Officials urge precaution ahead of subzero temperatures this weekend

Chicago residents are being urged to prepare for a chilly weekend ahead as subzero temperatures are expected to move into the area by Friday evening. Temperatures will plummet overnight, with wind chill values dipping below zero, and remain below freezing throughout the weekend.

The National Weather Service has forecast a significant drop in temperatures, with highs ranging from 25-32 degrees on Friday and lows of single digits in the evening. As the temperature continues to fall, residents can expect wind chill values to plummet, reaching as low as minus 30 degrees by Sunday evening.

To stay safe and warm, health officials are advising residents to take necessary precautions when venturing outside. This includes wearing multiple layers of dry clothing, keeping heads, ears, hands, and feet covered, and avoiding alcohol consumption, which can lead to a drop in body heat.

Additionally, the city has set up warming centers throughout the area, including locations in Skokie, Maywood, and Markham, that will be open 24/7 starting Friday. Residents are encouraged to seek out these centers if they need a warm place to go.

It's also worth noting that city laws require apartment units to maintain a minimum temperature of 68 degrees during the day and 66 degrees at night during colder months. Tenants can report any issues with their heating system by calling the city's 311 service.

With winter officially beginning on December 21, Chicago residents are being reminded to take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm as temperatures continue to drop.

ugh, great just what we needed, another excuse for people to be all "brrr, it's so cold!" meanwhile, i'm over here freezing my butt off in my apartment with the thermostat cranked up, nice city law that one and warming centers? yeah right, like anyone actually uses those things... just saying.

Brrr ! I'm not a fan of subzero temps either. Like, who thought it was a good idea to venture out in -30°C? Not me, that's for sure. Just thinking about all the frozen pipes and icy roads is giving me chills . On a more serious note, I do hope everyone takes those precautions seriously. Stay warm, stay safe, and don't drink too much hot cocoa to try and thaw out . And yeah, warming centers are super useful - I'm sure they'll be packed this weekend!

I'm telling you, this isn't just about the weather... think about it. They're setting up warming centers all over the city, but what's really going on? Is it a way to control the population? Like, people are gonna be stuck at these centers for hours, and who knows what kind of "research" is being done on them? And don't even get me started on the 68-degree minimum temperature law. What if it's not just about keeping us warm... but also about monitoring our body heat? Sounds like some kinda government experiment to me . Mark my words, there's more to this winter weather than meets the eye .

ugh this is super scary i'm worried about all those people venturing out in that crazy cold like how r they supposed to keep their heads & ears covered for that long? my grandma would literally freeze her nose off lol and omg the warming centers sound like a lifesaver what if ppl dont know about them tho? we gotta spread the word so no one has to suffer in the cold

Ugh, it's like, I hate going outside when it's that cold ! I mean, subzero temps are no joke, you know? Like, minus 30 degrees is crazy talk . And don't even get me started on the wind chill, it's like your body just gives up at that point .

I'm all for staying warm and safe, but can't we just have a cozy weekend without having to worry about freezing our buns off? I mean, I know city laws are in place to ensure everyone has heat, but it's still super annoying when your apartment is too cold. And what if you don't have heat issues and still can't get warm? That's just not fair .

I'm glad the city set up those warming centers, though - that's super helpful for people who might be struggling. And honestly, I think it's a good idea to drink some hot cocoa or tea instead of alcohol when it's cold outside. Just saying .

omg, chill weekend vibes ... not exactly what chicagoans were hoping for ! subzero temps are no joke, esp with wind chill values dropping that low (-30°C). gotta make sure we're all prepping for this cold snap: layers, layers, LAYERS ! and don't even get me started on the importance of staying hydrated . warming centers are a lifesaver tho , especially for those who can't heat their own homes. city's got your back . just remember, stay warm & safe out there ! #ChicagoWeather #WinterIsComing #StayWarm

Brrr, sounds like we're in for a cold weekend ahead! I'm all about that layering life when it comes to dressing for the chill. Like, seriously, wear all those extra layers - hats, gloves, scarves too... you get the idea . And don't even get me started on drinkin' hot cocoa while snuggled up by the fire ... sounds like a perfect way to weather this cold snap! Also, major kudos to the city for set-up those warming centers - so resourceful !

