It’s going to be colder in Chicago this week than in parts of Alaska.
Yup, you heard the right. Chicagoans enjoyed a reprieve from the extreme cold this past weekend, but the bitter temps are back with a vengeance.
Arctic Blast to Hit Wednesday Night
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a special weather statement for the Chicago area Wednesday morning, ahead of what’s being dubbed an “arctic blast.”
According to the statement, snow showers are expected this afternoon, with the potential for low visibility and quick accumulations. The NWS advises travelers to prepare for delays and hazardous road conditions during the evening commute.
Overnight, temperatures will plunge into the single digits, with wind chills as low as -14 degrees and gusts up to 40 mph. Anyone who must be outside during this time is advised to layer up considerably and avoid skin exposure.
Thursday will see a high of just 18 degrees in the Windy City, followed by an overnight low of 15 degrees.
Colder in Chicago than in Alaska
How do these predictions compare to those of our northerly neighbors? Anchorage and Nome Alaska will see temperatures right around the freezing mark for the majority of the week.
Wednesday’s overnight low in Anchorage will be a toasty 30 degrees, a whole 26 degrees warmer than in Chicago!
How to Prepare
With dangerously cold weather on the way, it’s important to stay warm and safe. During extreme cold snaps, the city advises residents to stay indoors in a heated room as much as possible.
City dwellers can reduce drafts and better insulate their homes by covering gaps in windows and doors with blankets.
Residents should ensure that all alternative heating methods including fireplaces, space heaters, and other gas powered appliances are properly ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you must venture outdoors, be sure to layer up with multiple articles of loose fitting clothing.
During extreme cold snaps, warming centers will be open around the city for anyone needing a convenient place to escape the cold.
Click here for more information about winter weather safety in Chicago.