Chicagoans brave record-breaking freeze, don ski goggles for Wednesday commute

Temperatures fell so low Wednesday, it was Chicago’s coldest Jan. 30 on record, but that didn’t stop many Chicagoans from waking up, getting dressed and heading to work.

Sure, the minus-22 degree temps can cause frost bite on exposed skin in as little as five minutes, but locals were prepared. They bundled up in hats, scarves, gloves, fur hoods and even ski googles to protect themselves from the “life-threatening” freeze.

Here are some photos taken during the morning commute Wednesday by Sun-Times photo editor Rich Hein, who was also outside, braving the cold while on the job.

A lone pedestrian crosses the Chicago River on Jackson Blvd. early Wednesday, January 30, 2019. | Rich Hein/Sun-Times

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A lone pedestrian crosses the Chicago River early Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. | Rich Hein/Sun-Times

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A bundled-up commuter makes his way through the loop early Wednesday, January 30, 2019. | Rich Hein/Sun-Times | Rich Hein/Sun-Times

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A bundled-up commuter shows his colors as he ventures out of Union Station early Wednesday, January 30, 2019. | Rich Hein/Sun-Times

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Lisa Laws is bundled up as she has a CTA bus to herself early Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. | Rich Hein/Sun-Times

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A bundled-up commuter makes his way through the loop early Wednesday, January 30, 2019. | Rich Hein/Sun-Times

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In Pilsen, Yadira Ramirez opened Panaderia Nuevo Leon at 5:30 a.m. Though she usually drives to work, her pickup didn’t start Wednesday morning, so she walked.

“Yeah, it was cold. I couldn’t feel my fingers after awhile,” she said in Spanish.

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