Chicago Weather Update: Cold Temperatures Expected to Continue
The seasonably cold January weather is sticking around Chicagoland this week, with early-morning temperatures Wednesday expected to be in the single digits away from the lake and in the teens closer to the lake. Winds out of the northwest will drop wind-chill values to around zero in some locations.
Wednesday afternoon highs will reach the mid-20s, with conditions staying quiet and mostly sunny skies early, increasing clouds and flurries possible later. Northwest winds will gust up to 15 miles per hour.
Temps will dip down into the teens overnight, then Thursday looks to be pretty pleasant for this time of year, with highs possibly reaching the upper 20s and mostly sunny skies and calm winds.
The next chance for snow appears to be Friday during the morning commute hours, though it doesn’t appear to be anything major.
Looking Ahead
The weekend looks to bring a bit of a warm-up, with temps possibly getting back to freezing. However, real frigid temps look to be in store for early next week, at least according to early forecast models, with Tuesday highs only in the teens.
Warming Centers
The City of Chicago coordinates a network of more than 190 public facilities available for warming. This includes participating Chicago Public Library locations, Chicago Park District, Chicago Police Department and City Colleges of Chicago facilities during business or designated hours.
Department of Family & Support Services
The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services activates warming areas at the city’s six community service centers when temps are 32 degrees or below.
- The warming areas are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with reduced locations on holidays.
- Under extreme cold conditions, as defined by the National Weather Service and communicated by OEMC, warming center hours of operation at 10 S. Kedzie may be extended.
- Seniors are welcome at any of DFSS’s 21 senior centers. DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather. Visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for senior center locations and hours.
- Those seeking a warm place to go after hours can also call 3-1-1 to be connected with available services.
- Individuals requiring emergency overnight shelter should also call 3-1-1.
- DFSS Homeless Outreach and Prevention (HOP) teams and street outreach partners work proactively with unhoused individuals to connect with warming options, shelter and well-being checks.
- Residents are also encouraged to check on relatives, neighbors and friends during a winter weather emergency.
Warming Center Locations
- All Community Service Centers (9 a.m.-5 p.m.):
- Englewood Community Service Center – 1140 West 79th Street.
- Garfield Community Service Center – 10 South Kedzie Avenue.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center – 4314 South Cottage Grove.
- North Area Community Service Center – 845 West Wilson Avenue.
- South Chicago Community Service Center – 8650 South Commercial Avenue.
- Trina Davila Community Service Center – 4312 West North Avenue.
- Senior Centers (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) – visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for locations.
- Chicago Public Library locations – visit chipublib.org for hours and locations.
Conclusion
As the cold weather continues, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and well-being. Make sure to check on vulnerable individuals, such as seniors and those experiencing homelessness, and provide them with warm clothing and shelter if needed. Stay informed about weather updates and warming center locations to ensure you’re prepared for the cold temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the warming center locations?
A: The warming center locations are listed above, including all community service centers, senior centers, and Chicago Public Library locations.
Q: Are there any special hours for warming centers?
A: Yes, warming centers are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with reduced locations on holidays. Under extreme cold conditions, hours of operation may be extended.
Q: Can I call for emergency overnight shelter?
A: Yes, individuals requiring emergency overnight shelter should call 3-1-1.
Q: Are there any special services for seniors?
A: Yes, seniors are welcome at any of DFSS’s 21 senior centers, and DFSS partners with OEMC to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather.
