CHICAGO — Winter’s Icy Grip Remains Firmly in Place
Winter’s icy grip is firmly on Chicagoland, with frigid wind chills and periods of lake-effect snow continuing on Monday in the wake of a major winter storm that’s sweeping through the Midwest and making its way east.
Lake-Effect Snow and Winter Weather Advisory
The major snowfall stayed well south of Chicagoland, but a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for central and northern Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties in Illinois and Kenosha and Racine counties in southeastern Wisconsin until 4 p.m. Monday. Those areas could see 1 to 3 inches of snowfall, with higher localized totals closer to the lake. The lake-effect snow then shifts later Monday from the North Shore areas to southern Cook County and Northwest Indiana.
Temperatures and Wind Chills
Temperatures will remain seasonably cold throughout Monday, with especially frigid wind-chill values. Highs will reach the upper 20s by the afternoon hours in terms of real temp, but with winds out of the north/northeast gusting to 30 miles per hour, wind chills will be down in the mid- to upper teens around Chicagoland.
Warming Centers
See below for information on warming centers for those who may be seeking shelter from the frigid temps.
Warming Centers for Monday, January 6 – Friday, January 10
- All Community Service Centers: 9 a.m. to 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. to 4:30 p.m. – visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for locations
- Chicago Public Library locations, visit chipublib.org for hours and locations
Looking Ahead
The extended outlook calls for more sunshine and high temps in the 20s on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday is projected to bring more clouds, but highs will creep closer to 30, with a chance of snow showers later in the day. The coming weekend looks to get close to freezing for highs, with more sun on Saturday than on Sunday. Overall, our current cold snap is expected to last at least through the middle of the month.
Additional Information
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Winter Weather Advisory?
A Winter Weather Advisory is issued when a hazardous weather condition is expected to occur, which includes heavy snow, freezing rain, or sleet. It serves as a warning to people to take necessary precautions and prepare for the weather.
What is a Warming Center?
A Warming Center is a public facility that provides a warm and safe place for people to escape the cold. It is usually open to the public and provides basic amenities like food, water, and restrooms.
How can I stay informed about winter weather?
You can stay informed about winter weather by visiting the National Weather Service website, following local news outlets, and signing up for emergency alerts from your local government.
I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.
