The magic of the first 80

Apr 21, 11:12 PM

No matter how good the winter, the first 80 degree day of the year is always a special occasion. It’s just a given that that the neighborhood will smell like hamburgers and fair skinned people in the morning will turn into lobsters that night. We dig out the shorts, we shine up the car, and just generally get some extra giddy-up in our step. It’s a ritual that we midwesterners just can’t live without.

Well, my friend that time is here once again as I am predicting 80s Friday and from a statistical standpoint, that is right on schedule. According to the National Weather Service, the average date of the first 80 degree temperature is April 21st. Going back to 1874, 34% of the time (1 out of 3 years) we crack 80 between April 16th and April 30th. Considering our average high to date during April is just 56 degrees, that first 80 will feel extra good this year.

If you are wondering when the earliest 80 was recorded, look no further than March 12th of 1990 when we established the current mark in an early season heat wave. The warmth also brought an EF-3 tornado the following day so the early warmth can have its negatives.
As for the latest 80, that dubious honor goes all the way back to 1892 when we finally reached the milestone on June 9th. Needless to say, that was a very happy day for our ancestors.
Anyway, just keep in mind that the sun is strong and it will cook you like a steak. Other than that, my only advice is to get out and enjoy the first serious sign that summer is just around the corner.
Ride that warm wind…Terry