Chicagoans woke up Friday to sub-zero temperatures, the first time in nearly a year the mercury has dipped into the negatives.
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According to the National Weather Service, Chicago typically experiences eight mornings per year with lows below zero — so only seven more to go.
The high temperature will struggle to make it out of the teens Friday, with wind chills making it feel much colder.
In anticipation of the cold snap, officials issued reminders and tips:
— To prevent frozen pipes, keep a trickle of water running at the faucet farthest from where the main water line enters your home.
— If a pipe does freeze, use a blow dryer or a heating pad to thaw it — never an open flame.
— Keep space heaters at least six feet away from flammable material. Plug directly into an outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
— Open window coverings when (if) the sun is out to help warm your home. Close them at night to retain heat and reduce drafts.
— Chicago landlords are required to heat units to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and at least 66 degrees Fahrenheit from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Tenants should call 311 to complain of inadequate heat.
Bundle up. Even Lake Michigan is freezing.
Check out the 24-hour increase in ice along the Lake Michigan shore as seen from the Chicago Harrison-Dever Crib! The ice does not appear to be solid - lots of "pancake ice" out there. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/F1yNEy6yhb
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 7, 2022
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |[email protected]
