A cold wave is gripping Chicago, with temperatures plunging well below seasonal norms and making Monday one of the coldest days in recent memory. The average temperature Tuesday is 16 degrees, a sharp deviation of 9.2 degrees below the five-year historical average of 25.2. Combined with brisk winds and low humidity, these conditions are bringing an Arctic chill to the Windy City.
Why It Matters
The dramatic drop in temperatures highlights a continuation of the Midwest's colder-than-usual start to the year. Tuesday's west winds, gusting up to 25 mph, are expected to exacerbate the chill factor, creating harsh conditions for residents venturing outdoors. While precipitation remains minimal with a 3 percent chance of snow, the region's weather stands in stark contrast to the warmer January conditions seen in recent years.
What To Know
The city faces persistent cold through midweek, with sunny skies doing little to warm up the air. On Tuesday, temperatures are forecast to peak at 16 during the day before falling to 9. On Wednesday, a slight rise is expected, with highs near 22 degrees and nighttime lows around 17.
Wind chill values, a concern for public safety, are predicted to hover near zero during the mornings. The National Weather Service advises residents to limit outdoor exposure and utilize warming centers available across Chicago. Senior centers and public libraries are among the designated shelters for those seeking reprieve from the cold.
While snowfall has been below average for the season, lake-effect snow could sporadically affect parts of northern Illinois, potentially reducing visibility during commutes. According to WTTW News, the region narrowly avoided record-breaking snowfall last week but could see renewed flurries depending on wind shifts along Lake Michigan.
What People Are Saying
The City of Chicago Emergency Management Office alerted residents to the cold temperatures on Facebook saying "It is COLD this morning and the below freezing temps are sticking around for much of the week. Chicago's six warming centers are open today through Wednesday if you need a place to get out of the cold."
In another post, the City of Chicago Emergency Management Office said, "We're dealing with another snowy commute this morning. If you're heading out today, give yourself some extra time and some extra space between you and the car in front of you."
What's Next
Chicago's extended forecast indicates a gradual warming trend starting next week, with highs potentially reaching the upper 30s. But experts remain cautious, citing variability in long-term weather models. Residents are urged to prepare for continued cold, monitor updates and take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.
This winter underscores the unpredictable nature of weather in Chicago, where even the briefest temperature spikes come as a welcome respite in an otherwise frigid season.
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