The city lies within the humid continental climate zone (Koppen Dfa), and experiences four distinct seasons.
Summers are warm & humid with average high temperatures of 80-84°F (27-29°C) and lows of 61-65 °F (16-19°C).
Winters are cold, snowy and windy with temperatures below freezing. Spring and Fall are mild with low humidity. According to the National Weather Service, Chicago’s highest official temperature reading of 105 °F (41 °C) was recorded on July 17, 1995.
The lowest temperature of −27 °F (−33 °C) was recorded on January 20, 1985.
Chicago’s yearly precipitation averages about 34 inches (860 millimeters). Summer is typically the rainiest season, with short-lived rainfall and thunderstorms more common than prolonged rainy periods.
Winter precipitation tends to be more snow than rain.
Chicago's snowiest winter on record was that of 1929–30, with 114.2 inches (290 cm) of snow in total.
Chicago’s highest one-day rainfall total was 6.63 inches (168.4mm) on September 13, 2008.[citation needed] The previous record of 6.49 inches (164 mm) had been set on August 14, 1987.
