
Rockford Warming Centers Are Open And Ready With Heat
This morning, January 21st, 2025, we set a record for the Rockford area when it comes to low temperatures. With a temperature earlier this morning of -11 degrees and a feels-like temperature of -30 degrees, we've set a record for "the coldest January 21st with no snow on the ground."
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.
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-Fri 8:15 am – 3:00 pm
Rockford Rescue Mission
715 W. State Rockford, IL
8:00 am – 5:00 pm/7 days a week
Or Open 24/7 for persons needing overnight shelter
City of Rockford Health & Human Services Department
612 N. Church St. Rockford, IL
Mon-Thurs 8:00 am-4:30 pm Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Brooke Road United Methodist Church
1404 Brooke Road
Mon-Thurs 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Loves Park City Hall (gymnasium)
100 Heart Blvd. Loves Park, IL
Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Second First Church (gymnasium)
318 N. Church (enter in door on Jefferson Street)
Open every night 7:00 pm-7:00 am (open January 5, 2025 until March 9th, 2025)
Boone County Sites:
Belvidere Public Safety Building
615 N. Main St. 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
LOOK: 50 cozy towns to visit this winter
Gallery Credit: Laura Ratliff
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