Chicago: The Icebox of the Midwest
Let’s Talk About the Time Chicago Froze Over
So, you wanna know when Chicago turned into a giant, frozen popsicle? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we’re about to dive into a deep freeze.
Chicago is famous for a lot of things: deep dish pizza, hot dogs with everything, and an uncanny ability to transform into a polar ice cap. And when it comes to the latter, there's one date that stands out like a frozen icicle: January 20, 1985.
On that fateful day, the mercury plummeted to a bone-chilling -27 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s not just cold; that’s “I regret wearing shorts in December” kind of cold. People were turning into human popsicles, and even the pigeons were looking for warmer climates.
The Polar Vortex: Chicago’s Winter Nemesis
Now, you might be wondering what caused such a frigid freak show. Well, blame it on the polar vortex, that big, angry ball of cold air that likes to pay Chicago a visit. When this bad boy decides to drop in, temperatures can plummet faster than your hopes and dreams on a Monday morning.
But fear not, gentle reader! While Chicago might be the poster child for winter weather, it’s also a city that knows how to embrace the cold. There’s something undeniably exhilarating about bundling up, sipping hot chocolate, and watching the snow fall. Plus, it gives you a great excuse to binge-watch your favorite shows.
So, next time you’re shivering in your living room, remember: it could be worse. You could be in Chicago on January 20, 1985.
How to Survive a Chicago Winter
Now that you know when it was the coldest in Chicago, you might be wondering how to survive the next one. Here are a few tips:
- How to layer like a pro: Start with a base layer of thermal underwear, add a cozy sweater, and top it off with a warm coat. Don't forget the hat, gloves, and scarf!
- How to find indoor activities: Libraries, museums, and shopping malls are your new best friends.
- How to make your home cozy: Stock up on blankets, candles, and hot cocoa.
- How to embrace the cold: Go ice skating, sledding, or build a snowman.
- How to appreciate the beauty of winter: Take a walk in the snow and admire the frosty scenery.