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The Chicago region is experiencing a significant temperature drop this Thursday morning.
According to ABC7 Accuweather Meteorologist Tracy Butler, Thursday’s temperatures will struggle to rise above the upper teens.
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Earlier in the day, the thermometer dipped to five degrees, with wind chills plunging below zero, marking the coldest day since February 20.
Butler also warns that Friday morning will bring another round of sub-zero wind chills.
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Stepping outside on Thursday feels like a shock as the frigid air hits, momentarily catching your breath as your lungs acclimate to the icy conditions.
Doctors say minutes matter in the cold, when temperatures drop this low.
They see frostbite issues in the ER for fingers, hands and ears if people are outside for too long. That’s why it’s important to utilize any indoor space you can Thursday and, wear many, many layers.
“In my experience, people don’t appreciate how fast frostbite actually happens. They think I can go get the mail, I can go walk my dog real quick and they don’t realize that this can happen in a matter of minutes,” Dr. Nicholas Cozzi of RUSH University Medical Center said. “We have to be particularly concerned about our young people, our kids, as well as the elderly, so check on your neighbor, make sure that your neighbor is doing well and ultimately we’ll ride this out and we’ll be OK, but you got to take care of yourself and your family.”
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications is encouraging residents to stay indoors if possible, to limit time outside and to download the OEMC app.
“For our vulnerable communities, we want to make sure that they can call 311 for well-being checks if they need assistance with sheltering placement,” said Matt Doughtie with OEMC. “Please limit your time outside. Limit your time on the roadways if possible.”
NIPSCO, the Northern Indiana Public Service Company, is also working to keep customers safe with a few early pointers, like using space heaters with caution, making sure all heating appliances are operating properly and never using a stove or oven as a source for heating your home.
“If you’re experiencing any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which could be headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing or even feeling ill or tired while at home, you want to make sure that you are calling, getting the appropriate medical assistance that you need, as well,” said Joshauna Nash with NIPSCO.
