Dear Tom,

I've heard that the temperature in Miami has never reached 100 degrees. Is that true?

—Bill Ooms, Alsip

Dear Bill,

It is true. Miami has never officially recorded a triple-digit temperature; the record high there being 98 degrees, recorded on several occasions. Miami's proximity to water, prevailing easterly winds and daily sea breezes combine to keep excessive temperatures in check. However, the city averages 66 days annually with highs in the 90s, many of them accompanied by oppressive humidity. Like Chicago, there is a large temperature spread from the cooler beaches to inland areas with temperature differences sometimes as great as 15 degrees. Though Miami's never hit 100 degree, it snowed there Jan. 19, 1977, when rain mixed with snow fell across the area during a cold wave.