As the polar vortex dropped temperatures to record lows Wednesday, there has been at least nine weather-related deaths across the Midwest.
According to multiple outlets, deaths have been reported in Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Temperatures in Chicago Wednesday resulted in a daily average of -17 degrees Fahrenheit, making it just 1 degree shy of the coldest day in the Windy City's history. And it's not expected to get any better, as meteorologists forecast it might get even colder Thursday. As of Wednesday, more than 1,600 flights at Chicago airports have been canceled due to the bitter cold.
Minnesota also endured one of the coldest days on Wednesday, with temperatures dropping in parts of the north star state below -40 degrees and windchill hitting below -60 degrees.
More than 220 million people in the U.S. are dealing with sub-freezing temperatures this week.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
