Are Chicago winters survivable? (Washington, Rochelle: apartments, house, living)
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Yeah, snow doesn't really fall and when it does. It only lasts for two or three days before it melts. What really sucks is that it is just cold. No snow during the winter just cold. The type of cold that hurts when you breathe.
I dont agree with this.We have snow that can last a long while,,,,"no snow during the winter",,,baloney,and the bitter cold that "hurts when you breathe" is not a constant norm in winter either
... And don't sweat the roads issue. If you're in the western 'burbs, you'll have no problem with snowy roads. Sure, if we get 6 inches overnight (3-4x / year), the morning commute takes about 2x as long. But unlike DC/Maryland, we actually have very effective snow removal equipment that runs 24-7 when necessary. The tollways are all cleared within an hour or two, the main streets an hour later, and the side streets within a day. The 1-2x times per year it snows 12"+ we close the schools for a day and the kids go play in the snow. Employers are fairly understanding about the relationship between snow and commute times as well. When it snows the temps are usually in the 20s- low 30s. When its clear the temps are in the teens - 20s. And when an Alberta Clipper blows through it might dip below zero for a day or two, but the temps usually climb back into the teens-20s later in the week. Maybe even 30-40s. Or not.
You can't say "the winters are bitter cold" because its only that way part of the time. Nor can you say "we get an incredible amount of snow, because we really don't that often (unlike Buffalo, we're on the west side of the lake effect)". About the only thing you can say about the winters is, "yeah, sometimes. Then it changes."
You will need a quality water-shedding insulated overcoat or parka, warm gloves, and waterproof boots if you're going to be walking around much. When it is cold it can be brutal. When its not cold, its probably snowing or raining.
Do not bring a car you care about to Chicagoland. We use TONS of salt and sand here and it causes everything to rust. Cars are better about rusting than they used to be, but the salt will eventually eat anything metal. People with nice collector cars or bikes park them in a garage over the winter.
Everyone always makes Chicago's winters out to be so much more than what they really are. Here's the stats... Once upon a time, in a climate much much much different from how it is now, yes, Chicago would average over 40 inches of snow per year, however due to climate change, average temperatures in winter months have risen to where readings typically during the daytime hover in the upper 30's to low 40's causing much of the precipitation Chicago receives during this time period to fall as rain or freezing rain. Also, due to climate change, averages for snowfall had to be recalculated in the late 90's to show a more correct number of about 34-36 inches of snow per year on tap for the Chicago area.
Now do note that the further north you go in the Chicago metro area those snow numbers rise dramatically as many storms year round dodge the Chicago area due to it's severe urban heat island effect and veer to the north or south of the city causing heavy snow bands almost always to track to the north of the city in the winter and severe thunderstorms to track to the south in the summer. Areas south of Interstate 80 in the far southern suburbs will only see on the average about 20-25 inches of snow per year, while areas north of the city for instance Elgin and Gurnee will average 45-50 inches of snow per year.
Chicago's close proximity to the lake fuels extensive and tedious lake effect cloudiness. During early spring months the lake will create a feeling of having no spring at all and just more of an extension of the winter months by reducing temperatures some 10-30 degrees depending on the direction of the north-easterly wind from that of the areas more inland. This chilling is typically felt as far inland as Joliet and Aurora, but rarely is able to extend inland any further as prodominate upper level westerly winds take over. During the months of March, April, and early May it is not uncommon to see temperature variations of 20-30 degrees from downtown Chicago to that of the inland areas like Plainfield and Joliet.
My advice is, if you are looking for the most tollerant climate in the Chicago area and still have the convienence of close proximaty to the downtown area, consider living in the far south-west suburbs. This will provide you with about 50% more sunlight as lake effect clouds typically do not reach that far inland, it will help you avoid lake effect snow, and any cooling created by the lake.
Everyone always makes Chicago's winters out to be so much more than what they really are. Here's the stats... Once upon a time, in a climate much much much different from how it is now, yes, Chicago would average over 40 inches of snow per year, however due to climate change, average temperatures in winter months have risen to where readings typically during the daytime hover in the upper 30's to low 40's causing much of the precipitation Chicago receives during this time period to fall as rain or freezing rain. Also, due to climate change, averages for snowfall had to be recalculated in the late 90's to show a more correct number of about 34-36 inches of snow per year on tap for the Chicago area.
Now do note that the further north you go in the Chicago metro area those snow numbers rise dramatically as many storms year round dodge the Chicago area due to it's severe urban heat island effect and veer to the north or south of the city causing heavy snow bands almost always to track to the north of the city in the winter and severe thunderstorms to track to the south in the summer. Areas south of Interstate 80 in the far southern suburbs will only see on the average about 20-25 inches of snow per year, while areas north of the city for instance Elgin and Gurnee will average 45-50 inches of snow per year.
Chicago's close proximity to the lake fuels extensive and tedious lake effect cloudiness. During early spring months the lake will create a feeling of having no spring at all and just more of an extension of the winter months by reducing temperatures some 10-30 degrees depending on the direction of the north-easterly wind from that of the areas more inland. This chilling is typically felt as far inland as Joliet and Aurora, but rarely is able to extend inland any further as prodominate upper level westerly winds take over. During the months of March, April, and early May it is not uncommon to see temperature variations of 20-30 degrees from downtown Chicago to that of the inland areas like Plainfield and Joliet.
