May 2026 General Discussion

[michsnowfreak]

May finished as the 5th colder than avg month of the past 7. However, due to the extreme nature of the Mar/Apr warmth, the year-to-date is still running warmer than avg.

Nov: -0.4
Dec: -3.6
Jan: -5.2
Feb: -0.2
Mar: +4.9
Apr: +4.2
May: -1.6
 

[Brian D]

This is a better summary for DLH starting with the beginning of the water year. Rollercoaster temps, and generally dry. Forgot about this section under the climate n past wx page.

[Spartman]

Wettest May on record with 10.31" for the month (previously 9.05" set in 1995). Washout of a month. Good riddance.

[Chicago Storm]

May 2026 finished as the 10th driest May on record in Chicago.

Driest May Rankings
1. 0.30" - 1992
2. 0.58" - 1994
3. 0.67" - 1934
4. 0.71" - 2023
5. 0.78" - 1950
6. 0.80" - 1921
7. 0.84" - 1897
8. 0.93" - 1903
9. 1.00" - 1886
10. 1.17" - 2026

[Chicago Storm]

Spring 2026 finished as the 8th warmest spring on record in Chicago.

Warmest Spring Temperature Rankings
1. 56.6° - 2012
2. 56.2° - 1977
3. 53.9° - 1921
4. 53.8° - 2024
5. 52.7° - 2010
5. 52.7° - 1991
5. 52.7° - 1955
8. 52.6° - 2026
9. 52.1° - 2021
10. 51.7° - 1946

[OrdIowPitMsp]

May 2026 finished exactly 1.0F above the long term average in Minneapolis. 2.24” of precipitation which is -1.67” below average. There was a late freeze on May 6th.
 

The somewhat surprising 0.37” we received yesterday couldn’t have been timed better. 

 

[michsnowfreak]

Spring finished tied w/ 1987 & 2000 for 8th warmest on record of 153 at Detroit. Naturally it was 100% due to March/April, as May finished cooler than avg. An about face from the 44th coldest winter.