The greatest objection to the climate of this State is the prevalence of wind, which is somewhat greater than in the States south and east, but not so great as farther west. The air is purer than either east or south, as indicated by the bluer sky and consequent deeper green vegetations, and is therefore more bracing. By way of contrast, Northern Illinois has a whiter sky and a consequent more yellowish green vegetation.

      The prevailing direction of the wind is from the west.

      Thunder-storms are somewhat more violent here than east or south, but not so furious as toward the Rocky Mountains. The greatest rainfall is in the southeastern part of the State, and the least in the northwestern portion. The increase of timber growth is increasing the amount of rain, as well as distributing it more evenly throughout the year. As elsewhere in the Northwestern States, easterly winds bring rain and snow, while westerly ones clear the sky. While the highest temperature occurs here in August, the month of July averages the hottest, and January the coldest. The mean temperature of April and October nearly corresponds to the mean temperature of the year, as well as to the seasons of spring and fall, while that of summer and winter is best represented by August and December. Indian summer is delightful and well prolonged. Untimely frosts sometimes occur, but seldom severely enough to do great injury. The wheat crop being a staple product of this State, and not injured at all by frost, this great resource of the State continues intact.

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