Brrr, gotta be ready for this chilly weekend ! I'm all about that cozy vibes, but you know, safety first too . So yeah, multiple layers of dry clothes is a must, and don't even get me started on drinking booze outside - that's just asking for trouble ️. If you're not feeling the heating in your apartment, hit up that 311 service ASAP . And omg, warming centers are a lifesaver, especially if you're like me and can't afford to turn up the thermostat . I mean, who needs all that extra heat when there's a warm spot waiting for you? Skokie, Maywood, and Markham, I gotchu !

ugh dont even get me started on chicago weather like how can they expect people to survive subzero temps with just a few layers? i mean idk what kind of heat pumps everyone has but chill centers are basically the only way to go if you cant afford heat at home and 68 degrees is like, what even is that supposed to keep ppl warm?!

ugh i was planning on going out this friday but now ill have to cancel cuz its like -30°C outside? how r they even gonna deal with the pipes tho? i heard my grandma in canada tell me that when it gets this cold her water heater just stops working lol anyway im glad theres warming centers set up but ugh i dont wanna be cooped up all day

omg is it already dec 2025?! i remember when chicago was all about the lake shore sunsets now its like -30°C in no time lol. btw dont even get me started on those warming centers, like who thought it was a good idea to set up shelters for ppl in subzero temps? just a bunch of bureaucratic nonsense . idk why they didnt just raise the heating minimum temp from 68 to, i dunno, 70 or somethin? its not like its gonna break the bank. and whats with all these precautions? cant we just, like, dress warmly for once?

I'm so done with these warming centers . Like, do people really need to be forced into a shelter just because it's cold outside? Can't they just bundle up like normal humans do in other parts of the country? And another thing, what's with the 68 degree/day rule? That's basically an invitation for landlords to turn up the heat and rack up those electricity bills. And don't even get me started on the whole alcohol thing - can't we just enjoy a cold beer without being scolded for it? The city should be focusing on how to keep us warm, not telling us what to drink while we're at it.

Ugh, it feels like every cold weekend is just an excuse for me to dig out my old winter coat from high school . Remember when we used to brave the elements without all these fancy warming centers? I swear, back then we just huddled up with hot cocoa and made s'mores over candles... those were the days . But seriously, 25-32 degrees is like, what's that even cold for? And minus 30 degrees on Sunday evening? That's just ridiculous! I'm all for staying warm, but can't we just have a gentle winter breeze instead of this polar vortex nonsense . And don't even get me started on the law about apartment temperatures... 68 degrees during the day and 66 at night? That's like, totally basic . Anyway, I guess it's always better to be safe than sorry, so yeah, go ahead and bundle up, Chicago!

ugh, subzero temps again . like, can't we just have a mild winter for once? anyway, i guess it's not all bad... warming centers are open 24/7, so that's a nice touch . but, seriously, who needs multiple layers of dry clothing when you can just wear your comfiest pjs and call it a day . on a more serious note, i hope everyone has a backup heat source ready to go, just in case their heating system decides to ghost them this weekend .

Brrr, it's gonna be a cold one this weekend! I remember when my grandma used to tell me about the time she had to shovel snow up to her waist back in '92 . She'd always say, "Put on your warmest coat and boots, dear, you never know when the wind will pick up!"

I'm glad they're setting up those warming centers around town. It's a good reminder that we've got each other during the harsh winters. My sister used to hate going outside when it was this cold, but she'd always complain about how chilly her car was afterwards... haha!

And yeah, city laws are really on point with that heating thingy. I remember my landlord had to fix his boiler one time because it wasn't meeting the 68-degree requirement during a particularly nasty snowstorm .

Anyway, just stay safe and warm out there, Chicago! Don't wanna have to worry about your pipes freezing or anything .

ugh it sounds like chicago is gonna be FREEZING this weekend . i feel bad for all the people who have to deal with that kinda weather. they should def make sure to bundle up tho, with multiple layers and stuff. and stay hydrated too, don't drink alcohol 'cause it'll lower your body temp even more .

i also heard they got these warming centers set up if ppl need a place to go, which is super nice of the city. and for tenants, if their heater's not working, they can report the issue through that 311 service, so at least there's help available . anyway, just hope everyone stays warm and safe out there

So they're telling us to bundle up and stuff? I mean, subzero temps and wind chill values going down to -30 degrees? That's like something out of a science fiction movie! Where's the proof that these temps are actually gonna happen? Can someone give me some stats or research on this? And what's with the warming centers? Are they just trying to get us to go to places we don't wanna go? I mean, I'd rather stay home and drink hot chocolate than trek out into the cold. And 68 degrees in an apartment unit? That sounds like a joke! What's the city gonna do if someone doesn't have heat?

aww man, chicago is gonna be FREEZING this weekend poor people gotta bundle up just to go outside but at least the city is lookin out for us by setttin up them warming centers, thats a lifesaver, you feel me? and i hope nobody slips and falls on ice cause that would be super scary so yeah, stay safe, chicago!

Ugh, subzero temps already?! Can't believe it's getting this cold so early! I know some ppl will be all like "brrr, just bundle up" but it's not that easy when you gotta leave the house. Those warming centers sound like a lifesaver tho. 68 degrees is way too low for a safe night's sleep. Like, what if your heater breaks? City laws are def necessary in situations like this. And can we pls talk about how wind chill values are just a total buzzkill? -30 degrees?! No thanks. Just wanna stay cozy indoors with a hot cuppa and a good book