Moderate climate load. Physical climate score and electricity cost are reported separately.
Chicago has a moderate climate load. Its Climate Stress Score of 49.8 is above the indexed-metro median of 37.9. The January normal low is 19.4°F, and 4 months have a normal low below freezing.
The primary planning issue in this profile is winter temperature and freeze exposure. The standardized 9 kW session estimate is $3.04, above the indexed-metro median of $2.46; this uses the Illinois statewide residential electricity average, not a city utility quote. The selected snowfall record reports 38.8 inches annually.
For construction or maintenance work that is easier in moderate conditions, the monthly normals point to April, May, June, September. This is a climate-screening observation, not a construction schedule or permit recommendation.
| Profile | Climate | 9 kW session | Jan. low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 49.8 | $3.04 | 19.4°F |
| Indexed median | 37.9 | $2.46 | — |
| Closest index peer: Columbus | 50.0 | $3.06 | 20.9°F |
Climate source: NOAA/NCEI U.S. Monthly Climate Normals 1991–2020 (direct by-station archive)
Temperature/precipitation station: USW00014819 — CHICAGO MIDWAY AP (9.2 mi from city reference point)
Snow station: USC00111577 — CHICAGO MIDWAY AP 3SW (12.4 mi from city reference point)
Normal period: 1991–2020
Electricity source: EIA residential retail electricity price (2026-07)
Rate geography: Illinois statewide residential average
Dataset generated: September 28, 2026
Recent observations through: September 22, 2026
Snowfall status: available. Missing values are not included in rankings.
