Chicago’s historical records on July 5, according to the Tribune’s archives, highlight several significant events over the years. If any notable occurrences are missing, please email for updates.
Historical Weather Events
Weather data from the National Weather Service in Chicago includes:
- High Temperature: 103 degrees (2012)
- Low Temperature: 46 degrees (1972)
- Precipitation: 1.48 inches (1930)
- Snowfall: None
Notable Events of July 5
1980: The Derecho
On July 5, 1980, the temperature reached 94 degrees by 4 p.m., surpassing the previous high for this date. However, by 11 p.m., a cold front swept in, dropping temperatures to 64 degrees. The storm brought winds as high as 82 mph, leaving 100,000 homes without power. In Northbrook, violent winds lifted half of a roof off a 20-car garage, damaging at least seven vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries occurred due to the storm.
2012: Record Heat
In 2012, Chicago experienced record-breaking temperatures with a high of 103 degrees on two consecutive days, marking one of the hottest periods in the city’s recorded history.
2019: Chicago Defender’s Transition
On July 5, 2019, the Chicago Defender, a significant publication in the city’s history, announced it would cease print publication and continue as a digital-only platform at chicagodefender.com. Founded in 1905 by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the newspaper played a crucial role during the Great Migration, encouraging African Americans in the South to move North. By World War I, over two-thirds of its readers were outside Chicago.
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