Chicago is facing extremely cold temperatures this week, with wind chills dropping as low as -20°F, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). A cold weather advisory remains in effect until Tuesday at noon, with winds reaching up to 15 mph before calming later in the day.
Tuesday’s Weather Forecast
- High Temperature: 12°F
- Low Temperature: 2°F
- Wind Chills: Between -15°F and -25°F
Even as the wind slows, wind chill temperatures will still feel between -5°F and 0°F during the day, while Tuesday night could bring wind chills around -10°F, especially in suburban areas, said NWS meteorologist Todd Kluber.
Gradual Warm-Up Expected
Temperatures will slowly rise throughout the week, but Chicago likely won’t see temperatures above 20°F until Thursday or Friday. Most of the week will stay dry, with only a slight chance of lake-effect snow near the lake on Wednesday night. However, the snow might stay further south.
The Polar Vortex Brings Dangerous Cold
This cold weather is part of a polar vortex, which is pushing freezing Arctic air from the North Pole into the U.S. and Europe. It is the coldest polar vortex of the season and has caused extreme cold warnings across 11 states, from Canada to Texas.
The bitter cold follows weekend storms that brought floods to the eastern U.S., killing at least 13 people.
Frostbite & Hypothermia Risks
With temperatures this low, frostbite can happen in 30 minutes or less. To stay safe:
- Wear multiple layers of loose, warm clothing.
- Keep skin covered when going outside.
- Watch for hypothermia symptoms, including numb skin, pale appearance, slow speech, memory loss, shivering, drowsiness, and exhaustion. Seek medical help if needed.
Travel Safety
Drivers should carry emergency supplies, including phone chargers, in case they get stranded.
Warming Centers in Chicago
To help residents stay warm, several warming centers are open across the city:
📍 Salvation Army Freedom Center – 825 N. Christiana Ave. (Call 311 for transportation)
📍 Chicago Community Service Centers (Open Mon-Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM):
- Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave. (312) 746-5400
- Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th St. (312) 747-0200
- Martin Luther King Center – 4314 S. Cottage Grove (312) 747-2300
- North Area Center – 845 W. Wilson Ave. (312) 744-2580
- South Chicago Center – 8650 S. Commercial Ave. (312) 747-0500
- Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave. (312) 744-2014
Additionally, libraries, park districts, and senior centers serve as warming locations. Anyone needing help after hours can call 311 to find shelter.
Stay warm and take precautions against the cold!