Winter in NCW is not that far away. The thermostat has already teased the frozen mark here in the Wenatchee Valley and just below freezing on the Columbia Plateau. I’ve lived in this beautiful part of the state for 18 years. During that time, it’s been as cold as -5°F. I attended school in Seattle and remember it getting into the single digits a few times.
Washington residents have had to endure a handful of record-setting winters. Below are some of the coldest temperatures ever recorded in the modern era, beginning in 1914.
Illinois: Rockford
– #86 coldest nationally
– Average annual temperature: 49.1°F
– Average daily maximum: 59.2°F
– Average daily minimum: 39.2°F
While Chicago may be the Windy City, it isn’t Illinois’ coldest; Rockford, about 90 miles to the northwest, can claim that honor. Despite the cold, the city’s downtown is a place bustling with activity. The River District, named for its location on the Rock River, boasts everything from museums and cultural activities to fine cuisine and entertainment. Audiophiles may be familiar with Rockford as home to the legendary rock band Cheap Trick.