'Unprecedented' Late Season Heat Wave Sees 7th Day Of Record Temps

For the seventh day in a row, Chicago has recorded high temps at or above 92 degrees. Tuesday also marked the seventh straight day of record high temps and is the only time in recorded history where there has been seven consecutive days of temps above 90 degrees in the month of September, according to the National Weather Service. Prior to this week's stretch of brutal heat, the latest overall stretch of seven more days over 92 degrees was on Aug. 25 through Sept. 3, 1953.

Referring to the heat wave as "unprecedented," the National Weather Service noted in a recap of the heat wave that "there has never been a heat wave of this duration and magnitude this late in the season in Chicago."

The National Weather Service also noted there have been only 10 occurrences of seven or more consecutive days of temps at or above 92 degrees in Chicago, including the most recent September 2017 heat wave.Weather records for Chicago, which are taken at O'Hare International Airport, have been kept since 1871, according to the National Weather Service.

Here is a look at each days recorded temp for the past seven days as well as the prior record high:

• Sept. 20: 92 degrees — the prior record high set back in 1931 was 91 degrees
• Sept. 21: 94 degrees — the prior record high set back in 1970 was 92 degrees
• Sept. 22: 94 degrees – the prior record high set back in 1956 was 92 degrees
• Sept. 23: 95 degrees – the prior record of 91 degrees was set back in 1937
• Sept. 24: 93 degrees – the prior record of 91 degrees was set back in 1891
• Sept. 25: 92 degrees – the prior record of 90 degrees was set back in 1933
• Sept. 26: 92 degrees – the prior record of 90 degrees was set back in 1998

The National Weather Service graphic below provides some insight into why weather patterns were favorable for the record late-September heat.

But a break from the heat is finally in sight. A cold front was expected to sweep across the region Tuesday evening, bringing cooler temperatures. This front may result in an isolated shower or two this evening and overnight, according to the National Weather Service.

On Wednesday, Chicago-area residents can expect a breezy and much cooler day. High temps between 68 and 75 degrees are in the forecast. Pleasant fall weather is in the forecast on Thursday with sunny skies and high temps between 69 and 73 degrees expected.

Here is a glimpse at the weather forecast for the Chicago area for the coming days:

Photo caption: Kids play at the splash pad at Sunset Park in lake in the Hills on Tuesday. The village decided to reopen the splash pad, which closed over Labor Day weekend, during the late season heat wave. Photo credit: Amie Rowland