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Chicago Braces for Deep Freeze: Coldest Since 2019
22 Jan
Summary
- An Arctic front brings Chicago its coldest weather since the 2019 Polar vortex.
- Wind chills are expected to reach life-threatening levels of -20 to -40 degrees.
- Numerous warming centers are opening across Chicago and surrounding counties.
An Arctic front is bringing the coldest temperatures to the Chicago area since the record-breaking Polar vortex event in 2019. An Extreme Cold Warning has been issued, with forecasts predicting dangerously frigid conditions from late Thursday night into Friday morning. Wind chills are expected to plummet to life-threatening levels, ranging from -20 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Due to the severe weather, Chicago Public Schools has canceled all classes and after-school activities for Friday, deeming travel unsafe for students and staff. Remote learning will not be offered. Meanwhile, the City of Chicago, along with Evanston and Cook County, has opened multiple warming centers to provide refuge for residents needing to escape the extreme cold.
These centers, located in community service centers, libraries, park facilities, and even suburban courthouses, will offer a safe space with basic amenities. While dangerous, the current predicted temperatures are not as extreme as the -21 degrees Fahrenheit recorded in Chicago during the 2019 event. Lake-effect snow showers are also possible in Northwest Indiana on Friday.
