Weather forecasters: Snowstorm in Chicago will be followed by ‘coldest temps of the season’

Thankfully for most of the winter we largely escaped heavy snow and very cold temps. And then I see this in the news:

There’s a “high chance” of 3 inches of snow by Thursday morning, followed by plummeting temperatures throughout the day that could reach below zero by nighttime, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Jake Petr.

“We’re forecasting the coldest temperatures of the season,” he said.

Thursday morning, temperatures will be in the 20s, dropping to the teens by 3 p.m. and falling into the single digits by 7 or 8 p.m., he said.

Chicago could have a windchill of 10 degrees below zero at its coldest, Petr said. Areas west of the metro area could see windchills as low as negative 20 degrees.

The Chicago area hasn’t seen temperatures so low in nearly a year, Petr said. The last time Chicago recorded a below zero temperature was March 4, 2019, he said.

But the “quick shot of cold air” won’t last long, Petr said.

“Temperatures will rebound quickly by Saturday, when we’ll be in the 30s,” he said. The high for Sunday is forecast for 39 degrees.

Probably time to share info on warming centers for those of you who know someone that could use this information. 

Sinkhole in South Shore

[VIDEO] Happy New Year everyone!

We had a storm over the weekend. It wreaked havoc on our lakefront especially as the park district put up barriers on areas they control to ensure public safety. I also saw some footage on ig that showed the water from Lake Michigan beating up the shore especially in South Shore.

Here's a story from over the weekend from WGN about a sinkhole in South Shore on 73rd.

Further inland I'm sure most of us fared better. Beyond this we've had a relatively mild winter so far. And we're approaching two months before the start of spring.

Schools will be closed on Thursday #Chiberia

Due to the extreme weather conditions so CPS students have two days off today and Thursday. Here's a Tribune article about the near record cold temps and the various closures and cancellations as far as schools.

Here's a notice posted to CPS' ig

View this post on Instagram

Schools are closed Wednesday, January 30th, 2019 and Thursday, January 31st, 2019 due to inclement weather. District and network offices will be open. #staywarm #polarvortex2019

A post shared by Chicago Public Schools (@chipubschools) on Jan 29, 2019 at 4:45pm PST

CPS schools are closed on Wednesday #Chiberia

Many were concerned, especially on social media and with temps going to very chilly lows CPS is cancelling classes on Wednesday.

BREAKING: Chicago Public Schools has announced that schools will be closed Wednesday due to sub-zero temperatures and potentially record-setting windchill values. https://t.co/IstgmNO2yh

— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) January 29, 2019

And here's the official word by the CPS' CEO

The safety of our students is the district’s highest priority. All afterschool activities will be canceled tomorrow, January 29th. All CPS schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 30th.

— Janice Jackson, EdD (@janicejackson) January 29, 2019

If you're looking for a warming center here's some information posted on Saturday. Feel free to call 311 to find one near you.

It's cold out there!!!

The Chicago Police put this information out on twitter with regards to finding a warming center during this wave of frigid temps. As always call 311 to find a warming center near you or for a well-being check. And also noted in the tweet, police stations are warming stations as well.

Also, don’t forget that ALL @Chicago_Police Stations are warming centers, open to anyone in need of a warm place to get out from the cold. Contact 311 for assistance finding a warming center or to arrange a well being check. Dial 911 for emergencies.

📸: Officer Andre Van Vegten pic.twitter.com/kMrKmBnL2Q

— Chicago Police (@Chicago_Police) January 26, 2019

My Block My Hood My City: Shovel crew

Jahmal Cole assembles his crew to help dig out seniors during that snowfall from this past Saturday. It's safe to say no one memed him when he slipped and fell. Just a sample of some of his needed activities to bring a variety of Chicagoans together to help other Chicagoans.

Listen to his speech during this, it explains why he doesn't mind shoveling snow.

My Block My Hood My City getting ready for a snowstorm

As you know we're expected to get hit by a major snowstorm this weekend. Just know that Jahmal Cole is getting ready with some volunteers to help dig out seniors. It's something we've covered over time on this blog which is Cole's volunteering efforts and it's very laudable. Even if you have no desire to shovel he would appreciate some donations for his efforts.

Here's one of his latest ig post with regards to his efforts

View this post on Instagram

WINTER WEATHER WARNING: #Snow is coming this weekend. 6-10 inches. Volunteers, the time and place is Saturday, 11am, 79th Street Red Line Station. Meet us there to lend a #shovel to the community. We’ll disperse to various addresses in the city that have requested our services. Text “Shovel” to 55222 for more info. To those of you who are snowed in, you can still give to the effort by donating at formyblock.org Thank you all. Your support means an easier, stress-free #winter season for a lot of our senior citizens.

