Frigid Conditions Aren’t Quite Done with Us Just Yet

Current Forecast

The frigid conditions aren’t quite done with us just yet. Clear skies will help temperatures fall rapidly overnight into Friday morning with several inland locations dropping below zero with wind chills as low as -10 degrees or colder before the bitter cold begins to moderate.

• Friday Morning Temperatures
• Friday Morning Wind Chills

Sunshine helps moderate the chill slightly by afternoon but highs remain well below normal. Some clouds arrive in the afternoon and evening. Winds: Southwest 8-18 mph. High: 21.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, breezy, not as cold. Sporadic flurries, perhaps a snow shower, develop after midnight. Winds: Southwest 10-22 mph and gusty. Low: 16.

Looking Ahead

The coming weekend calls for a more significant warm-up, with Saturday highs all the way up into the mid-30s. Temps drop a little on Sunday before rebounding. Next week looks like it’ll begin with temperatures around 40 degrees.

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 available Monday, Jan. 6 – Friday, Jan. 10:

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.

Cook County will open warming centers in the north, south and west suburbs to help residents combat the extremely cold conditions.

Conclusion

As the winter weather continues to affect the Chicago area, it’s essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe. Remember to check on relatives, neighbors, and friends during a winter weather emergency, and take advantage of the warming centers available throughout the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the warming center hours?

A: Warming centers are open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with reduced locations on holidays.

Q: Can I take my pet to a warming center?

A: Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in warming centers, except for service animals.

Q: How can I stay informed about winter weather emergencies?

A: You can stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts from the City of Chicago or by following local news and weather reports.

Q: What should I do if I lose power during a winter weather emergency?

A: If you lose power, try to stay warm by dressing in layers and using blankets or a sleeping bag. You can also consider going to a nearby warming center or shelter.