When Did Chicago Freeze Over? Or, The Great Polar Vortex of 2019
Let's talk about a time when Chicago was colder than a politician's heart. I'm referring to the infamous Polar Vortex of 2019. Remember that time when your breath instantly turned into a visible cloud, and your car keys felt like tiny ice cubes? Yeah, that was fun.
So, When Exactly Was It?
Let's cut to the chase: The Polar Vortex hit Chicago in late January 2019. It was a brutal few days where temperatures plummeted to levels that made penguins question their life choices. Wind chills were so low, they could have qualified for the Winter Olympics.
What Happened?
Essentially, the polar vortex, which is normally chilling (pun intended) up in the Arctic, decided to take a vacation south. And by vacation, I mean it came to wreak havoc on the Midwest. Temperatures dropped like a rock, wind howled like a banshee, and people everywhere started looking like extras from a "Frozen" sequel.
Life Hacks for Surviving a Polar Vortex (If It Ever Happens Again)
- Dress in layers: Onion-style, people. Onion-style.
- Protect your extremities: Hats, gloves, scarves - the whole shebang. Your fingers and toes will thank you.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Even though you might not feel thirsty, dehydration can sneak up on you.
- Check on your neighbors: Especially the elderly. A little neighborly love goes a long way.
- Embrace the coziness: Light some candles, make hot chocolate, and binge-watch your favorite shows.
Frequently Asked Questions (or, How to Survive the Apocalypse)
- How to prevent frostbite? Cover exposed skin, especially ears, nose, and toes.
- How to keep your pipes from freezing? Let faucets drip slightly and open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer indoor air.
- How to stay sane during a blizzard? Stock up on food, entertainment, and patience.
- How to build a snow fort? Gather lots of snow, pack it tightly, and let your imagination run wild.
- How to survive a polar vortex without losing your mind? Remind yourself it's temporary, and find humor in the situation.
So, there you have it. A brief (and hopefully humorous) recap of the Polar Vortex of 2019. Let's hope we don't have to relive that winter anytime soon. But if we do, at least we'll be prepared.