Chicago arctic blast: Tips for staying warm as temps plunge
CHICAGO - The Chicago area is gearing up for its coldest stretch of the season.
An arctic cold front is forecast to push temperatures into the 20s on Saturday, single digits on Sunday, and likely below zero by Sunday night. Wind chills could dip as low as -20° to -30°, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for those exposed to the elements.
Warming Centers
What we know:
When temperatures are at 32° or below, the City of Chicago activates warming areas at its six community service centers, which normally operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, hours may be extended during the extreme cold.
Residents are advised to call 3-1-1 if they're seeking a warm place to go after hours, or if they're in need of additional support.
Chicago Park District facilities and Chicago Public Libraries also provide safe spaces for residents during typical business hours.
Warming Center Locations
Saturday through Monday
- Garfield Community Service Center - 10 South Kedzie Avenue, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday and Monday
- Chicago Public Library (78 locations) - Visit chipublib.org for hours and locations (Libraries will be closed on Monday)
- Chicago Park District (59 locations) will be open during hours of operation
- 59 field houses open on Monday - Chicago Park District Locations open MLK Holiday
- Chicago Police Districts (22 locations)
Tuesday through Friday
- Englewood Community Service Center - 1140 West 79th Street (312-747-0200)
- Garfield Community Service Center - 10 South Kedzie Avenue (312-746-5400)
- Martin Luther King Community Service Center - 4314 South Cottage Grove (312-747-2300)
- North Area Community Service Center - 845 West Wilson Avenue (312-744-2580)
- South Chicago Community Service Center - 8650 South Commercial Avenue (312-747-0500)
- Trina Davila Community Service Center - 4312 West North Avenue (312-744-2014)
Click here for more winter resources
Additionally, The Salvation Army’s Freedom Center will operate as a warming center 24/7, located at 825 North Christiana Ave.
Tips to stay warm
What you can do:
The Chicago Department of Public Health offers these tips to stay safe in the extreme cold:
- Wear several layers of loose, warm clothing, paying special attention to keeping your head, ears, hands and feet warm.
- Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves.
- Stay as dry as possible - being wet makes your body lose heat much faster than normal.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages, as alcohol dilates blood vessels, which makes the body lose heat faster.
- Use caution when using electric heaters and clear the area of clothing and blankets.
- Gas ovens and burners should never be used to heat your home.
- Naloxone/Narcan freezes below 5 degrees Fahrenheit. If someone is experiencing an overdose, do not wait for it to thaw, call 9-1-1.
- Avoid alcohol, as it can cause your body to lose heat more quickly.
- Use electric heaters with care—keep them clear of clothing and blankets.
- Never use gas ovens or burners to heat your home.
Future Forecast
What's next:
The bitter cold will persist through Monday and Tuesday.
Temperatures are expected to climb slightly by Wednesday, with highs in the 20s under mostly sunny skies. Some snow showers are possible on Thursday.
The Source: The information in this article was provided by FOX 32's Chief Meteorologist Emily Wahls and the Chicago Department of Public Health.