It’s “Cooler by the Lake” Season in Chicago
Lake Michigan is Chicago’s natural air conditioner in spring and summer— but often warms areas near the lake in fall and winter. April through June is the heart of the “cooler by the lake” season for Chicago—before the chilly lake water temperatures gradually reach their summer-time highs. Water has a high specific heat, making it slow to warm in spring, and slow to cool in fall.
On warm days when winds are light, the heated air over the land rises, allowing the cooler and denser air over the lake to flow onshore, delivering a cooling lake breeze
The area cooled varies based upon the wind direction, influencing just how the lake-cooled air is distributed once ashore.
During the cold season, when the lake is warmer than the air, onshore winds bring the warmth inland. In late fall or early winter, this lake-enhanced warming can cause it to rain in areas near the lake while snow is falling farther inland.
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