Local weather forecasts predict bitter cold this week, prompting nearby warming centers to jump into action.
A cold weather advisory is in effect through noon Monday, starting again from 9 p.m. Monday until noon Tuesday. Wind chills as low as 20 to 25 degrees below zero are expected, according to The Weather Channel, which can cause frostbite on exposed skin in only 30 minutes.
The Weather Channel advises bundling up when going outside with appropriate clothes, hat and gloves. Pets should also be kept indoors as much as possible.
When cold weather hits, there are some local warming centers available for anyone in need of one.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services is opening warming centers at Garfield Community Service Center, 10 South Kedzie Ave. in Garfield Park, and Trina Davila Community Service Center, 4312 W. North Ave. in Humboldt Park.
Chicago Park District buildings and Chicago Public Libraries are also open during their normal business hours. In Austin, that’s the Austin Branch of the Chicago Public Library at 5615 W. Race Ave., which is closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but open Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The 15th District police station is also open as a warming center at 5701 W. Madison St., as well as the Austin Satellite Senior Center at 5071 W. Congress. The latter is also closed on Monday, but open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday.
When temperatures drop below 20 degrees, or extreme weather shuts down public facilities or transportation for four hours or more, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Oak Park at 611 Randolph St. becomes a warming center. The village of Oak Park also announced that the St. Catherine – St. Lucy Rectory at 38 N. Austin Blvd. will also be a warming center from 7 p.m. Jan. 18 to 8 a.m. Jan. 22.