(CREDIT: NWS Chicago)

An impressive heat episode for this early in the season enveloped Kane County over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This stretch was comparative to May heat seen in 2012, and then prior to that back to 1977.

As you can see by the above graphic, Sugar Grove Airport recorded a high temperature of 96 degrees on Sunday, May 27 — among the highest in the region.

Here are some early season heat facts for the episode:

Chicago

• The 97 on May 27 tied for the daily record high temperature previous set in 2012.
• The 97 on May 27 also tied for second hottest temperature in May on record with May 27, 2012, and only behind 98 on May 31, 1934.
• 97 was the warmest temperature reached anytime of the year since July 25, 2012 (99).
• The 95 on May 28 tied the daily record high temperature previously set in 2012. This also tied the record high temperature for the Memorial Day holiday (a floating date).
• The earliest three day stretch of 90s since a nine day stretch in 1977 (May 16-24). A three day stretch like this has now happened only seven times this early.
• Second time on record with two days of 95+ in May (2012).

Rockford

• The 97 on May 27 tied for the third hottest temperature in May on record with May 29, 1934, and only behind May 31, 1934 (106) and May 27, 2012 (99).
• 97 was the warmest temperature reached anytime of the year since July 25, 2012 (99).
• The earliest three day stretch of 90s since May 17-19, 1962. A three day stretch like this has now happened only five times this early. Normal First 90 Degree Day: Chicago June 8 Rockford June 11

Note: Chicago records date back to 1871 while Rockford to 1905.

SOURCE: National Weather Service Chicago