Temperatures in Chicago dropped slightly Tuesday afternoon thanks to a more persistent northeast wind off the lake, but readings were still significantly above normal under the day’s completely sunny skies.

It’s been a remarkably warm stretch: 4 ^th warmest of past 96 years at Midway Airport.

Much cooler out West while the Midwest continues to bathe in unseasonable warmth.

July-level temps to continue in Chicago…

Forecast highs to remain 10 or more degrees above normal through the coming weekend

Wednesday’s warmth comes with bright sunshine.

Forecast highs Wednesday: How Much Above Normal?

Forecast highs Thursday: How Much Above Normal?

Forecast highs Friday: How Much Above Normal?

Chicago area not alone in recent warmth; a large swath of the Midwest enjoying temperatures well above normal

Max temperatures the past 7 days: How much above normal?

Source: Midwestern Regional Climate Center

The Valley of the Sun Obliterated the previous record of 76 straight days of triple-digits set back in 1993.

Record record-breaking string of days with a maximum temperature of 100 degrees or warmer in Phoenix, Arizona ends at 113 consecutive days Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday’s high in Phoenix only reached 91 degrees:

Warmth to continue for another week in Chicago before cooler weather arrives by the middle of next week…

Forecast temperature anomaly one mile above the ground which is a good proxy indicator what you can expect here at ground level. (Red depicts warmer than normal temperatures, blue depicts below normal)

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.