Final answer:
The highest and lowest recorded temperatures in Chicago, Illinois were 105°F in 1995 and -27°F in 1958, respectively. Understanding the city's overall weather patterns requires looking at data averaged over time. Global trends indicate rising temperatures and an increased frequency of extreme weather events.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Chicago, Illinois, the highest recorded temperature was an astonishing 105°F in July 1995, whereas the lowest recorded temperature plunged to a frigid 27° below zero in January 1958. These extremes are part of the city's historical weather patterns, which include significant fluctuations in temperature. To truly understand Chicago's climate, it's important to examine the typical weather pattern, looking at averaged data over time rather than focusing solely on extreme weather events. This approach provides insights into the long-term trends in temperature and precipitation, allowing for better planning and preparation for varying weather conditions.
Global climate patterns show a general trend of increasing temperatures, as documented in a worldwide increase of 0.85°C in combined land and sea surface temperatures from 1880 to 2012. Moreover, there has been a noted increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves in different parts of the world. This is part of a broader pattern of climate change that is affecting how we understand and predict weather and long-term climate patterns.