Historical Events in Chicago on July 5

Weather Records and Events

July 5 in Chicago has marked several notable weather occurrences according to the National Weather Service archives. The highest temperature recorded was 103 degrees in 2012. The lowest was 46 degrees in 1972. Precipitation hit 1.48 inches in 1930. No snowfall was recorded on this date.

1980: Derecho Storm

On July 5, 1980, Chicago experienced intense weather when the temperature climbed to 94 degrees by 4 p.m. A cold front introduced by violent winds later decreased the temperature to 64 degrees. Winds gusted at speeds of up to 82 mph, leaving about 100,000 households without power. The storm’s most severe impact was in Northbrook, where half of a roof from a large garage was lifted and dropped, damaging seven vehicles in a condominium’s parking shelter. Despite the damage, there were no reported injuries.

2012 Heatwave

In 2012, Chicagoans endured consecutive days of soaring temperatures that reached 103 degrees. This period reminded many of the challenges presented during extreme weather conditions.

2019: Chicago Defender’s Transition

July 5, 2019, marked a significant change for the Chicago Defender, a historic newspaper. The paper announced it was ending its print edition, opting to continue as a digital-only publication at chicagodefender.com. Founded in 1905 by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the Chicago Defender played an important role during the Great Migration, encouraging Black Americans to relocate to the North. By World War I, more than two-thirds of its readers were based outside of Chicago.

For those interested in more history from Chicago, the Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter and Chicagoland history Facebook group offer further insights. Readers can stay connected with Today in Chicago History and discover photographs on Instagram.