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CHICAGO — Residents of Chicago woke up to a biting chill on Thursday morning, as temperatures dipped dramatically across the region.
ABC7’s Accuweather Meteorologist Tracy Butler reported that the high for Thursday is expected to hover in the upper teens, marking a stark drop compared to recent weather. This marks the coldest day since February 20, with the morning’s low bottoming out at a frigid five degrees, compounded by wind chills that felt even colder.
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Looking ahead, Butler warns that Friday morning will bring more of the same, with wind chills predicted to dip below zero once again. The combination of icy temperatures and brisk winds can make stepping outside a bracing experience, as the cold air can take your breath away, requiring a moment for your lungs to acclimate.
Health experts caution that in such freezing conditions, every minute spent outdoors counts. It’s crucial to dress appropriately and limit exposure to avoid any cold-related injuries.
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The cold really slaps you in the face when you walk out the door Thursday and it could be hard to catch your breath for a second, while your lungs adjust to the bitter windchills.
Doctors say minutes matter in the cold, when temperatures drop this low.
They see frostbite issues in the ER for fingers, hands and ears if people are outside for too long. That’s why it’s important to utilize any indoor space you can Thursday and, wear many, many layers.
“In my experience, people don’t appreciate how fast frostbite actually happens. They think I can go get the mail, I can go walk my dog real quick and they don’t realize that this can happen in a matter of minutes,” Dr. Nicholas Cozzi of RUSH University Medical Center said. “We have to be particularly concerned about our young people, our kids, as well as the elderly, so check on your neighbor, make sure that your neighbor is doing well and ultimately we’ll ride this out and we’ll be OK, but you got to take care of yourself and your family.”
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications is encouraging residents to stay indoors if possible, to limit time outside and to download the OEMC app.
“For our vulnerable communities, we want to make sure that they can call 311 for well-being checks if they need assistance with sheltering placement,” said Matt Doughtie with OEMC. “Please limit your time outside. Limit your time on the roadways if possible.”
NIPSCO, the Northern Indiana Public Service Company, is also working to keep customers safe with a few early pointers, like using space heaters with caution, making sure all heating appliances are operating properly and never using a stove or oven as a source for heating your home.
“If you’re experiencing any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which could be headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing or even feeling ill or tired while at home, you want to make sure that you are calling, getting the appropriate medical assistance that you need, as well,” said Joshauna Nash with NIPSCO.
