Normally, Rockford averages 21 days a year where the temperature is at or above 90 degrees. So far in 2012, we have seen 30 days at or above 90 degrees. The average daily high temperature in June was 85.7 degrees, and June was over 3 degrees warmer than normal. So far in July the average daily high temperature is 95.1 degrees, and July has been over 8 degrees warmer than normal.
So how does this compare to previous years? Well, we currently have 30 days at or above 90 degrees, and we still have a ways to go until Fall. In Rockford's history, we've had 12 separate years with 40 or more days at or above 90. The record is in 1921, when we had a total of 62 days. In that year, 27 out of 31 days in July were at or above 90. Even though 2012 has been warmer than usual, the extreme heat during this summer is still not the hottest, at least not yet. In July of 1936, we had 9 straight days at or above 100 degrees, including the all time high of 112!! 1936 had a total of 15 days at or above 100 degrees, and 2012 has only seen 5 days so far.
So I would say we are on a good pace to match or beat that 27 day record for July (14 out of 16 days this July so far), and we could have a shot of coming close to meeting or exceeding the 62 day yearly record. 1921 also saw a 21 day in a row streak of 90 degree or warmer days, and this year we've only had a long streak of 10 days in a row.
We have also been extremely dry. Right now we are in a severe drought, and without rainfall in the near future, there is good possibility we could be upgraded to an extreme drought. Rockford has still only received a total of less than an inch of rain since June 1st (0.83 inches). We are 5.83 inches below normal since June 1st, and 7.92 inches below normal for the year. It's estimated we could need 6-12 inches of rain within the next month to get us out of drought conditions. Let's hope we can get some much needed rain soon, we surely could use it!!
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