How People from Chicago Deal with Winter

It's not called the Windy City for nothing! It gets very windy, and with that wind comes freezing temperatures. Wind chills in the single digits can be expected as early as November in some cases. Yep, living in Chicago during the winter months can be brutal. But, us Chicago natives know what to expect, and we know how to cope. Here are some of the ways we do it!

Mornings in Chicago can be the most unpleasant feeling in the world. Waking up when it is still dark, and having to get into that freezing cold car is not a picnic. Often times, it take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to warm up a vehicle so that it is drivable. Waking up, going out and starting your car and THEN getting into the shower is a common occurrence. In other cities, that would be considered doing things backward. Not to mention the sheet of ice that usually needs to be chiseled off the windshield.

Once you actually get your car on the road, one of the first stops is Dunkin Donuts. Nope, you aren't going there for a donut either. In Chicago, it's all about a good cup of coffee in the morning. Dunkin Donuts must make billions in, and around the city of Chicago alone. You can expect to sit the Dunkin Donuts' drive thru for at least 5 minutes depending on how cold it is. No one wants to get out of their vehicle, and will be more than happy to wait in their barely-warmed-up car for upwards of 10 minutes. Coffee is a lifesaver in Chicago and we wouldn't have it any other way!

If you are planning on spending any amount of time outdoors during a Chicago winter, you'd better be dressed for it! Not only can the weather change at the drop of a hat, the wind can always pick up before you even have a chance to put a coat on. Here's some good advice: When dressing for outdoor activity, look in the mirror. Once you think you have enough protection from the cold, put more on! It's all about layers! That wind can cut right through some of the heaviest clothing and chill you to the bone!

If all else fails, move to Florida for the winters. Very many people, mostly older folks, have two residences. One in Chicago, and one in a warmer climate like Florida or Arizona. They will live in Chicago for the warmer months, usually April through September, and then escape south for October through March. It's a good plan, but is hard to afford for most people. That's why the majority that do it are retired, empty-nesters!

Yep, Chicago can be a bear in the winter. But, if you approach it with an open mind and expect to be froze, you can get though it. The problem is, it's too darn cold to have an open mind!