Publication Date July 1, 2009 | Illinois State Climatologist Office, Illinois State Water Survey, U of I

The 1995 Heat Wave in Chicago

United States
Records for Chicago at Midway airport. Table: Jim Angel
Records for Chicago at Midway airport. Table: Jim Angel

The really hot weather occurred from July 12 to July 16. The 106° F on July 13th set the record for the warmest July temperature since records began at Midway in 1928. Not only were the daytime temperatures high but the nighttime low temperatures were quite high (upper 70s and lower 80s) as well. Record humidity levels also accompanied the hot weather. The high humidity and high nighttime temperatures provided little relief from the heat. Another contributing factor in the heat wave is the so-called "urban heat island"