Introduction to Extreme Cold in Chicago
Chicago Public Schools is canceling all classes on Friday as temperatures are expected to drop to well below zero in the region. All CPS school buildings will be closed to the public Friday, the school district announced shortly after 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
Reason for Cancellation
“With dangerously frigid temperatures expected tomorrow and a warning from the National Weather Service that wind chills could reach -35 degrees, it will be unsafe for students and staff to travel to school,” the district said in a news release. “Dangerously cold wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.” Extracurricular activities, sports games, and practices are also canceled Friday. There will be no remote learning either, and classes are expected to resume as scheduled on Monday, the district said.
The forecast for Chicago calls for extreme cold starting Friday. Credit: NWSChicago/X
Extreme Cold Warning
An extreme cold warning has been issued for Chicago from 3 a.m.-noon Friday, when temperatures may struggle to eclipse zero degrees and wind chills could make it feel as cold as negative 35 degrees, the weather service reported. The dangerous cold is expected to last through the weekend. With temperatures this low, the weather service recommends staying inside if possible, and if you have to go out, make sure to cover any exposed skin, Zachary Yack, a meteorologist for the weather service, told Block Club this week.
Preparing for Extreme Cold
Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for and stay safe in the extreme cold.
Warming Centers Open
The city’s network of warming centers will be open during business hours Friday, including:
- 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
Warming Centers available on Saturday and Sunday:
- Garfield Center at 10 S. Kedzie, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. each day.
- Chicago Public Library locations, open during operating hours.
- Chicago Park District locations, open during operating hours.
- Chicago Police Districts, 24 hours.
How to Dress
- Dress in layers.
- Don’t leave your skin exposed to the cold.
- Remove wet clothing.
During periods of extreme cold, officials have advised Chicagoans to cover up and stay inside as much as possible. Frostbite can develop on exposed skin in just a few minutes during deep cold.
Tips for staying warm in extreme cold. Credit: NWSChicago/X
Chicago Heat Ordinance
- Requirements vary.
- Call 311 if you have an issue.
Landlords are required to supply heat to units during the winter under the Chicago Heat Ordinance. People who live in a residential building with shared heating should have their
