Significant Historical Events in Chicago on July 5

Chicago’s Weather Records

The National Weather Service in Chicago recorded significant temperature extremes on past July 5ths. The highest temperature reached 103 degrees in 2012, while 1972 saw a low of 46 degrees. On July 5, 1930, precipitation measured 1.48 inches, though snowfall remained absent.

Derecho’s Impact in 1980

Cars are covered with a roof and other rubble after violent winds tore the top off a Northbrook garage on July 5, 1980.

The 1980 derecho brought dramatic weather changes. Temperatures soared to 94 degrees by 4 p.m., exceeding previous highs for July 5. By 11 p.m., a cold front caused the temperature to plummet to 64 degrees. Winds reached up to 82 mph, resulting in power outages for 100,000 homes. The fiercest wind damage occurred in Northbrook, where part of a 20-car garage roof was displaced, affecting at least seven cars. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Chicago’s Heat Wave in 2012

In 2012, Chicago experienced extreme heat, with temperatures hitting 103 degrees for two consecutive days. This marked one of the city’s hottest recorded periods.

The Chicago Defender’s Transition in 2019

Outside the original Chicago Defender building in Chicago, newspaper founder Robert Sengstacke Abbott stands amid bundles of donations to be given out as charitable gifts, circa 1910s.

In 2019, the Chicago Defender announced a shift from print to digital publishing, continuing its legacy online at chicagodefender.com. Founded in 1905 by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the newspaper played a pivotal role during the Great Migration, urging Black Americans from the South to move north. During the First World War, over two-thirds of its readership came from outside Chicago.

For those interested in Chicago’s history, subscribing to resources like the Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter or joining related social media groups offers a rich glimpse into the city’s past.