Chicago Freezes Over: What You Need to Know About This Arctic Blast
It’s official—winter has Chicago in a chokehold. If you’ve stepped outside today, you already know what we’re dealing with: bone-chilling cold, sharp winds, and temperatures that seem to laugh at our efforts to stay warm. Here’s the lowdown on what’s happening, what’s coming, and how you can stay safe.
What’s Going On Right Now?
We’re currently sitting at a frosty 15°F. Add in the wind, and it feels closer to -7°F—yes, negative. Winds are gusting up to 25 mph, making it feel like the cold is cutting right through you. If you’re planning to head out, you’ll need to bundle up like it’s an Arctic expedition.
Your Day-by-Day Survival Guide
- Tuesday (Today): The rest of the day will stay freezing, with highs barely scraping 22°F. Expect lows tonight to drop to a painful 10°F, but the wind will make it feel even worse.
- Wednesday: Sunshine will tease us, but don’t expect warmth. Highs will stick around 22°F, with nighttime temps dipping close to 20°F.
- Thursday: A bit of relief! Highs will climb to 38°F, so enjoy it while it lasts.
- Friday: The warmest day of the week, hitting 41°F, but don’t get too comfortable. By night, temps will drop again to 28°F.
- Saturday: Back to the cold grind. Highs of 34°F during the day, and nighttime lows plummet to 13°F.
- Sunday: The deep freeze returns in full force. Highs will struggle to reach 19°F, and overnight, we’re talking 0°F—yes, zero.
How to Handle This Freezing Weather
- Layer Up Like a Pro: Think thermals, sweaters, coats, scarves, gloves, hats—the works. If you think you’ve got enough layers, add one more.
- Limit Outdoor Time: It doesn’t take long to get frostbite in these conditions. If you have to go out, keep it quick and take breaks indoors to warm up.
- Check on Your People: Make sure older relatives, neighbors, or anyone without reliable heat has everything they need to stay warm.
Why This Matters
This week isn’t just cold—it’s dangerously cold. Walking outside without the proper gear can put you at risk of frostbite or hypothermia, especially with these wind chills. Make smart choices, stay informed, and when in doubt, stay inside.
Chicago, we’ve been through worse—but don’t let your guard down. Stay safe, stay warm, and maybe treat yourself to an extra cup of coffee or hot cocoa today. You’ve earned it!
