Chicago braces for life-threatening cold with wind chills near -20°F
Cold front brings dangerous weather to Chicago. Here's what to know.
Even with plummeting temperatures, some things can be done ahead of time to avoid troubles come Thursday morning.
Chicago is bracing for dangerously low temperatures as wind chills plunge to between -10 and -20 degrees from Wednesday night. The sudden arrival of snow and freezing conditions has caught many residents off guard, with the cold snap hitting earlier than forecasted.
The extreme cold has prompted city officials to open nearly 300 public buildings as warming centers. However, most of these locations will only remain accessible during standard business hours. For those needing overnight shelter, police stations remain open 24/7, and the city’s 311 service can direct people to available resources.
The sudden freeze has forced Chicagoans to adjust quickly, with snow already covering the ground. With wind chills set to stay dangerously low for at least two more days, residents must follow safety measures to avoid risks. The city’s emergency services and warming centers are ready to assist those in need.