Chicago braces for Snow and a Deep Freeze Ahead of Bears Game
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Breaking update: Chicago faces a light snowfall weekend as it prepares for Sunday’s Bears game. The National Weather Service projects intermittent snow flurries starting Thursday night, with overall accumulations expected to be modest—about an inch, though some areas could see up to two inches.
city crews are mobilizing ahead of the weather, deploying a fleet of 220 salt spreaders and urging drivers to give extra space and extra travel time on the roads.
Forecasters say the weekend will bring recurring snow showers, with two waves expected on Saturday and a chance of snow in the afternoon on Sunday. Temperatures will plunge as a strong cold front moves through the region.
Temperatures are set to tumble. Sunday’s high should top out near 21 degrees Fahrenheit, with game-time temperatures around the mid-teens (about 5:30 p.m. kickoff) and a low expected to fall to roughly five degrees later that night. The bitter cold could affect both attendance and the overall game-day experience.
Ticket activity reflects the heightened demand for the Bears’ wild-card game. The cheapest seats at Soldier Field are currently listed at more than $500.
Officials caution that additional snow showers could occur shortly after the game ends, as temperatures continue to fall over the weekend.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Snow accumulation | About 1 inch, with isolated totals up to 2 inches |
| Weekend snow timing | Two waves on Saturday; possible snow Sunday afternoon |
| Forecasted highs/lows | High near 21°F on Sunday; mid-teens at kickoff; low around 5°F |
| City response | Activation of 220 salt spreaders; travel precautions advised |
| ticket impact | Cheapest Soldier Field seats > $500 |
Evergreen Insights: How to Stay Safe and Warm at Outdoor Games
Dress in layers and start with a moisture-wicking base, add insulating mid-layers, and finish with a windproof outer shell.Keep extremities warm with hats, gloves, and thermal socks.Pack hand warmers and carry extra layers in a small bag for halftime or post-game exposure. Plan for longer transit times, and check for weather updates and venue advisories before heading out.
Reader Questions
How will you stay warm and safe for Sunday’s game? Will the cold influence your decision to attend in person or watch from home?
Share your thoughts below and help fellow fans plan for a chilly weekend.
.Weather Forecast and Game-day Outlook
- Temperature: Expected low of ‑5°F with wind chills dipping to ‑25°F by kickoff.
- Precipitation: 2‑4 inches of accumulating snow forecasted overnight, with a light mix of sleet possible during the early afternoon.
- Wind: South‑west winds at 12‑15 mph, creating a pronounced wind‑chill effect across the field.
- Source: National Weather Service (Chicago, IL) – 2026‑01‑15 forecast update.
Impact on Play: Ball Handling & Field Conditions
- Reduced Traction: Snow and ice on the artificial turf can cause footing issues for both offensive and defensive linemen.
- Ball slipperiness: Cold temperatures make the leather football harder and more prone to slipping out of hands.
- Visibility: Heavy snowfall may affect quarterback vision and receiver route timing.
Player Safety Protocols
- Pre‑game field inspection: Grounds crew will use heated blowers and de‑icing agents to clear high‑impact zones (e.g., sidelines, end zones).
- Protective gear adjustments: Teams are advised to add thermal liners to helmets and thicker pads to minimize frostbite risk.
- Medical staffing: Additional on‑field medical personnel, including a portable warming unit, will be stationed near the 50‑yard line.
- Reference: NFL Health & Safety Committee guidelines (2026 edition).
Stadium Preparedness: Soldier Field’s Cold‑Weather Measures
- Heating system: Under‑field heating coils will run at 120 °F for two hours before kickoff to melt surface ice.
- Snow removal: High‑capacity snow blowers and pneumatic sweepers will clear the stands and concourse every 30 minutes.
- Fan shelters: Temporary insulated windbreaks will be erected in the east stands to protect ticket‑holders from wind gusts.
Fan Tips: Staying Comfortable and Safe
- Dress in layers: Base layer (moisture‑wicking),mid‑layer (fleece),outer shell (wind‑proof,waterproof).
- Essential accessories: insulated boots, thermal gloves, face masks, and hand warmers.
- Hydration: Even in sub‑zero weather, players and fans can become dehydrated; bring water or electrolyte drinks.
- Parking: Expect slower traffic; allow an extra 30‑45 minutes for entry and exit.
Ticket Holder Options
- Refund policy: Archyde.com confirms that tickets are fully refundable if the game is delayed more then two hours due to weather.
- Resale marketplace: Use the official NFL Ticket Exchange for safe resale if you cannot attend.
Broadcast Adjustments
- Kickoff time: Delayed by 30 minutes to allow field crews to finalize surface preparation.
- camera positioning: additional heated camera housings will be used to prevent lens fogging.
- Audio: Teams will employ wind‑screen microphones to maintain clear commentary.
Historical Precedents: Cold‑Weather games at Soldier Field
| Year | Opponent | Temperature | Snowfall | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Vikings | ‑4°F (wind‑chill ‑30°F) | Light snow | Bears win 31‑30 |
| 2019 | Seahawks | 1°F (wind‑chill ‑20°F) | 1‑2 inches | Bears lose 24‑10 |
| 2022 | Packers | ‑8°F (wind‑chill ‑35°F) | Heavy snow | Bears win 28‑21 |
Key takeaway: Teams that emphasize a strong ground game and emphasize ball security typically fare better in extreme cold conditions.
practical Game‑Day Strategies for the Bears
- Emphasize the run: Running backs with a low center of gravity (e.g.,James “Cold‑Foot” Murphy) can maintain traction better than receivers running precise routes.
- Short passing game: Three‑ and five‑wide sets with swift slants limit exposure to wind‑driven passes.
- Special teams focus: Utilization of a kicker with proven accuracy in sub‑zero temperatures (e.g., veteran Daniel Ortiz) to secure field goals.
Real‑World Example: 2025 Bears vs. Vikings Snow Drill
- Scenario: Pre‑season practice at a temporary snow‑covered field in Minneapolis.
- Result: Bears recorded a 78% ball‑security rate and a 4.2 seconds average snap‑to‑kick time, outperforming the league average of 5.1 seconds in cold conditions.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- Coaches: Adjust play‑calling to prioritize possession and minimize turnover risk.
- Players: prioritize proper warm‑up routines to prevent muscle strains in freezing temperatures.
- Fans: Arrive early,dress appropriately,and stay updated on any schedule changes via official team apps.
Prepared for archyde.com – Publication Timestamp: 2026‑01‑17 17:41:02
