Best Ways to Stay Warm in This Ridiculously Cold Weather

This weather is no joke!

January 29, 2019

Chicago's been having a tough winter. 

If you're not a fan of cold weather, it's especially difficult for you. 

While Monday saw about 6-8 inches of snow dumped onto the city and surrounding suburbs, a massive temperature drop is adding to the dangerous winter weather. 

Tuesday night, temperatures are set to drop to as low as -17 during the night. 

Come Wednesday, we're expecting record lows with -12 during the day and -20 at night. 

The bitterly-cold arctic air will bring forth life-threatening wind chills. The Chicago area-wide Wind Chill Watch for wind chills 50 to 55-degrees below zero takes effect beginning Tuesday evening and continuing through Wednesday and Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

So... with all that being said, here's how you can STAY WARM and cozy these next few days. 


1. Stay Inside

If you have the opportunity to stay inside and work from home, please do. There is already a frostbite warning. With wind chills of about -50 expected, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in 10 minutes. If the windchill hits -55, that brings it up to 5 minutes. 



I cannot stress this enough. With the former frostbite warning, make sure all exposed skin is covered up! Leave a little strip for your eyes. Also, dress in layers. Layers are the key to everything. Several thin layers are always better than one thick layer of clothing. If you have clothing made from wool or fleece, wear them. Thermal underwear, tights, hats, gloves and scarves are also recommended. 


3. Stay Active

Get your workout on at home. Staying active keeps you warm and prevents muscle loss. Muscles create body heat. 


4. Warm Yourself

Your initial instinct is probably to crank the heat, but it's actually easier to change your body temperature than room temps. Remember how I said layers are the key? This applies even if you are sitting at home. Bundle up, grab a blanket, make some hot tea! And remember that you're losing body heat from any area that's exposed so wear a hat even when you're staying indoors. 


5. Run a Fan

It sounds counterintuitive, however, warm air rises to the ceiling. If you run your fans on the lowest setting they will push the warm air back down to you. 


6. Block Out Cold From Seeping In

Pool noodles, door draft stoppers or even towels can help secure your doors so the draft doesn't seep it. 


7. Avoid Alcohol

You may want to reach for a glass of wine or a laced hot toddy to warm up, but in actuality, alcohol drops your core body temperature. A warm beverage without the alcohol will definitely help though so tea, tea, tea.


8. Eat! 

Being well-fed -- consuming more calories than you burn -- helps you handle the cold better. It will also keep your blood sugar up thus keeping your energy up. Also, stay hydrated! 


9. Have Supplies in Your Car

If you are traveling in your car, stock it up with water, calorie-dense foods, blankets, dry clothes, and any other materials you might need in case of an emergency. 


10. Find a Warming Center



11. Check Up on Your Neighbors

If you have older neighbors, check in on them. Make sure everyone is safe, warm and equipped with the proper supplies. 


12. Don't Leave Pets Outside

Good pet owners wouldn't dare, but it needs to be said: Do NOT leave your pets outside. It is ILLEGAL to leave your furry friends in the frigid cold. Rule of thumb is that if you wouldn't want to be left outside, don't leave your dogs out there. They also get cold. If you're taking them on a walk please dress them in sweaters and booties (if they'll allow it). 


13. Leave Your Faucets Running

This one won't keep you warm, but it will prevent your pipes from bursting. Let the cold water trickle from the faucet to prevent pipes from freezing. And make sure you open cabinets under the kitchen sink to let in as much warmth as possible. 


14. Try Baking

If you have nothing better to do, use the oven. It will help heat up the whole house and you'll have some delicious food to munch on. 


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