Surviving the Polar Vortex!

30 Jan

Some people attend the Olympics hoping to experience a record being set. Today, I just had to walk out my front door to experience one myself.

©blogginginitaly.com

Now if that isn’t enough to freeze your bones, take a look at the “FEELS LIKE” temp…

©blogginginitaly.com

-49°, seriously?

I awoke to find several kind messages of “Keep Warm” from friends across the globe, so I’m adding the conversion to celsius:

©blogginginitaly.com

How does the “real feel” really feel? I put on a down coat, warm hat and gloves, and stepped outside for about 15 seconds. Granted, not enough for frost bite, which can occur in five minutes, but enough to feel the biting air, especially as the winds are 20-30 mph. My assessment? I think I’ll stay inside for a few days.

Our morning newspaper headlines were filled with caution:

©Chicago Sun Times:

©Chicago Tribune:

In case you are curious, The Washington Post provided a good explanation of why this is happening.

©The Washington Post

Oh well, -27 or -29, it doesn’t really matter, except perhaps for the meteorologists who just love breaking records.

Most transportation in and out of Chicago has been affected and nearly every academic institution as well as countless restaurants, businesses, etc., are closed today, and probably tomorrow. Warming shelters and food banks are busy welcoming those in need and people are encouraged to check on at risk neighbors and elderly. Let’s hope people stay inside so the first responders can as well.

As for us, the sun is shining, the sky is blue, the refrigerator and wine cooler are fully stocked, we are warm, well, and weathering the weather, plus, I experienced a new record!

And, looking ahead, it’s supposed to reach 46° on Sunday, a great day for a long stroll in the park. 

©blogginginitaly.com

Ciao, 
Judy

 

 

 

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14 Responses to “Surviving the Polar Vortex!”

  1. jknotts7 January 30, 2019 at 12:21 PM #

    I imagine you cooking up a fabulous meal and enjoying it with a good glass of red. Love, Judy

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

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    • blogginginitaly January 30, 2019 at 1:45 PM #

      Exactly the plan, and I’d invite you over, but guessing you’d take a “snow” check!

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  2. Lyniece Salvatore January 30, 2019 at 12:45 PM #

    Stay warm. I remember those days in Chicago. I could never get warm. I don’t know if you want to hear that we are suffering in Florida with lows in the 40s.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • blogginginitaly January 30, 2019 at 1:48 PM #

      Yes, I know, and I was actually supposed to be in FL with my sister. I was even hoping to see you but will have to wait till next time. We are staying warm and the same to you!

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  3. bestson808 January 30, 2019 at 12:53 PM #

    Aloha Judy, so where were you in 1985?

    The coldest temperature ever recorded in Chicago city limits is −27 °F (−33 °C) at O’Hare on January 20, 1985, though unofficial temperatures as low as −33 °F (−36 °C) have been recorded at Chicago Aurora Airport in far western suburbs and in the rural areas to the west of Chicago.

    I know it’s difficult to say this but it’s VERY cold here as well by Hawaii standards. 🙂 Thank God for fireplaces and wood…. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    • blogginginitaly January 30, 2019 at 1:51 PM #

      Hi Charles, I was living in Connecticut then, but actually, once the temps reach -20+, I’m staying inside so a degree or 10 doesn’t matter too much, right? Seems to be cold everywhere!

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  4. Royce Larsen January 30, 2019 at 1:18 PM #

    You are obviously where the action is—breaking records every day!
    Thanks for the report
    You even make cold weather interesting
    My best to you and yours

    Liked by 1 person

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    • blogginginitaly January 30, 2019 at 1:53 PM #

      Funny you say that, I am finding this rather interesting. Easy for me to say, however, from the warmth of my house and looking out the windows at sunshine and lovely blue skies!

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  5. jeanfromcalifornia January 30, 2019 at 2:47 PM #

    Judy, that is scary. I will only say what we have been saying to our Winnipeg family – stay inside! Fireplaces are your friend.
    The pictures of the ice on the river in the news look amazing but this is one time we don’t want you and your daughter to use your photojournalism skills.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • blogginginitaly January 30, 2019 at 4:04 PM #

      fireplace on, ✅
      staying inside, ✅
      Italian food, ✅
      🍷✅
      all good!!

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  6. karenincalabria January 30, 2019 at 3:20 PM #

    Hang in there! I lived in Alaska a couple of years and one thing for sure, you don’t want to inhale -20 degree air. Cover your mouth, and of course, there’s always the, don’t lick a flagpole…

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. bobbeelou January 31, 2019 at 6:39 PM #

    Hi Judy and Len, We, too have been thinking of you in this awful weather. Can’t even imagine being that cold. Stay safe and take cate.Bobbie and Rodg 

    Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device

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