Chicago's Arctic Blast: A Week of Frigid Temperatures and Snow Squalls
Chicago experienced an intense winter blast starting on December 11, 2024. The city was hit by an "Arctic blast" that brought gusty winds, tumbling temperatures, and snow showers. The National Weather Service issued warnings about snow squalls, which are quick, intense bursts of snow that can significantly reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions.
The weather conditions were particularly harsh, with temperatures dropping to the 20s by the evening of December 11 and further plummeting to single digits overnight. Wind chills made the air feel as low as -20 degrees in some areas due to winds reaching up to 40 mph1. The following day, temperatures remained in the teens, but the cold spell was expected to be short-lived, with temperatures forecasted to rise into the 30s by Friday.
This Arctic blast led to challenging travel conditions, with snow accumulating on untreated roadways and causing slick and dangerous driving conditions. Residents were advised to take precautions and drive slowly if they encountered snowy roads.
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