Local weather forecasts predict bitter cold this week, prompting nearby warming centers to jump into action.
A cold weather advisory is in effect through noon Monday, starting again from 9 p.m. Monday until noon Tuesday. Wind chills as low as 20 to 25 degrees below zero are expected, according to The Weather Channel, which can cause frostbite on exposed skin in only 30 minutes.
The Weather Channel advises bundling up when going outside with appropriate clothes, hat and gloves. Pets should also be kept indoors as much as possible.
When cold weather hits, Oak Park has some local warming centers available for anyone in need of one. When temperatures drop below 20 degrees, or extreme weather shuts down public facilities or transportation for four hours or more, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 611 Randolph St. becomes one such location.
The village also announced that the St. Catherine – St. Lucy Rectory at 38 N. Austin Blvd. will also be a warming center from 7 p.m. Jan. 18 to 8 a.m. Jan. 22. Cook County has also opened a warming center at the Maywood Courthouse at 1500 Maybrook Dr. from noon Jan. 19 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 22.
During the day, anyone looking to warm up can head to the Oak Park Public Library – Main Library at 834 Lake St., open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
The Oak Park Public Library – Dole Branch at 255 Augusta St. is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. This location is closed on Mondays.
The Oak Park Public Library – Maze Branch at 845 Gunderson Ave. is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. This location is closed on Fridays.