What Climate Zone Is Chicago?
Chicago, Illinois is located in the north-central United States and is a major city in the Midwest region. Due to its location, Chicago has a humid continental climate, which is classified as being in Climate Zone 6. This type of climate is characterized by four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters.
Summer
The summer months in Chicago are usually warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low-80s Fahrenheit. The city experiences frequent thunderstorms and occasional heat waves, which can bring temperatures up to the mid-90s Fahrenheit or higher.
Fall
The fall months are usually mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low-70s Fahrenheit. The city usually experiences its first frost around mid-October and its first snowfall around mid-November, although these dates can vary from year to year.
Winter
The winter months in Chicago are cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the low-30s Fahrenheit. The city usually experiences its first snowfall around mid-November and its last snowfall around mid-April, although these dates can vary from year to year.
Spring
The spring months in Chicago are usually mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit. The city usually experiences its last frost around mid-April and its first thunderstorm around mid-May, although these dates can vary from year to year.
Conclusion
Chicago, Illinois has a humid continental climate, which is classified as being in Climate Zone 6. The city experiences warm and humid summers, mild falls, cold and snowy winters, and mild springs.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.