(Pixabay)

The Chicago region remains under a wind chill warning Tuesday morning as bitterly cold temperatures persist, with the added danger of ice dams causing flooding along area rivers, according to the National Weather Service.

Though temperatures are expected to climb into the double digits by mid-week, the “warm up” will be short lived, with another arctic blast forecast to arrive Thursday night and lasting into the weekend.

(National Weather Service)

Due to the dangerous cold, which meteorologist say can result in frostbite to exposed skin in just 10 to 30 minutes, numerous school districts — including Chicago Public Schools — and institutions have canceled classes, activities and events on Tuesday. People are advised to call ahead before heading out the door. 

Chicago Park District fieldhouses will be open for programming and many will serve as warming centers (see list), officials said. 

The district’s outdoor ice rinks are closed, as is a section of the Lakefront Trail between North Avenue and Ohio Street Beach.

Chicago public libraries are also doubling as warming centers through the cold snap, in addition to the city’s official warming centers. 

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]