Chicago Sets Four-Month Cold Temperature Record

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The average temperature over the past four months now ranks as the coldest ever in Chicago.

One can thank the record 26 days at or below zero this winter and the 19th coldest March on record, among other factors, for that.

The average temperature last month was 31.7 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

As a result, the average temperature between December and March was a record-setting 22 degrees, just below the 22.3 degree average in 1903-04.

Here are the top five:

1. 22.0 2013-14
2. 22.3 1903-04
3. 22.5 1977-78
22.5 1892-93
5. 22.7 1978-79

With the 80 inches of snow this season, the 2013-14 season rivals the most brutal ever in Chicago, which would include the 1977-78 and 1978-79 seasons.

Rain, not snow, is in the forecast this week.

Temperatures will remain in the high 30s and low 40s, which (surprise!) are below average for early spring in Chicago.