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Normal conditions
The weather in Chicago and the Midwest is well known for its strong seasonal changes. Summers can be very hot and humid, winters are often very cold with icy winds and snowstorms. Temperatures can get as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit (-28 degrees Celsius) in January and as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) or more on a hot day in July. Wind and humidity, however, will influence the way your body will feel the temperature. Therefore, the weather forecast usually provides the so called "wind chill factor" in winter and the "heat index" in summer. Both refer to the temperature felt by a human body. Periods of extreme heat or cold usually only last for a few weeks.
If you arrive in winter, bring warm sweaters and jackets, as well as scarves, gloves and a hat. These are essential items even if you plan to spend very little time outside. Inside, rooms will be at a pleasant temperature since they will be heated.
In summer, many buildings are cooled by air-conditioning. A light sweater for wearing when inside might be comfortable. While spending time outside, protect yourself from getting sunburned.
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Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes
The Midwest including the Chicago area is hit by severe thunderstorms several times per year. If the atmosphere indicates such severe weather conditions, radio and TV stations will constantly give detailed information about where the most severe incidents are currently occuring. You should keep yourself informed and have a battery- powered radio ready in case of a power outage. If conditions become life-threatening due to a tornado in your area, sirens will warn you. The sirens are tested every first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m.
If you hear sirens in severe weather you should immediately seek shelter. If you are on-site at Fermilab, go to the designated shelter areas. Everywhere else, where shelter areas are not specifically designated, seek shelter inside the basement of a building or a room on the lowest floor facing inside without any windows, perhaps the bathroom. The bathtub and the surrounding plumbing usually provide the best protection.
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