You May Need One Of These Northern Illinois Warming Centers

Tired of shivering yet?

This morning was definitely a super-cold morning, but not a record-setter. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the record low for January 19th in the Rockford area is -24 degrees (in 1985 and again in 1994), so our -4 or -5 degree temps this morning were definitely cold, but nowhere near being in the ballpark of record breaking. Tonight's overnight low forecast should be around 7 below zero, but that could change as the day goes on.

Like high-temperature records, we'd probably prefer not to be setting records for low temperatures, either. When we do, you can be certain that someone is suffering because of the current conditions, and these particularly cold conditions that we've got going on right now can be deadly.

Speaking of, here's a quick question for you to try to answer:

Is record-setting hot weather deadlier, or is it record-setting cold weather that kills more people?

It's Not Even Close--Extremely Cold Weather Kills A Lot More People Than Extremely Hot Weather, No Matter Where You May Be

For example, in 2022, over 3,500 Americans died from "cold-related" causes, while just over 1,700 people died from "heat-related" ones.

SustainabilityByNumbers.com:

A study across 854 cities in Europe found that cold-related deaths were around ten times higher than heat-related ones. A detailed study across England and Wales found that cold-related deaths were two orders of magnitude higher. The same is true for China and the United States.

Both can be very tough on us, but cold is much worse than heat.

Our Area Is Great About Providing Cooling Centers When The Temperature And Humidity Go Through The Roof, And You're Covered If You Need Someplace Warm At This Time Of Year, Too

Here's a list of the places that have the heat on and are ready to help you get warmed up when you need it the most.

Winnebago County Sites:

The Carpenter’s Place
1149 Railroad Ave. Rockford, IL
Mon-Thursday 8:00am to 4:00 pm/Friday from 8:15am to 2:00pm

Rockford Rescue Mission
715 W. State Street Rockford, IL 8:00 am – 5:00 pm/7days a week Or Open 24/7 for persons needing overnight shelter

City of Rockford Health & Human Services Department
612 N. Church Street Rockford, IL Monday – Thursday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Brooke Road United Methodist Church
1404 Brooke Road Monday -Thursday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Loves Park City Hall (gymnasium)
100 Heart Blvd. Loves Park, IL Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Second First Church (gymnasium)
318 N. Church Street Rockford, IL (Please use the entrance off of Jefferson Street) Site will open January 4, 2026 7 days a week, 6:00 pm – 7:00 am *However, starting in December if the temperature drops below 15 degrees, the site will open.

Boone County Sites:

Belvidere Public Safety Building
615 N. Main Street Belvidere, IL 7 days a week, 8:00 am-5:00 pm

Area State Authorized Sites:

Belvidere Oasis/Illinois Tollway
East of Belvidere Toll Plaza on I90
24 hours/7 days a week