A post shared by My Block, My Hood, My City (@myblockmyhoodmycity) on Jan 18, 2019 at 4:06am PST

Uptown Update: Share the Warmth! Donate Winter Gear To Our 46th Ward Students!

I know outside of the scope of this blog, but I never minded sharing the charitable aspects seen around the city especially from the good folks in Uptown. And of course someone in our local schools on the south side also don't have winter gear as we head into winter.

If you know of any coat drives in the community send us an e-mail, a tweet, or even let us know on our ig page. We'd love to hear about it.

@formyblock: Shoveling for Seniors #twill

[VIDEO] Major kudos to Jahmal Cole who spent some time during last weekend's snowfall doing snow removal on those blocks that could use it the most. Especially those blocks with a relatively large senior population. He definitely was using instagram to get the word out for volunteers and in no small feat got people to come out from all over the city.

I  don't want to blow hot air but great things are happening for Mr. Cole. Thankfully the snow from last weekend is melting but  wouldn't mind volunteering with him during the next winter snowstorm. Get a good shovel, some salt, and perhaps even a portable snowblower. There's nothing wrong with helping Chicagoans in need!

Also he got some significant media attention during last weekend's snowfall. I shared a story from NBC 5 though that wasn't the only news coverage he got!

Ice dams

[VIDEO] This story is for those of you who are concerned about those icicles around your housing hanging from roofs and gutters. Found this story interesting as I'm concerned about the icicles. Of course at the end of the story a reminder that it'll warm up this week and the ice and snow around your home will begin to thaw.

And just remember according to an ig post from ABC 7 we'll a little over a month away from spring. Less snow and we're closer to the warm temps of summer!

A post shared by ABC 7 Chicago (@abc7chicago) on Feb 12, 2018 at 9:12am PST

Out of hibernation...

[VIDEO] Well we finally have our warm temps here in Chicago and artistmac talks about that. The snow that fell on Super Bowl Sunday this year is finally melting. Hopefully the cold temps that kept our young people out of school for at least 4 days within the past two months are nothing more than a memory.

Even better daylight savings time has passed as of this Saturday and then in the next week or so the first day of spring. It seems we've had a miserable winter this year and the end is only around the corner!

Hutson: South Side residents lefted stuck in the snow #chiberia

Recently we've had ourselves a snow storm. This article shows not many are really happy with the city's response to the snow on some parts of Chicago's South Side. What do you think of the city's preparedness for the recent blizzard?

BTW, before Worlee jumps in it's noted that 6th ward Alderman Roderick Sawyer will be challenged in this month's election by Richard Wooten who was quoted in this article.

#chiberia: CPS classes are cancelled due to the snow...

You may have seen this announcement if you follow CPS' FB and Twitter profiles. This is important news so sorry if this is breaking into your enjoyment of tonight's Super Bowl between the Patriots and Seahawks.

Also I wanted to share with you the city plow tracker to see if the city is coming down your street to clear it.

If you want to see a radar picture here's WGN's Chicago Weather Center radar.

CPS classes are cancelled for Thursday January 8, 2015

In addition to the info above you may also find this information embedded below via CPS' twitter page. Feel free to retweet if you have a twitter account. The information is primarily regarding city warming centers during the current cold snap. Of course as always there's 311 for any info on city warming centers.

All six @ChiFamSupport Community Service Centers are serving as Warming Centers from 9a-8p. pic.twitter.com/GvR1CYJ5RH
— ChicagoPublicSchools (@ChiPubSchools) January 8, 2015

NBC Chicago: Chicago Resident Plows Entire Block for 35 Years, Writes Neighbors Heartfelt Letter

Photo from Antonio Lopez via NBC Chicago

How many of us only wishes that we had such a kind neighbor as this man? He knows the sidewalks need to be clear so he gets up early and goes out of his way to clear them. Doesn't ask for a thanks or anything just does it because it needs to be done. Although according to this letter he had some help over the years.

What a great letter he wrote to his neighbors about his unsung contribution to his block. Hopefully someone else can take up his mantle. Indeed perhaps there's someone who does this on your block as well!

While it seems winter isn't going away without a fight with more snow forecast and cold temps, he's right about one thing: "Now, spring is around the corner, the snow will be gone, therefore keep smiling".

CBS 2 Chicago: #chiberia 2014 case for the worst winter ever

Abbott Park - 49 E 95th St

The winter of 2014 has been very relentless. Consistent snow and consistently cold temperatures. And we have approached the end of "meterological winter". Still at this point the temps are still cold and snow is forecast over the weekend. Do you think the winter of 2014 is the worst winter ever? You should read this CBS 2 article before you come to your conclusions.

