Why Chicago is so cold
Global warming may be to blame
By A.R. | CHICAGO
SPARE A THOUGHT for the zebras in Chicago’s zoo. The creatures looked ill-equipped while clomping through the snow in sub-zero temperatures this month. The Windy City is enduring exceptionally cold weather. Forecasts suggest -31°C (-24°F) is likely on January 30th. Given the strong breezes whipping off a part-frozen Lake Michigan, that could feel more like -48°C. Schools and some offices have closed. The last time it was so frosty was a generation ago, and records could even be broken. The situation is similar across the Midwest. Universities have cancelled classes. Residents in many towns and cities have been warned to stay inside, or risk the rapid onset of frostbite. Wisconsin has declared a state of emergency, in part because of heavy snow. Although chilly winters are nothing new, the freeze this year looks unusually severe. The cause is changing air currents. But what explains them, why do they make the region so cold, and how should people cope?
More from The Economist explains
What do Greenlanders think of being bought?
Donald Trump’s desire for Greenland, and a shabby visit by his son, reignite the independence debate
What would Donald Trump gain from seizing the Panama Canal?
The president-elect claims the crossing is controlled by China and rips off American consumers
Where does Santa come from?
How a miracle-working Greek bishop, Dutch folk figure and early New York icon became the ubiquitous symbol of Christmas
Who are the main rebel groups in Syria?
They were united against the country’s dictator. Now they have little in common
Is RFK junior right to say America allows more toxins than the EU?
He is, but things are slowly beginning to change
What would it cost to kill coal?
The price of shutting down coal power, and what would be gained