A “Steamy” Chicago River!
The internet is ablaze with images of the Chicago River literally steaming – as the city battles sub-zero temperatures!
So what led to that steam show? According to the University of Maine, the “steam” is actually water vapor. That vapor forms when “really cold air moves over relatively warmer water and the thin boundary layer of warm air just above the surface.”
Here’s some video and more on what is causing this unique phenomenon:
I lived in Chicago and experienced some of this closeup!
First, the city steams in the summer as well! This is the John Hancock building along Lake Michigan on a sweltering summer day – but when the temperature plummets, strong things happen to the lake:
This was the view of Lake Michigan from our apartment – and when the temperature drops below zero, the lake freezes near the shore, allowing ice fishermen like this guy to walk casually on the lake!
Here is a shot of the Chicago River at dusk – truly gorgeous!
In the dead of winter however, the river actually freezes as well!
Here are a couple of shots I got when it was -14 degrees outside!
It’s a fascinating thing to see, and it’s happening right now in The Windy City – and if you’ve never been, check out their incredible riverwalk!
When it’s too cold to be outside, head inside to hang out with these guys:
Yes, these two lions were known as “The Ghost And The Darkness” – click here to see where they are and more of their story!
After all the tourism stuff, you need a bite to eat, and I’ve got you covered:
Manny’s Deli in the south loop is iconic – and if you click here I will explain what the “south loop” is, and why this Pastrami on Rye is to die for!
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Categories: chicago, Exotic Travel, Food, Memoirs, Pop Culture, Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Memoir
johnrieber 
Hi John, this is a great post. We have this steaming phenomenon here too if we get unusually cold weather.
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Wow!
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Since moving to Milwaukee, it has blown my mind that we share Lake Michigan with Chicago! Truly a giant body of water—I love the nickname “Third Coast.” As cold as it’s been lately, it’s also so incredibly stunning.
Such an interesting post, thank you for sharing!
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crazy and very real weather effects there! I was born in Chicago and it’s one of my fav cities to visit.
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We were just there for a 2 day weekend of fun and food – love the city! Thanks for the comment!
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If I ever get across the Atlantic I would love to go to Chicago. Lake Michigan has always fascinated me. I hadn’t heard of the lions before and looked up more about them after reading your blog. Used as rugs for twenty years! Though we don’t approve of hunters now, brave hunters can be useful sometimes.
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HA! That I didn’t know! Chicago is a terrific city,, with great exhibits, restaurants and bars, and truly nice midwesterners! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
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It looks great, John. Much too cold for me though.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Much to cold for me as well Pete! NY at least has stayed in the 20’s and 30’s so far!
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Lake Huron in Sarnia is also steaming now. It’s such a cool phenomena
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Isn’t it? I was always shocked to see ice fishing on Lake Michigan – the guys were fearless! Thanks for the comment, always great to hear from you!
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