Chicago: The Windy City or the Sweaty City?
Let’s talk about Chicago. The Windy City, they call it. Right. Because it’s always a breezy, refreshing 72 degrees there, right? Wrong. There have been times when Chicago has turned into a giant, overcooked pizza. A very, very hot pizza.
When Hell Freezes Over (Or, at Least, Chicago Gets Really Hot)
So, you wanna know how hot Chicago has ever gotten? Buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into some seriously sizzling stats.
The official record holder for the hottest day in Chicago is July 24, 1934, when the mercury hit a scorching 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Imagine walking around feeling like you’re in an oven with extra crispy settings. Ouch.
But wait, there’s more! While 105 might be the official record, there are whispers of even hotter temperatures recorded at other locations in the city around the same time. Like, 109 degrees hot. That’s basically the surface of the sun, right?
The Summer of ‘95: When Chicagoans Turned into Human Popsicles
Now, if you think 105 degrees is bad, try surviving the summer of 1995. Temperatures soared, humidity levels reached levels that would make a swamp jealous, and over 700 people lost their lives to the heat. It was like a real-life horror movie, but with sweat instead of blood.
So, next time someone tells you Chicago is all wind and no heat, laugh in their face and share this post. Just make sure you’re indoors with the AC blasting when you do.
How to Survive a Chicago Heat Wave
- How to stay cool without AC: Embrace the night, find a body of water, or invest in a really good fan.
- How to hydrate properly: Drink more water than you think you need. Electrolytes are your friends too.
- How to dress for the heat: Light, loose-fitting clothes are key. Think breathable fabrics.
- How to protect yourself from sunburn: Sunscreen is your BFF. Reapply often.
- How to help others during a heat wave: Check on elderly neighbors, offer rides to cooling centers, and donate to organizations helping those in need.