Though it’s only the beginning of December, Chicago already feels like midwinter, with record snowfall over the past week and even colder temperatures on the horizon.
Climate experts warn residents to stay bundled up, as the snow and cold aren’t going anywhere soon.
After days of snowfall, Cook County salt truck and plow drivers have been working nonstop to keep roads clear, with more than 40 trucks operating around the clock before, during, and after a record-breaking post-Thanksgiving storm.
Saturday marked the snowiest November day on record in Chicago, with 8.4 inches recorded at O’Hare International Airport.
“I worked Saturday from 3 a.m. to Sunday at 6 p.m.,” said Ed Tully, maintenance bureau chief for the Cook County Department of Transportation.
The department has already used 2,800 tons of salt since Saturday.
“It’s a little bit unique because this is weather typical of January,” Tully said.
Typically, early December in Chicago is warm enough that snow melts quickly, but this year is different.
“The snow is very heavy and wet and hard to push,” Tully added.
With colder temperatures coming, the snow is sticking around.
“That pavement has not risen above 32 degrees,” Tully said. “It’s piling up. It’s tough to find spots to push that snow to.”
What does this mean for the rest of winter? The outlook may be concerning.
“This actually could be a pretty active winter season,” said Illinois state climatologist Trent Ford. “It’s definitely been a very early start.”
Ford explained that this La Niña year could bring a colder, wetter, and snowier winter.
“2010 was actually the last year we had this much snow this early into December,” Ford said.
Cook County crews say they’re prepared for whatever comes next.
Not only is the snowfall more typical of January or February, but so are the temperatures. Lows will drop into the single digits Wednesday night into Thursday, with wind chills making it feel 10 to 20 degrees below zero.
Residents are advised to stay cautious, as ice is expected as well.