Chicago is experiencing heavy snowfall and extreme cold, with a winter storm warning in effect until 4 p.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service reports that areas along the lakefront could see between 6 and 12 inches of snow, while inland neighborhoods may get closer to 4 inches.
The lake effect snow system, which gains strength as it moves over Lake Michigan, is expected to leave the area by Sunday evening. However, low temperatures will continue into the week.
A cold weather advisory has been issued for Chicago from midnight to noon on Monday. During this period, wind chill values could drop as low as minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Tuesday’s high temperature may reach 20 degrees, but morning wind chills are expected to range from minus 5 to minus 15 degrees. Similar conditions are forecast for Wednesday morning.
The severe cold began Thursday night and led to the closure of Chicago Public Schools and many businesses on Friday.
City officials have opened warming centers at several locations, including Garfield Center at 10 S. Kedzie (open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Chicago Public Library branches and Park District sites during their regular hours, and all Chicago Police District stations around the clock.
Residents are urged to dress in layers and avoid exposing skin during extremely cold periods. “Remove wet clothing,” officials advise. The National Weather Service recommends wearing a warm hat, face mask, multiple upper- and lower-body layers—including one insulating layer—gloves, waterproof boots, and ensuring that no skin is left uncovered when outside in such conditions.
Under the Chicago Heat Ordinance, landlords must maintain indoor temperatures at or above city requirements: at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., and at least 66 degrees overnight if heat is shared among units; individual heating equipment must be able to keep units at a minimum of 68 degrees. Landlords who do not comply can face fines of $500-$1,000 per violation per day. “System malfunctions is not an excuse,” former buildings Commissioner Matt Beaudet said in 2022. He advised tenants without adequate heat to call 311 immediately.
