Sunday saw blistering cold temperatures in the single digits and wind chills at 30 degrees, making it the coldest day of the season so far, and the cold is expected to stay, forecasters said.
Temperatures will struggle to climb past 20 degrees this week, with wind chills below zero common at night and dipping to as low as minus 20 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
“It looks like we are locked into this cold pattern at least through next weekend, and there are some signs that temps may plunge even colder next weekend, so long story short, it’s here to stay,” National Weather Service forecaster Brett Borchardt said Sunday.
And more snow could be on the way, forecasters say.
While heavy accumulations are not expected, light snow may fall over the area Monday, the weather service said. Another wave of snowflakes could come Thursday afternoon.
The potential for more snow comes after another winter storm reached the area Saturday, dropping about 1 inch of snow on top of more than a foot that’s already blanketed the city.
As of midnight Sunday, 0.8 inches of snow was reported at Midway Airport and 0.7 inches at O’Hare Airport.
A light dusting of snow is possible this evening south of I-80. Another round of accumulating snow and slippery travel conditions is expected Monday, with the steadiest snow expected during the afternoon and evening hours. Prepare for the Monday PM commute to be slower. pic.twitter.com/ov4g9DGc9q
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 7, 2021
Officials in Chicago announced last week that warming centers at the city’s Garfield Community Service Center and Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center would remain open throughout the cold spell. While those sites were expected to close at 5 p.m. Sunday, Chicagoans hoping to get out of the cold can also call 311 to be matched with a shelter or visit one of the city’s police districts any time.
Over the weekend, 74 Chicago Public Library locations and select Chicago Park District buildings are also being used as warming sites during normal operating hours. And the Renaissance Court, located within the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington St., will be available as a warming center each day through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
The city’s normal warming centers, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, are:
- 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, 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
- Trina Davila Community Service Center, 4312 W. North Ave.
For more information, residents can call city services at 311 or visit chicago.gov/fss.
A list of suburban Cook County warming centers can be found here.
