Known as the Land of Lincoln, Illinois is no stranger to cold weather come the winter. Much of this Midwestern state, including its most well-known city, Chicago, is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. This, paired with the small mountains found throughout the state, can lead to some bone-chilling temperatures come the colder months of the year. Below, learn more about Illinois’s coldest January on record, as well as about the average climate and wildlife here.
Average Climate in Illinois
Much of the climate throughout Illinois varies based on elevation, proximity to major bodies of water, and the time of year.
©iStock.com/pabradyphoto
The majority of Illinois has a humid continental climate. This type of climate is characterized by hot and humid summers followed by cold winters. However, the state’s southern region has a humid subtropical climate, which is instead characterized by milder winters.
Illinois is vulnerable to storm weather. This includes an estimated 51 days of thunderstorms per year, as well as an average of around 35 annual tornadoes. Some of the most severe tornadoes in history, such as the Tri-State Tornado, had catastrophic effects on the state.
In many cities and towns, the average lows to average highs range from 11 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter to 90 degrees in the summer. However, even the lowest of the low average temperatures don’t compare to Illinois’s coldest January on record!
The Coldest January Recorded in Illinois
Many times, record-breaking temperatures in states were recorded decades ago. Take the all-time high temperature in Illinois, for example, which occurred on July 14, 1954. However, when it comes to tracking down Illinois’s coldest January on Record, you actually won’t need to look back even a decade ago. As it turns out, the coldest January temperature recorded in the state of Illinois is also the coldest in the entire state!
On January 31, 2019, Mount Carroll dropped to a temperature of -38°F. The result of a polar vortex hitting the Midwest, this temperature is only one example of Illinois’s coldest January on record. You can learn more about chill-inducing temperatures located in Illinois by reading about the coldest places in the state!
Wildlife in Illinois
Bobcats aren’t made uncomfortable by some of the coldest months of Illinois.
©Holly Kuchera/Shutterstock.com
With temperatures as low as January’s rare, Illinois is a state able to support a wide variety of diverse species. From birds to mammals to everything in between, there is no shortage of wildlife to explore when visiting this state. Some of the animals you may find in Illinois include:
- Bobcats
- Bison
- Bluegill
- Beavers
- Northern cardinals
- Snapping turtles
The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/EJ_Rodriquez
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