A dangerous cold snap grips Chicago, raising concerns about the impact of extreme weather events on public health in the context of a changing climate.
CHICAGO - A severe and dangerous cold snap gripping Chicago will persist through Tuesday, following a Monday morning with wind chills plummeting to -20 to -25 degrees. This intense cold follows an equally intense period of heat, with 2024 recording the hottest year ever measured in the city. Experts warn that such extreme temperature fluctuations will become increasingly common due to the changing climate.
Trent Ford, the Illinois State Climatologist, asserts that climate change will alter Chicago's winters. While extreme cold events will likely become less frequent and less intense, they won't disappear entirely. Ford emphasizes the dangers of such extreme cold, stating that it can take just minutes for significant and potentially irreversible effects to manifest. Beyond the immediate threat of hypothermia, Kristen Malecki, director of the Climate Change and Health Center at the University of Illinois Chicago, highlights the broader health impacts of extreme cold. She explains that our bodies respond to the cold by thickening our blood and altering thyroid hormone levels, which increase metabolism and our need for more calories. While these adaptations are meant to protect our internal organs, Malecki warns that thicker blood and a higher heart rate can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and worsen respiratory conditions like asthma. Heart attacks become more likely, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory illnesses are particularly vulnerable. Research at UIC is actively underway to develop strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change on human health. The university's research team, selected by a national Climate Change and Health Initiative, commenced work this fall monitoring the impact of shifting temperatures on our well-being. Malecki stresses that climate change poses a significant and growing threat to public health. In the meantime, she recommends staying indoors to minimize exposure to the cold, acknowledging that this presents its own set of risks, such as an increased likelihood of contracting the flu or other illnesses. She emphasizes that prioritizing public safety by remaining indoors is crucial during this extreme weather event
Health CHICAGO COLD SNAP CLIMATE CHANGE EXTREME WEATHER HEALTH RISKS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Philadelphia Braces for Brutal Cold Snap with Chance of SnowThe Philadelphia region will experience a significant drop in temperatures over the coming days, with highs only reaching the 30s. Wind chill will make it feel like single digits, and there's a possibility of additional snowfall late Friday into Saturday.
Read more »
Chicago Braces for More Cold, Potential SnowLight snow showers expected Friday morning, impacting morning commute. Weekend will be mostly dry with another storm system approaching Sunday, bringing potential for snow early next week.
Read more »
Chicago Braces for Another Round of Cold Weather and Light SnowClear skies and light winds have caused temperatures to plummet in Chicago, with areas experiencing snow seeing even colder readings. The forecast predicts sunny to partly cloudy conditions today with highs in the mid to upper 20s. Light snow is expected to move in overnight, impacting the morning commute with accumulations ranging from a half-inch to 2 inches. Temperatures will moderate slightly over the weekend, but another arctic air mass is set to arrive early next week, bringing highs struggling to reach 20 degrees.
Read more »
Chicago Braces for Sub-Zero Wind Chills and Extreme ColdA frigid cold front is set to sweep through the Chicago area, bringing dangerously low wind chill values and temperatures plummeting into the teens.
Read more »
Chicago Braces for Chilling Cold Snap: Temperatures Could Plunge to 6-Year LowA powerful Arctic air mass is moving into the Chicago area, bringing a significant drop in temperatures that could reach their lowest point in nearly six years. The city could see its coldest temperatures since late January 2019, with overnight lows dipping below zero.
Read more »
Chicago Braces for Dramatic Temperature Swings from Warm to Bone-Chilling ColdChicagoans are in for a wild ride with the weather this week, experiencing a rapid transition from unseasonably warm temperatures to a deep freeze. The roller coaster begins with a dusting of snow and a brief period of warmth before a sudden plunge into sub-zero temperatures.
Read more »