The pic above is of Abbott Park after the recent thaw last Saturday, but the ice formed again in the fields.

Sun-Times: Chicago’s snow removal costs already $4.5 million over budget for 2014

A Sun-Times photo

 Can we read this as a very expensive winter? That in addition to the other ways we can describe this winter.

Chicago has already plowed through $25 million in snow removal spending — $4.5 million over a budget that was supposed to cover this winter and the start of next — exacerbating the city’s financial crisis.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has dipped into a $6 million motor fuel tax fund surplus to cover the extra spending, leaving only $1.5 million in the fund that has served as the mayor’s security blanket during the relentless barrage of snow and cold.

Normally, the motor fuel tax fund is used to pave streets and fill the explosion of potholes caused by heavy moisture and dramatic temperature swings. Emanuel has been “working to improve” the fund “with the purpose of creating a snow reserve,” sources said.

Once the surplus is exhausted, the mayor may have no choice but to ask the City Council to approve a supplemental appropriation to cover snow removal costs.

“This is the snowiest winter in 35 years — worst since the blizzard of 1979 — and is the seventh-snowiest in history,” Kelley Quinn, a spokesperson for the city’s Office of Budget and Management, said Wednesday.

Did the CTA bus completely miss our neighborhoods yesterday morning & today?

Has anyone else been experiencing problems on the CTA lately?

Yesterday, as my wife was on her way to work, we checked the CTA bus tracker around 6:15 am for the Westbound 79th street bus, near the King Drive corner. The text message said "No arrival times". As she walked her way to the 79th street station, she saw MANY CTA riders who also texted and got the same message. It took her 20 minutes o get to the station.  Along the way,she saw many people who also had texted and got the same response.  Meanwhile, about 4-5 eastbound 79th street buses passed along the way.

 

This morning at 6:24, atone stop, the times were as follows:

• 79to 77th/Centr 25 min
• 79 to Solo CupF 22 min
• 79 to Western 28 min

So at least 22 minutes before another bus would show up, and then a 3-5 minute gap.  Is this acceptable? Certainly the "No time available" is NOT acceptable.

Please comment here and on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Let's make some noise!

CPS closed on Tuesday and other weather updates.

Schools will remain closed on Tuesday January 28th due to the extreme cold temps. You can recieve updates via either CPS' FB page or CPS' Twitter account in addition to CPS' 773.553.1000 for recorded message updates.

Also the City Colleges of Chicago has also cancelled classes on Tuesday as they have also cancelled classes on Monday in light of the cold weather. You can find updates via CCC's FB page and CCC's Twitter!

Feel free to use our Accuweather widget for your convenience at the top of the sidebar it to check out current conditions or visit the Accuweather website for weather forecasts!

Now just for the sake of talking some CPS closure news, I would like to share this Sun-Times article which not only discusses how many Chicago Alderman are unhappy with CPS closing schools. The article also discusses how people are coping with this "polar vortex".

How are you coping with the cold weather, so far? 

Also Ald. Anthony Beale of the 9th has information on warming centers around the city, but also refer to 311. Ald. Beale also had a community meeting to be held Tuesday night, however, that meeting has been cancelled.

In addition if you live near Pastor Corey Brooks' church on 6620 S. King Drive he's operating a warming center as well. Let us know who else is operating warming centers.

Finally the Tribune has news on alternative programming for children while schools are closed during this "polar vortex".

The YMCA of Metro Chicago is providing “School’s Out Day’’ activities at five Chicago facilities today and Tuesday, according to spokeswoman Michelle Damico.

Kids will be doing interactive crafts, active physical group games, skits and drama and other fun activities from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations:

McCormick Tribune: 1834 North Lawndale Ave.

High Ridge: 2424 W. Touhy Ave.

South Side: 6330 S. Stony Island Ave.

South Chicago: 3039 East 91st St.

Rauner Family: 2700 S. Western Ave.

Check back for updates.

CPS schools will be closed on Monday

The notice above was posted to the CPS FB page today. CPS schools will be closed on Monday due to the expected weather for tomorrow. Schools had also been closed on January 6th & 7th due to the extreme cold weather.

If you seek any further updates you can use the number above 773.553.1000 or call CPS hotline at 773.553.3100. You can also follow CPS on FB and on Twitter to seek further updates!

ALSO, I've added an Accuweather widget to the top of the sidebar for the time being. If you check the blog in the morning it will describe not only the temperature but current weather conditions as well.