Today in Chicago History: Colder than Hell (Mich.)

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Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Jan. 10, according to the Tribune’s archives.

Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

  • High temperature: 60 degrees (1975)
  • Low temperature: Minus 26 degrees (1982)
  • Precipitation: 2.29 inches (1975)
  • Snowfall: 8.4 inches (2009)

1982: Chicagoans suffered through the what was then the coldest day in city history — with a low temperature of minus 26 degrees.

At minus 26 degrees, Jan. 10, 1982, was the coldest day in Chicago history until minus 27 degrees was recorded on Jan. 20, 1985. (Chicago Tribune)

The bitter cold felt throughout the city was worse than what thermometers registered in the tiny town of Hell, Mich., which was minus 17 degrees.

“There is not a place in Hell that isn’t frozen, but it sounds like you people have it a lot worse than we do,” Jan Davis of the Hell Creek Ranch, a recreation area about 20 miles north of Ann Arbor, told the Tribune. “We’re all warm, which is appropriate for Hell, don’t you think?”

Chicago weather: A look back at our coldest recorded temperatures

2022: Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy was fired (and so was general manager Ryan Pace) after going 6-11 in his fourth season.

Chicago Bears have had 18 head coaches. Here’s a look at how past coaches fared — and when they left the franchise.

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