Chicago-area schools were hit with another cold morning, prompting some to remain on e-learning schedules. But does that include Chicago Public Schools?
Over 100 schools in the city and suburbs either closed or moved to online learning due to extreme cold, with wind chills as low as -30. The Emergency Closing Center reported at least nine schools in the Chicago area were on e-learning schedules Wednesday, with most located in the southeastern suburbs, including elementary, middle, and high schools in Crete, Monee, and University Park.
One of the affected schools, Crete-Monee High School, extended its e-learning day until Wednesday, January 22nd, citing the district’s inability to have a fully operational student transportation fleet due to the extreme cold. Chicago Public Schools, however, remained open on Wednesday, despite being closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Tuesday for a "Teacher Institute Day."
A list of schools that were delayed or on e-learning schedules can be found on the NBC website.
Chicago Forecast
Good news, however, as NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman reported that temperatures will be back in the 20s on Wednesday, with "feels-like" temperatures in the teens. Roman noted that the cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings had shifted to the southern part of the U.S., where winter storms were bringing significant snowfall.
Temperatures through the end of the week in the Chicago area are expected to remain in the 20s, rebounding over the weekend and late next week. Roman predicted that most of next week will stay above the average of 31 degrees and above freezing.
Snow on the Way; Accumulation Possible
As temperatures warm slightly on Wednesday, snow is expected to move in, with snowfall beginning around 8 a.m. in the Chicago area. The snow will start north of I-80 around that time, with widespread snow showers expected to continue on-and-off through Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Accumulations of between one and one-and-a-half inches of snow are possible, with snow gradually coming to an end on Wednesday night. However, very cold ground temperatures will lead to slippery travel on untreated roadways, according to the National Weather Service.
Lake effect snow is possible in Porter County in Northwest Indiana on Thursday.
Conclusion
While the extreme cold has brought some disruptions, the forecast indicates that temperatures will begin to rebound over the weekend and late next week. The snowfall on Wednesday is expected to be light, but slippery road conditions will still be a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Chicago Public Schools remain open on Wednesday?
A: Yes, Chicago Public Schools were open on Wednesday, despite being closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Q: How many schools are affected by the e-learning schedules?
A: At least nine schools in the Chicago area were on e-learning schedules on Wednesday.
Q: What is the expected snow accumulation?
A: Accumulations of between one and one-and-a-half inches of snow are possible.
Q: Will the road conditions be slippery?
A: Yes, very cold ground temperatures will lead to slippery travel on untreated roadways.
