Bitter Cold Temperatures Loom Over Chicago, Officials Urge Residents to Stay Indoors
Residents of the Chicago area are bracing for a brutally cold weekend as temperatures plummet and wind chills dip into the single digits. The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory for most of northern Illinois, warning that it will be "pretty cold" before things start to warm up.
The coldest winds are expected on Saturday night, with wind chills reaching as low as -20 degrees, making it feel like -15 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. While there's only a slight chance of light snowfall, temperatures are still expected to drop significantly throughout the weekend.
Health officials are urging residents to take precautions by staying indoors and avoiding unnecessary trips outside. However, for those who must venture out, experts recommend dressing warmly in layers, protecting extremities, and being mindful of potential hypothermia.
The city has also set up warming centers for those who may be struggling to stay warm. Cook County will operate three suburban warming centers starting at 8:30 a.m. on Friday until December 15. Meanwhile, apartment units are required by law to maintain a minimum temperature of 68 degrees during the day and 66 degrees at night.
For Bears fans heading to Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, dressing in layers is crucial. Fans should also be aware that drinking alcohol can draw away body heat, making it even harder to stay warm.
With temperatures expected to drop further by next week, residents are advised to prepare for a prolonged period of cold weather. The Illinois Tollway Authority has increased its 24-hour patrol crews on highways to help respond quickly to stranded motorists.
Residents can call *999 for roadside assistance and should stay in their vehicle until crew arrives.
Residents of the Chicago area are bracing for a brutally cold weekend as temperatures plummet and wind chills dip into the single digits. The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory for most of northern Illinois, warning that it will be "pretty cold" before things start to warm up.
The coldest winds are expected on Saturday night, with wind chills reaching as low as -20 degrees, making it feel like -15 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. While there's only a slight chance of light snowfall, temperatures are still expected to drop significantly throughout the weekend.
Health officials are urging residents to take precautions by staying indoors and avoiding unnecessary trips outside. However, for those who must venture out, experts recommend dressing warmly in layers, protecting extremities, and being mindful of potential hypothermia.
The city has also set up warming centers for those who may be struggling to stay warm. Cook County will operate three suburban warming centers starting at 8:30 a.m. on Friday until December 15. Meanwhile, apartment units are required by law to maintain a minimum temperature of 68 degrees during the day and 66 degrees at night.
For Bears fans heading to Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, dressing in layers is crucial. Fans should also be aware that drinking alcohol can draw away body heat, making it even harder to stay warm.
With temperatures expected to drop further by next week, residents are advised to prepare for a prolonged period of cold weather. The Illinois Tollway Authority has increased its 24-hour patrol crews on highways to help respond quickly to stranded motorists.
Residents can call *999 for roadside assistance and should stay in their vehicle until crew arrives.
[image of a bear shivering] Ugh, Chicago is FREEZING this weekend! 
Who needs the Browns game when you can just stay indoors with a hot cup of cocoa? 
️ Stay warm, stay safe, and don't forget to bundle up like a snowman! 
[gifs of snowmen and penguins]
. It's not just the freezing temps that are a concern, it's also the wind chill and potential hypothermia... they need some extra care. And what about our furry friends? Their owners gotta make sure they're warm too, or else they might get really stressed out 
. I'm hoping everyone stays safe and sound this weekend 
Chicago's been having some crazy cold snaps lately and it's getting to me. I remember one time when my friends and I went to a Blackhawks game during the polar vortex and we had to literally freeze our butts off in the stands 
️
. This winter has been rough, but I guess that's just part of living in the Midwest, right? The city's warming centers are super helpful though - my neighbor actually went to one last week because she couldn't afford heat at home 
. We should really consider being more prepared for this kind of thing... it's not all fun and games when you're stuck without power or heat 
.
i feel bad for the people who gotta deal with this cold, especially the ones who r struggling to stay warm 
. but on a more positive note, its great that the city's set up those warming centers for ppl in need 
. & let's not forget about all the fans gettin ready for sunday's game - layer up, bears! 
My cat's gonna be so jealous though! 
Can't say I blame fans for dressing in layers tho, that sounds like a solid plan. 
The impending cold snap is a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of our environment, particularly in urban areas like Chicago where the density of population can exacerbate hypothermia risks. It's crucial that residents exercise extreme caution when venturing out into the tempestuous weather. Dressing in layers and taking regular breaks to warm up indoors are prudent measures to mitigate the effects of cold-induced physiological stress. 
! I'm all about DIY solutions when it comes to staying warm at home - just set up a hot water bottle with rice in it and wrap a towel around it for instant hand warmth 
. And don't even get me started on layers - I swear, you can never have too many sweaters and thermal tops 
!
! I live pretty close to the city and I'm all about dressing up warm for those crazy wind chills. I've got a whole winter coat, gloves, and a hat just waiting to be put away 
I also love the warming centers idea... it's so cool (literally) that the city is looking out for everyone who might need some extra help staying warm 
and btw, have anyone else noticed how cold their apartment is? mine feels like an igloo in here 
!
. If you gotta go out, bundle up like crazy and don't forget your hand warmers! And for all the Bears fans heading to the game, dress in layers... trust me on that one 
. Stay safe and stay warm, Chicago! 
anyway, i'm just gonna stay indoors with a hot cup of cocoa 
. On one hand, I get it, some people can't afford to heat their homes, but can't they just wear layers and stuff too?!