After a chance of frost early in the month, we can expect milder temperatures for the rest of May, predicts Allen Staver, NIU meteorologist. Temperatures for the month tend to be consistent from year to year with the warmest May averaging 65 degrees and the coldest averaging 51 degrees. Precipitation has varied from about one to eight inches, but most years have produced three to four inches during 12 rainy days, including five thunderstorms.
Snow is rare.
Severe weather is a big threat during May, which produces more tornadoes than any other month. From now through summer, winds are generally from the south and southwest with decreased speeds, except on days producing thunderstorms. Each month will become sunnier through August. Staver reports that this May's outlook calls for near normal conditions. This page is maintained by the NIU Office of Public Affairs.