Greetings, time travelers and weather enthusiasts! Join me on a fascinating journey through the ages as we compare the recorded temperatures of January 1880 to the brisk days of January 2024 right here in McHenry County. I recently unearthed a treasure trove in our historical archives - a weather record from the Seneca Herald dated February 16, 1880. Armed with this valuable information, let's dive into the ultimate temperature face-off!
## The Great Temperature Tussle
Our adventure begins with a visual feast, a chart detailing each day's temperatures in January 1880 compared to the frosty days of January 2024.
Date | January 1880 (°F) | Date | January 2024 (°F) |
1st | 23 1/2 | 1/1 | 36 |
2nd | 30 | 1/2 | 37 |
3rd | 43 1/2 | 1/3 | 37 |
4th | 38 | 1/4 | 36 |
5th | 37 | 1/5 | 37 |
6th | 38 | 1/6 | 36 |
7th | 37 | 1/7 | 36 |
8th | 43 | 1/8 | 37 |
9th | 38 1/2 | 1/9 | 37 |
10th | 27 | 1/10 | 34 |
11th | 41 | 1/11 | 34 |
12th | 18 | 1/12 | 37 |
13th | 20 | 1/13 | 25 |
14th | 26 | 1/14 | -4 |
15th | 17 | 1/15 | 1 |
16th | 35 | 1/16 | 1 |
17th | 31 | 1/17 | 18 |
18th | 35 | 1/18 | 25 |
19th | 34 | 1/19 | 12 |
20th | 26 | 1/20 | 18 |
21st | 31 | 1/21 | 21 |
22nd | 25 | 1/22 | 32 |
23rd | 22 | 1/23 | 37 |
24th | 29 | 1/24 | 39 |
25th | 35 | 1/25 | 43 |
26th | 40 | 1/26 | 41 |
27th | 31 | 1/27 | 41 |
28th | 13 | 1/28 | 41 |
29th | 22 | 1/29 | 43 |
30th | 22 1/2 | 1/30 | 41 |
31st | 21 | 1/31 | 45 |
## The Battle Commences: January 1-15
The opening days of January 1880 saw temperatures ranging from a modest 23 1/2 to a slightly frosty 17 degrees. Fast forward to 2024, and we kicked off the new year with temperatures hovering comfortably in the 30s, a clear victory for the modern era. We've bid farewell to the single-digit shivers, but the 1880 crew had their share of winter woes.
## Mid-January Madness: January 16-31
Moving into the middle of the month, things got interesting. On January 14, 2024, temperatures nosedived to a bone-chilling -4 degrees. Ouch! Meanwhile, in January 1880, we experienced a milder dip to 26 degrees. It seems we've learned to appreciate the modern-day perks of central heating and insulated jackets.
## Averages and Oddities
The numbers tell a fascinating story. The average temperature for January 1880 stood at 30 degrees. Fast forward to January 2024, and we enjoyed a slightly warmer average of 31 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with nighttime temperatures dipping to 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
## Reflections on the Weather Wars
As we reflect on this weather face-off, it's clear that both eras had their unique challenges. The pioneers of 1880 coped with frigid temperatures, relying on wood-burning stoves to keep warm. In 2024, we've harnessed technology to make winter a bit more bearable.
So, whether you're a fan of vintage cold or prefer your winters with a dash of modern warmth, one thing's for sure - McHenry County has weathered the test of time, temperature, and frosty memories. Cheers to our ancestors who braved the elements, and here's to us, embracing the winter chill armed with our heated cars and cozy blankets. May the temperatures be ever in your favor!
Want to do some research? Contact our Research Center and set up an appointment or submit a research request!
Written by: Rachel Seidner, MLIS, Research Librarian
