting the northeast corner of the state at risk for severe flooding, according to the National Weather Service Chicago. In the city, scattered showers and heavy rain are expected through the next few days and early next week.

In Chicago, the high rains over short periods of time could cause flooding, but it’s hard to predict, according to NWS Chicago meteorologist Todd Kluber. But, you might want to keep an eye out for flooding on the Riverwalk anyway.

The dreary weather has been unrelenting this June. On Sunday, temperatures reached 60 degrees setting a record for the coldest high temperature in late June, according to the NWS Chicago. The last time it was this cold in June was 1992. Then, dense fog blanketed roadways and obscured the tops of high-rises—visibility was less than a quarter of a mile on Tuesday morning.

So why is Chicago’s summer off to a slow start?

Well, the very brutal spring is partly to blame, said Kubler. In May, there were 21 days of rain and record-setting 8.25 inches for the month (the previous record was slightly less and set last year). Historically, the average rainfall in May is about 3 inches.

“The moisture from the rain in the air and ground help keep the temperatures down a little bit,” said Kubler.

Lake Michigan isn’t warming up either, which doesn’t help. This morning, water temperatures near the shoreline were around 60 degrees and further out was about 40 degrees, Kubler said. The cool breeze coming off the lake keeps temperatures low and generates fog.

Looking ahead, it isn’t all bad. Despite the rain and clouds, temperatures will be in the 80s this weekend.