Intro: 201901230_Polar_Vortex_mm248

Chicago residents visit the Lakefront of Lake Michigan during the polar vortex on Jan, 30, 2019. Wednesday marks the coldest day in Chicago history. From the crackling Lakefront to the city’s El stops, locals took on the record breaking wind chills. The polar vortex that brought the Chicago area to a halt in January will now be remembered as producing the state’s coldest temperature ever, according to weather officials. Manuel Martinez/WBEZ

Chicago residents visit the Lakefront of Lake Michigan during the polar vortex on Jan, 30, 2019. Wednesday marks the coldest day in Chicago history. From the crackling Lakefront to the city’s El stops, locals took on the record breaking wind chills. The polar vortex that brought the Chicago area to a halt in January will now be remembered as producing the state’s coldest temperature ever, according to weather officials. Manuel Martinez/WBEZ