Early May promises to be warm with only a slight chance of freezing temperatures, predicts NIU meteorologist Dr. Allen Staver. However, be warned that reported temperature readings are taken about four to five feet above the surface. Ground level temperatures may be ten degrees colder than the official readings, affecting sprouting plants. Expect approximately 12 days of rain this month, including five days of thunderstorms. May and June are still severe weather months with tornadoes likely in northern Illinois.
Lightning kills more people than tornadoes, so take cover even during ordinary thunderstorms.
Surface winds are changeable but generally come from the southwest producing eight degrees of warming during the month. The outlook sees nothing unusual about either temperature or precipitation. May weather is more consistent from one year to the next than most other months. Memorial Day will be celebrated on May 25 this year. No. 11 on May 5, 1968.