Good afternoon, Chicago.
As Chicagoans cozied up inside to avoid the bitter cold, puffs of vapor settled over the surface of Lake Michigan making it look like a steamy caldron of soup. Days later, the sun poked out illuminating a thin, sparkling layer of ice along the shoreline.
A historically warm beginning to winter followed by a plunge in temperatures last week likely created this curious phenomenon, then rapid transformation, weather and climate experts say.
“We went from such a warm December to extreme cold,” said Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford. “The lake is still responding to December; it hasn’t caught up yet with January, so its temperatures are still above normal. It’s a pretty warm lake reacting to some very cold air and that’s really why we’re seeing this dramatic effect.”
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/breaking and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
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Highland Park recreation director fired while on leave for parade shooting PTSD
While Chris Maliszewski was planning a return-to-work routine with his psychologist, the 41-year-old was terminated from his position on Dec. 27, according to interviews and records obtained by the Lake County News-Sun. Read more here.
More top news stories:
Chicago to consider an ordinance that would effectively ban natural gas in new buildings
Girl, 12, fatally struck by car following Route 59 crash in Plainfield
Rock-n-roll-themed condo in Trump Tower listed for $6M
One of the condo’s centerpieces is a music room, with walls covered in black acoustical tile. Read more here.
More top business stories:
Macy’s plans to cut 2,350 jobs and close five stores
Catching up with a top trio of Chicago Cubs prospects: Matt Shaw, Cade Horton and Brennen Davis. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
Jack Burke Jr., a Hall of Fame golfer who was the oldest living Masters champion, dies at age 100
Frederick Douglass exhibit opens at library
The Frederick Douglass Advocate for Equality exhibit opened Monday and remains on display through Feb. 9 at the Waukegan Public Library, giving people a glimpse into the life of a man who fought for equality and equity on all fronts. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
Fabulous Thunderbirds are keepin’ on after 50 years
Rifts emerge among top Israeli officials over how to handle the war against Hamas in Gaza
Rifts are emerging among top Israeli officials over the handling of the war against the Hamas militant group in Gaza. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
Uvalde families renew demands for police to face charges after a scathing Justice Department report
Japan became the fifth country to reach the moon after its spacecraft landed on the lunar surface
