Warm May Wraps Up Very Mild Spring

This spring was the fourth warmest start to any year on record in Illinois, and the summer has a high chance of above normal temperatures, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey.

Only 1921, 2012 and 2017 surpass 2024 for January to April temperatures. May continued the warm pattern across the state, though Illinois largely escaped early season extreme heat experienced in 2021 and 2022, making for largely pleasant temperatures last month.

Each of the three spring months brought average temperatures that were 2 to 6 degrees...