It's officially here. Though temperatures have been dropping for weeks, true winter has only just arrived, and there are some thing you need to know to make it through to the end. These 10 tips for surviving winter in Illinois are pertinent to your enjoyment of these cold months.
If this time of year gives you anxiety and makes you dread the outdoors, read on for all the best things to do to counter those blues. Check out how true Illinoisans survive the cold.
1. Everyone gets excited about the first snow.
The first snow of the year causes young and old alike to press their faces against window panes and peer at the magical white dust falling from the sky. By the time a second wave comes though, most are dreading how they're going to get to work or get the kids to school.
2. Keep an emergency kit in your car.
A spin out or slide off can happen at anytime if you're driving through snow. It is wise to keep bottled water, snacks, blankets, jumper cables, and kitty litter in your car. The litter is used to add traction beneath your tires if they get stuck.
3. Keep a shovel in your trunk.
Obviously, you want to have a windshield scraper in your car at all times, but a shovel is actually a good idea too. Especially if you find yourself parking on the street, there is a chance a plow will make it so that you have to dig your way out.
4. It's not always cold and it's not always snowy.
Don't put away all your warm weather clothes just yet. We get warm spells here during the winter too. Illinois is just the sort of place where you have to check the temperature daily to make sure you dress appropriately.
5. You'll need layers for every part of your body.
Speaking of being appropriately dressed, surviving winter in Illinois requires a heavy coat, good boots, gloves, and hats. You won't want any part of your skin exposed to the frigid temps we sometimes get here.
6. Still, many will wear shorts.
There's always that oddball who refuses to wear anything other than a t-shirt or shorts whenever they leave the house. Some people are just more warm-blooded.
7. No one stops for snow.
Unless an actual weather advisory is out, most Illinoisans won't cancel their plans for a little bit of snow. Whether it's shopping, visiting family, or going on vacation, there isn't much that will deter us.
8. Don't stay inside.
Surviving winter in Illinois also means not being bored to death. You can go cross-country skiing, hiking, ice skating, and so much more when there's snow on the ground and a chill in the air.
9. Snow is not restricted by winter.
In Illinois, we often get our first snow about a month before winter actually begins, and there are often years when that white stuff is still falling well into April. Remember not to put away your coat too soon once spring hits.
10. You'll miss it when it's gone.
Illinoisans complain about winter from the moment it gets here, but once the snow is all gone, we miss it a little. There's just something special about a snowy winter wonderland.
For more winter fun, check out these 11 perfect things to add to your cold weather bucket list.
What other tips do you have for surviving winter in Illinois? Share your thoughts with us!
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