Chicago enjoys 'fake Spring' with temperatures breaking century-old weather record
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago is feeling the 60s in February, and many are enjoying the so-called "fake Spring" on Presidents Day.
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On Monday, the warm temperatures broke a 100-year-old weather record.
In 1921, Chicago set its long-standing record-high of 58 degrees, but temperatures hit 65 degrees on Monday!
The average high temperature for February is 36 degrees.
This stretch of warm weather includes seven consecutive days in which the temperature will break 50 degrees.
On the city's far South Side, the Chicago Park District invited children to take part of Teens in the Park Field Day at Gately Park.
Organizers put the free event together as Chicago Public Schools closed for Presidents Day. The event gave kids a safe space to play sports and have fun.
"Not having a place to go, not having things to do is a recipe for a disaster in my book, and we are making sure that we are providing access to those spaces again that they would never have elsewhere," Teen Engagement Manager Temeszja Drummond said.
Janet Kanakarin took her dog for a long walk along Lake Michigan. The unseasonably warm temperatures drove cyclists and joggers to the lakefront.
"I've never been on the lakefront in February before. It's usually all iced over. So, this is a nice treat," Kanakarin said.
Kathleen Dragan celebrated her birthday with a long 8-mile morning run.
"I'm going on an 8-mile run because it's gorgeous. I've been on the treadmill way too much this winter. So excited to be out here," Dragan said.
And normally on a Monday in February, Sugar Creek Golf Course would be empty.
But it was busy all day, with golfers getting the rare opportunity to play in the middle of what is supposed to be winter.
"Got to take it when you got the chance," said golfer Layton Lanenga.
Bill Swanson teed off on the first hall, and it is another first for him on Monday.
"This is a first, period. I saw the forecast, and I knew exactly where I was going to be," Swanson said.
Normally, the staff there would be doing off-season work, painting, and cleaning and getting ready for the golf season in the spring. Instead, they received calls all weekend from golfers who were anxious to take advantage of this rare February weather.
"They want to play in February just so they can say they got their patch, 'I played in February in Illinois,'" said Sugar Creek Golf Pro Cory Ferrell. "We've got 60 degrees out, and people are not even thinking about the cold temperatures. They're just thinking about getting their golf game on."
Evan Link is a sophomore at York High School. He took advantage of the Presidents Day holiday to be outside.
"I was checking the weather, and even next week, it's going to be really cold. Lucky to get this nice weekend," Link said.
Ferrell said with nice temperatures still expected in the next couple of days, he is planning on keeping the course open and riding the wave as long as he can.
The beautiful weather is also giving nature lovers an opportunity to get out and enjoy the Morton Arboretum. With many people off work and school, the place was packed on Monday.
"We came out because, when's the last time it was 62 degrees on February 16? It's crazy!" said Linda Tomczynski, who visited the arboretum.
Lots of visitors ventured there to see some of the attractions, including outdoor sculptures like one giant deer, titled "Generosity."
"It's crazy. It's been a hard winter. Very happy to be outside!" said Kristen Kastrzewa, another arboretum visitor.
With 16 miles of hiking trails, people took full advantage.
"We're seeing a steady stream of people enjoying the warm weather," said Ellyn Fortino with the Morton Arboretum.
The only problem is that it gets dark earlier now than it will in the summer when these temperatures are more common.
