This morning, Chicagoans awoke to frigid Arctic air that crushed a 79-year-old record.
Wind chills accompanied by 20 mph gusts make the temperature feel as cold and biting as 30 degrees below zero, according to a wind chill advisory issued by the National Weather Service.
The temperature at O’Hare Airport this morning was 8 degrees below zero, eclipsing the Feb. 19 record of 7 below, set in 1936, the NWS said. The wind chill was (ouch) 28 below.
But take heart, Chicagoans. Today’s low temperature pales in comparison to the record set on Jan. 20, 1985, when it was minus 27 below zero with a wind chill of 77 degrees zero.
The iciness won’t release its grip on the region for another couple of days, so make sure to follow CUB’s tips for keeping your home safe, warm and affordable.
