CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicagoans woke up on Monday to another day of subzero temperatures, and weather experts warn that the arctic blast will last at least a few more days before it lets up, with wind chill temperatures diving as low as minus 40 degrees below zero.
The dangerously cold temperatures could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes, National Weather Service (NWS) officials said. Below, find an updated look at the week ahead and an up-to-date rundown of local warming centers.
NWS issued a wind chill warning for parts of Cook and Will Counties, as well as for DeKalb, Kane, Lake, LaSalle, and McHenry Counties. The warning will remain in effect until noon Tuesday, with a wind chill advisory in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Even as the temperature warms up on Wednesday, AccuWeather Meterologist Joe Lundberg told WBBM that the week's high temperatures won't get much higher than the teens through Saturday.
Although new rounds of snow aren't in the forecast for the next few days, NWS Chicago said blowing and drifting snow could likely cause poor visibility on north-south roads, with white-out conditions possible in some spots. Officials added that snow will drift onto previously cleared roads.
NWS Chicago reminded residents to limit their time outside and to be sure to cover all exposed skin. Pets should not spend any more than 10 minutes at a time outside.
Where to get warm
As a result of the bitter cold, officials in Chicago and Cook County have opened dozens of additional warming centers.
Starting Saturday, Mayor Brandon Johnson said the lower level of Harold Washington Library would serve as a 24/7 warming center through Wednesday. He added that migrants awaiting shelter at the landing zone would be transported to the library. The city's six other warming centers, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., can be found below.
Chicago warming centers, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-Englewood Community Service Center, 1140 W. 79th St.
-Garfield Community Service Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
-Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
-North Area Community Service Center, 845 W. Wilson Ave.
-South Chicago Community Service Center, 8560 S. Commercial Ave.
-Trina Davila Community Service Center, 4312 W. North Ave.
On Monday, the City of Chicago said multiple Chicago Park District facilities to serve as warming centers all over the city. Find a full list of Chicago Park District warming centers here, while a complete list of warming centers located in the city can be found here.
The district said landscape crews have been working to make sure the sidewalks and parking lots are clear of snow and ice. Meanwhile, it has closed outdoor skating rinks and the Lakefront Path between North Avenue and Ohio Street Beach.
The Department of Family and Support Services has activated drop-in centers to provide extended hours to people experiencing homelessness. Find the full list of locations here.
Cook County is opening 24-hour warming centers in the north, west and south suburbs for residents, who do not have "adequate access to heat". The warming centers will open at 3 p.m. Saturday and run continuously until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 16.
The county’s warming centers will provide water and snacks as well as access to restrooms. Residents are permitted to bring pets in cages or carriers.
Cook County warming centers, open 24/7
-Skokie Courthouse: 5600 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077
-Maywood Courthouse: 1500 Maybrook Dr., Maywood, IL 60153
-Markham Courthouse: 16501 S. Kedzie Ave., Markham, IL 60428
Individual municipalities around the county also operate warming centers. The Hours of operation as well as locations can be found here.
The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security is reminding residents to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves during extreme, cold weather.
-Never use your oven for heat.
-Never bring charcoal or gas grills indoors (they are a carbon monoxide hazard).
-Make sure all portable heaters are unplugged when not in use. Use electric space heaters with extreme caution. Avoid placing them near curtains or other flammable materials and turn them off before going to bed.
-Keep heat at adequate levels or leave faucets open with a slight drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
-Keep moving. Your body generates its own heat when you engage in physical activities.
WBBM's Nancy Harty contributed to this report.
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