As Chicago yo-yos between freezing and mild temperatures, there are times when it may seem like the coldest winter ever. In reality, though, Chicago has gone through much worse. So much worse, it actually makes this winter look like spring. At least we’ve had some days get over 40 degrees! In 1904, winter was much different.

Arctic temperatures and multiple feet of snow created one ugly Chicago winter. More than one hundred years ago, before anyone alive in Chicago can actually remember, this happened:

So far in 2018, we've seen snow and arctic temperatures that have reached dangerous levels. While this is certainly a cold year, it is not the coldest winter Chicago has ever experienced.
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In the winter of 1903-1904, Chicago averaged a very low 18.3 degrees overall.
NOAA Photo Library / Image ID: wea00956
Typically, temperatures are in the 20s for January and can often reach as high as 50 degrees in February and March, but 1904 was an exception.
renee_mcgurk/Flickr

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There was also plenty of snowfall that year. Nearly 60 inches fell, making it the seventh snowiest winter on record.
Wikimedia Commons/Victorgrigas
So next time you find yourself complaining about this being the coldest winter, remember that it could be much worse.
M K/Flickr
More than 110 years ago, arctic temperatures hit the city and gave it a freeze it'll never forget.
Enjoy the prettier moments of winter - like the interesting patterns in the frozen river!
Flickr/Daniel X. O'Neil

Make the most of this (much more pleasant) winter with a trip to this epic snow sledding hill near Chicago.

What’s the coldest winter you can remember? Share your memories with us in the comments below!

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