My advice is, if you are looking for the most tollerant climate in the Chicago area and still have the convienence of close proximaty to the downtown area, consider living in the far south-west suburbs. This will provide you with about 50% more sunlight as lake effect clouds typically do not reach that far inland, it will help you avoid lake effect snow, and any cooling created by the lake.
well it's no joke to those of us who (1) don't like winter and (2) have spent many winters in other parts of the country such that we know what we're missing. this would be a lot of people, and on their behalf i will state that compared to other regions of the country, midwest winters *suck*.
Actually the lake effect cloudiness and the water temperature means downtown is warmer in the winter, not colder. Compare the temps in Romeoville to those on Michigan Ave on any winter day: its always 5-10F colder out in the far 'burbs. The opposite is true in the summer as well: the daytime high downtown is always 5-10F cooler than out in the far 'burbs. Its true about the sunshine levels: its frequently sunnier (and hotter/colder) out on the prairie.
Heat island effect? Perhaps, but the fact remains that downtown has a more moderate climate than the far western 'burbs.
In response to posts disagreeing with me... Yes it's true Chicago's winters are no fun... For one with a degree in meteorology, I can tell you that I knew I would get much grief from people who think Chicago's winters are so horrible...
Truth is this, when compared with cities such as Minneapolis, Buffalo, Syracuse, Cleveland, Boston, and nearby Milwaukee; Chicago's winters are a joke. Everyone whines and complains about the littlest things such as 6 inches of snow or temps dipping for two-three days into the single digits, yet here's the truth, winters are very cloudy here and yes it does snow. Alot? NO! Regardless of what people tell you. Don't believe me? Then research it yourself through a credible source like Noaa, the almanac, or the National Weather Service.
Does it brutally cold? Yes it can, however it is uncommon hence the reason that Chicago gets placed under things like wind chill advisories sometimes where other cities wouldn't think of such a thing without temps dipping to -20F. Temps can get down as low as -20 here, but that is uncommon and when it does happen it happens usually at 5AM, then on those days it will warm up to a high of about 5F. Cold? Indeed! But not as cold as what Chicagoans compare themselves to when it comes to other cities.
Chicago media makes big deals out of what they call "snowstorms or blizzards" as they call it on the evening news for storms that produce 6-10 inches of snow, a tally that cities on the east coast would consider light snow or flurries.
That being said, here's the bottom line, it's all about what you are used to. If you were born and raised in lets say Memphis, Miami, Atlanta, or Dallas, then yes our winters are going to be tough to swallow, but if you have been subjected to those winters of the northeast where "nor-easters" swing up the coastline burrying people's cars and even houses with snow and winds up to 60MPH, then this Chicago's winters are going to be a breeze.
AND... For the person who made the comment about Chicago's downtown or areas near the lake having a more moderate climate.... UMMMMM, NOT AT ALL!!! Yes the outdoor temperature reading might be on a December day higher by perhaps 5-10 degrees, however Chicago's skyscrapers create whats known as a "wind-tunnel effect" on it's downtown streets thus creating biting wind chill effects that are usually 10-15 degrees lower than that of the surrounding burbs where winds are typically lighter. AND... The Loop's/downtown's close proximity to the lake creates much more cloudiness so lack of sunlight would also usually result in lower temperatures with the exception of nightime readings where cloudiness would actually hold the "heat" in or down if you will, and reduce it's escape out into outer space.
As for the urban heat island... This has become such an issue of severity/priority that Mayor Daley has made making Chicago a "green" city a top priority of his, not because he likes how clean and pretty the city will look, but because Chicago's urban heat island is now one of the worst in the country proved in 1995 with hundreds of people loosing their lives to extreme temperatures fueled by the urban heat island effect. The fact is this is only getting worse as the entire metro area continues to pave over once green farm land for things like malls and parking lots.
I am from the Chicago suburbs (40 years there) and have transplanted to Savannah. I actually prefer the Chicago winters. Yes they are cold, but you can deal with it. Just tell youself it is "fresh" outside lol. The snow is beautiful and you can have a lot of fun with it. And for the most part, it is amazing how quickly they have the roads cleared and keep them cleared. They have salt trucks out at the first signs of nasty weather. AND, the best part about going through the winters there is the first nice days in the spring. You really, really appreciate those!
If you are from the south, then our winters will probably be tough. For those of us that have had to grow up dealing with snow begining to fall sometime shortly after Halloween or weeks on end of cloudy weather with freezing mist or drizzle, well we have just learned to deal with the weather or even ignore it...
When you really sit down and think about it, how often are you really outside anyways? Seriously think about this... You sleep indoors, then go out to your car, which if you are smart you will find youself somewhere with a garage, then drive to work in your heated car only to walk into your heated office building where you will be most of the day. Then at 4 or 5 you leave to sit back in your heated car to drive back to your heated house where you then can warm up a nice hot cup of tea and nestle up in front of a nice fire (provided you have a fireplace) and maybe watch a movie like "Weekend at Bernies II" so you can see the beach or something of that nature. If you are the more athletic type then join one of the thousands of gyms around the area to fill your need of hittin the gym. Good news is that most of the gyms in Chicago have filled the void of swimming between the months of Oct-May by installing indoor pools and even in some cases waterparks! (Lifetime Fitness)
Really, it's not that bad. Don't let people scare you away. If our winters really were that bad like they are for our northern neighbors, would Chicago have a metropolitan population of 9 million people?
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Chicago's winters are a joke...
Midwest winters are no treat however...
