Bitter Cold Air Grips Chicago and the Upper Midwest
If you didn’t feel acclimated to Thursday’s bitter frigid air, there may be good reason: it’s been a bit since the area has been this cold.
Record-Low Temperatures
The day’s official low temperature of 4 degrees marked the chilliest reading since last January, nearly 11 months ago, and conditions didn’t improve much into the afternoon hours.
Highs and Lows
The day’s high only managed to reach 15-degrees, a level 22-degrees below normal and colder than any low temperature observed all of last December.
A comparison of temperatures
[Image: WX-12122024-Highs-Lows-ORD-MDW-LKE.png]
Almanac
[Image: WX-12122024-ALMANAC.png]
Comparison to 2023
[Image: WX-12122024-Comparison-2023.png]
Wind Chill Temperatures
[Table: WX-12122024-LOW-TEMPS-TABLE.png]
[Table: WX-12122024-WIND-CHILL-TABLE.png]
Regional Temperatures
Chicago was not alone in the bitter chill. Much of the Upper Midwest shivered with high temperatures significantly below normal.
[Image: WX-12122024-USA-to-Alaska-today-MAX-TEMPS.png]
Warm-up Ahead
A warm-up gets underway beginning Friday afternoon, but the coming weekend will feature highs well into the 40s by Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How cold was it in Chicago on Thursday?
A: The day’s official low temperature was 4 degrees, the chilliest reading since last January.
Q: How low were temperatures in the Upper Midwest?
A: Much of the region experienced high temperatures significantly below normal.
Q: When will the warm-up begin?
A: A warm-up is expected to begin on Friday afternoon.
Q: What will the weekend weather be like?
A: The coming weekend will feature highs well into the 40s by Sunday.
