Unpopular opinion: Chicago winters aren't THAT bad (Buffalo: 2015, apartment)

[Neptunepenguins]

It's only cold like two months a year and it hardly gets snow these days.

I've been there a number of times during the winter season and as long as you dress for the weather, it's fine. Most people work indoors so they'll be sitting inside of a heated building for 8 hours a day, then getting in their heated mode of transportation (bus, train, car) and headed home to their heated house or apartment. If you walk then you'll have to interact more with the cold but as I said if you bundle up then it makes all the difference.

[Chicago-guy]

Originally Posted by Neptunepenguins

It's only cold like two months a year and it hardly gets snow these days.

I've been there a number of times during the winter season and as long as you dress for the weather, it's fine. Most people work indoors so they'll be sitting inside of a heated building for 8 hours a day, then getting in their heated mode of transportation (bus, train, car) and headed home to their heated house or apartment. If you walk then you'll have to interact more with the cold but as I said if you bundle up then it makes all the difference.

I've always said this.
It's not like we are outside 24/7.

A lot of people dress to be pretty instead of warm.

But when people say they don't like winter, it's mostly the summer activities they can't do.
No cruising in your old school car, no lounging on the porch taking in the breeze, no bbqing at the park, no outdoor parties, etc.

Before my dog died, I would walk him everyday. I have walked in blizzards, the record -20F days, etc. And we were fine. Going outside isn't the problem. It's more of the social activities.

[Robert9]

I have friends from Florida who come here in winter and think we are baby's for complaining about winters. I agree. I wish we had real winters here

[GWoodle]

Originally Posted by Neptunepenguins

It's only cold like two months a year and it hardly gets snow these days.

I've been there a number of times during the winter season and as long as you dress for the weather, it's fine. Most people work indoors so they'll be sitting inside of a heated building for 8 hours a day, then getting in their heated mode of transportation (bus, train, car) and headed home to their heated house or apartment. If you walk then you'll have to interact more with the cold but as I said if you bundle up then it makes all the difference.

Don't talk so loud. May be time for the Big One

May be the year for the Hawk to Talk bringing the cold North wind. With Lake Michigan bringing plenty of cold air down the length of the lake.

With the cold north winds brings the prospect of lake effect snow. Look up Buffalo NY. Look up South Bend part of IN. All you need is a wind shift to bring the snow into Chicago.

Finally may be time for a Chicago blizzard. Low pressure system hooking from Oklahoma into the midwest & Chicago. Potential for a bad storm. Maybe once a decade?

Any Chicago mayor is well aware of former mayors & how they dealt with snow blizzard conditions. Can take time to clear it. CTA on the elevated may do fine unless there is ice. Metra may be delayed some. Surface CTA/Pace lines depend how well snow crews work. Take your time to get around. Studded snow tires have been banned.

Bundling up with a warm parka type coat is needed. Also dress with layers. Also needed is good quality boots to keep your feet dry & warm. You do need good tread to walk in the snow.

[reneeh63]

Forecasting about 12" of snow in Chicago this coming Thu. and Friday. White Christmas - woohoo!!!!! ...temps down to zero at night.

[Three20nine]

You can be pretty, or you can be warm. A good warm coat, a good knee length to protect from the wind. Hat, gloves, scarf and boots. For outdoor activities a good warm scarf or winter mask. Keep . If you drive, keep some salt or, sand, or cat litter in the trunk along with jumper cables for emergencies. If on public transportation, keep a disposable heat handwarmers in a pocket for emergencies. For the extreme cold winter days, think about a snow pants or a ski suit.

[personone]

As with most things in life, it’s all relative. How people define “that bad” will very. There have been some pretty bad (everyone’s definition of this will very) winters over the years. 2014 I think had the most snowfall ever, and was noticeably long. 2015 was a pretty long winter too. There were a couple of really big snowfalls too. Plus there is the windchill to account for. Again, everyone’s definition of “bad” will vary but I will say you will experience a true winter here.

[Kmanshouse]

I'd say that "most" Chicago winters aren't that bad. But we do get bad ones sometimes. And early indications are that this might be one of them.

My biggest problem with winter is opportunity cost. When I see friends and relatives enjoying an outdoor lunch on March 12th and it's 33 and sleeting here, for example.

I will say it helps that daylight savings time starts again in early/mid March. It's a boost.

[personone]

Originally Posted by personone

As with most things in life, it’s all relative. How people define “that bad” will very. There have been some pretty bad (everyone’s definition of this will very) winters over the years. 2014 I think had the most snowfall ever, and was noticeably long. 2015 was a pretty long winter too. There were a couple of really big snowfalls too. Plus there is the windchill to account for. Again, everyone’s definition of “bad” will vary but I will say you will experience a true winter here.

*Typos....too early in the morning....meant to type "vary" not "very"......

[Hiruko]

I do not mind Chicago winters, but on the spectrum with the rest of the world, Chicago experiences very low temperatures and a lot of snow. The winters are significantly harsher than the vast majority of cities.

It was 11 degrees when I woke up and it is now 14 at 10 AM. These temps would send most of the country into a panic. It would be a major local news event.