Chicago, IL – As Illinois heads into Black Friday weekend, weather officials are urging Chicago-area homeowners to complete winter preparations before another wave of freezing nighttime temperatures reaches the region.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this year’s La Niña pattern may bring sharper temperature swings across the Midwest, including sudden drops from mild afternoons to overnight lows in the 20s. These conditions increase the risk of burst pipes, ice dams, and heating system strain, particularly across Chicago’s older multi-unit buildings and detached homes throughout Cook County. Forecasts show temperatures dipping into the low-to-mid 20s late Friday into Saturday.
Home maintenance experts say residents should focus on urgent winterization tasks. That includes insulating exposed pipes, especially in basements, attics, and unheated areas common throughout Chicago’s housing stock. clearing gutters and downspouts is also essential to reduce ice buildup as snowmelt refreezes during early-season cold snaps.
Energy specialists recommend sealing drafty windows and doors, checking attic insulation levels, and verifying furnace performance before December’s colder shift. Chicago Fire Department officials also remind homeowners to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, as heating-related incidents rise sharply across the city following Thanksgiving.
Emergency managers encourage residents to check on elderly neighbors or family members who may need assistance preparing their homes, especially during the busy holiday travel period.
