Temperatures fell so low Wednesday, it was Chicago’s coldest Jan. 30 on record, but that didn’t stop many Chicagoans from waking up, getting dressed and heading to work.
Sure, the minus-22 degree temps can cause frost bite on exposed skin in as little as five minutes, but locals were prepared. They bundled up in hats, scarves, gloves, fur hoods and even ski googles to protect themselves from the “life-threatening” freeze.
Here are some photos taken during the morning commute Wednesday by Sun-Times photo editor Rich Hein, who was also outside, braving the cold while on the job.
Click to view slideshow.In Pilsen, Yadira Ramirez opened Panaderia Nuevo Leon at 5:30 a.m. Though she usually drives to work, her pickup didn’t start Wednesday morning, so she walked.
“Yeah, it was cold. I couldn’t feel my fingers after awhile,” she said in Spanish.
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