Chicago sees earliest sub-zero temperatures since 1995, more cold and snow on the way-CBS

12/10/13, "Earliest Subzero Temps Since ’95; More Bitter Cold And Snow Coming," chicago.cbslocal.com

"Temperatures dipped below zero overnight, the earliest it has been that cold in Chicago in 18 years. The last time Chicago had subzero temperatures this early in the season was Dec. 9, 1995. 

Unfortunately for Chicagoans, it won’t be long before the mercury is back below zero.

Though temperatures will get into the low 20s on Tuesday, Chicago could see subzero temperatures again Wednesday night. Before that, Chicago likely will get more snow.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for the Chicago area from midnight Tuesday night through 10 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The snow will begin sometime in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with the heaviest snowfall likely between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. in the Chicago area, according to the National Weather Service. A total of 2 to 4 inches are expected.

Wednesday night, temperatures could again drop to zero or below. The frigid temperatures make it especially dangerous for drivers, as road salt loses its effectiveness when temperatures dip below zero.

That means drivers have to be concerned roads are slicker than they appear. With up to four inches of snow in the forecast for Wednesday morning, roads could be very dangerous Wednesday night, when the temperature could get as low as four below zero.

Meantime, at the emergency room at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, doctors have been preparing for a sudden influx of hypothermia patients. It’s something they have to prepare for every year when temperatures are dangerously cold.

“Every winter we have patients who come in where their core body temperature is low, so we deal with hypothermia regularly,” said Dr. Christina Hantsch. “Hypothermia, frostbite, cold-induced exacerbation of underlying illnesses – these are all things that in emergency medicine we’re accustomed to in this area.”

One example would be when a patient falls through ice, but Hantsch said hypothermia also can set in gradually, even when temperatures are not below freezing. “If you’re outside in a relatively cool climate for a while without appropriate protection, then you can develop hypothermia over the course of the hours that you’re out,” she said.

The best advice in sub-freezing temperatures is to dress in layers – including a hat, gloves or mittens, and a scarf – and avoid being outdoors for an extended period of time." via Drudge






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