Chicago Faces Arctic Blast, Colder Than Antarctica: O’Hare Drops to 1 °F While McMurdo Station Holds at 27 °F. National Weather Service Warns of Wind Chills Near −25 °F, With Frostbite Risk in Under 30 Minutes.

Chicago Faces Arctic Blast, Colder Than Antarctica: O’Hare Drops to 1 °F While McMurdo Station Holds at 27 °F. National Weather Service Warns of Wind Chills Near −25 °F, With Frostbite Risk in Under 30 Minutes.

Verified Data

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (January 23–24, 2026): Temperatures plunged to 1 °F (−17 °C), according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

McMurdo Station, Antarctica: Official reports showed readings around 23.5 °F (−4.7 °C), peaking near 27 °F (−3 °C) during the same period.

Wind Chill in Chicago: Sustained winds up to 28 mph drove apparent temperatures down to −25 °F (−32 °C), NWS confirmed.

 Public Risks

Frostbite Threat: Exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes or less under current conditions.

Official Advisories: The NWS issued Wind Chill Advisories and Extreme Cold Watches, urging residents to limit outdoor exposure and wear multiple layers.

Urban Impact: Heating systems face strain from surging energy demand, while airports brace for delays.

Forecast Outlook

Weekend Moderation: Temperatures are expected to rebound gradually, reaching 20–30 °F (−6 to −1 °C).

Polar Pattern Persistence: Meteorologists caution that further Arctic outbreaks may return in February.

This event underscores how the U.S. Midwest can rival or surpass polar regions in severity, driven by Arctic air surges linked to the polar vortex.

Chicago Records: The city’s all-time low of −27 °F in January 1985 highlights its vulnerability to extreme winter events.

Antarctic Comparison: While Antarctica is Earth’s coldest continent, coastal stations like McMurdo often experience relatively mild conditions during the austral summer.

The January 2026 Arctic blast in Chicago reveals the stark reality of urban exposure to polar-level cold, emphasizing the importance of community preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and clear meteorological communication. The contrast with Antarctica serves as a reminder that extreme weather is not confined to the poles but increasingly affects densely populated regions worldwide.

Sources press office official:/National Weather Service/

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