When Was the Coldest Day on Record in Illinois and How Cold Did It Get?

Illinois has experienced some incredibly cold days, some might describe them as "stupid cold." The State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) is made up of several organizations, including the National Weather Service, and is responsible for confirming notable weather records. Even they had to shake their head at the extremely cold temperatures experienced in the Land Of Lincoln.

No matter which adjective or phrase you use to describe the feels-like temperature outside, important to note that extremely cold temperatures can be dangerous. They can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. It's crucial to take necessary precautions when facing such low temperatures, such as dressing in layers, protecting exposed skin, and staying indoors as much as possible.

What dates are listed as some of the coldest in Illinois history?

A few of the recorded lowest temperatures happened in northern Illinois, including January 20, 1982, when the temperature in Rochelle, Illinois reached a bone-chilling -36 degrees Fahrenheit. On December 20, 1989, the temperature in Morris, Illinois reached -33 degrees Fahrenheit, only three degrees warmer than the record-breaking temperature in Mt. Carroll.

See More: What is Rockford's coldest recorded temperature? 

When Was the Coldest Day on Record in Illinois and How Cold Did It Get?

Illinois experienced its coldest day on record on January 31, 2019, according to a committee of weather professionals. The Mt. Carroll cooperative weather observer measured a low temperature of -38 degrees Fahrenheit, a record-breaking temperature that was validated by the SCEC.

This temperature is even colder than the average low temperature at the North Pole in January, which sits at around -20 degrees Fahrenheit according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).