Chicago faced extremely cold weather on Tuesday, with temperatures dropping to 9 degrees below zero. Strong winds of up to 15 mph made it feel even colder, with wind chills reaching 29 degrees below zero. These freezing conditions led to at least one death, as an 88-year-old woman in Palos Heights passed away, likely due to cold exposure. Her cause of death was related to heart disease, but cold exposure was listed as a secondary cause.
To stay safe, many Chicagoans took extra steps to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. For example, Grace Brase from Lake View East decided to skip her usual 15-minute bus ride and take an Uber instead to stay warm. She also bundled up extra layers to protect herself from the cold. The cold was so intense that officials issued a cold weather advisory, urging people to stay indoors as much as possible. Anyone going outside should cover all exposed skin to avoid frostbite.
Wind chills were expected to be near 15 to 20 degrees below zero overnight and into Wednesday morning. While it was the coldest day of the winter so far, it didn’t break any records. The record low for January 21st was 22 degrees below zero in 1984. However, some relief is on the way. Temperatures on Wednesday are forecast to rise to the teens or low 20s, but there’s also a chance of snow in the evening, which could make roads slippery.
To help people stay safe, the city has opened warming centers. These centers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and libraries also serve as warming centers with longer hours. Some of the key centers include the Garfield, Englewood, and Martin Luther King Community Service Centers. Cook County also has courthouse warming centers open until Wednesday afternoon, and the Salvation Army’s Freedom Center in Humboldt Park is open 24 hours.
Here are some important safety tips:
- Winterize your car and keep extra supplies in case of an emergency.
- Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Wear several layers of warm clothing, especially on your head, hands, and feet.
- Stay dry, as wet clothes lose their warmth.
- Get enough sleep, eat high-energy foods, and drink warm beverages.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible during these extreme temperatures.
By following these tips and using warming centers, people can stay safe during this freezing weather.
