Temperatures could drop to single digits for Bears-Rams divisional round game at Soldier Field

CHICAGO -- Things could get a bit chilly in Chicago this Sunday.

Temperatures could drop to single digits for the divisional round game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears, with a low of 2 degrees Fahrenheit predicted at Soldier Field. The Bears are accustomed to frigid conditions, of course, but "2 degrees" is barely in the vocabulary of Los Angeles residents. It remains to be seen just how much the Rams will be affected by the cold.

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ABC7 Chicago AccuWeather Meteorologist Tracy Butler said the game will be brutal with frigid wind chills, and there is a chance of snow on Sunday as well.

Residents and visitors attending the game should dress warmly and in layers, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications said.

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OEMC will monitor events throughout the city and will coordinate resources as needed. If weather conditions warrant, OEMC will notify the public of any advisories, watches or warnings.

The Bears said warming centers will belocatedat Loop Landing (behind Section 146), on the Service Level down the southwest tunnel near the Dr. Pepper Patio, NW colonnade (situated on the tiled landing at the top of the stairs by Gate 31) and on the south side of the colonnades.

Cold-weather dehydration is possible, so fans are encouraged to drink water throughout the game, the Bears said.

The Bears issued these reminders for fans attending the game:

• Battery-operated clothing is permitted and may be subject to additional security screening.


• Fans may not bring in cardboard to sit or stand on.


• Hot chocolate, cider and coffee will be available throughout the stadium and via in-seat vendors, with chili offered at select stands.


• Hand warmers will be available for purchase at any Bears Pro Shop location inside the stadium.


• Blankets are permitted for Chicago Bears games at Soldier Field. You may carry them in hand or in an approved clear bag that meets the stadium's clear bag policy guidelines.

The Bears also issued these reminders about tailgating and lot policies:

• Grills and heaters that use liquefied fuels are prohibited in enclosed parking garages and the lower level of the Waldron Deck (allowed in open air surface lots).


• Firepits/open fires are not allowed in any parking lots.


• Deep fryers or any oil-based cooking or frying are prohibited.


• Tents and/or canopies are prohibited.


• No open flame, infrared panel or propane heaters of any type allowed in any lot.


• Propane tanks larger than 19lbs. are not allowed on campus.


• In the event of excessive winds, flags, umbrellas and any other items that may become projectile, may not be permitted.

Still, if 2 degrees is where we end up, Rams-Bears still won't be among the top five coldest NFL playoff games. Here are the chilliest games teams have played in the postseason.

Minus 13 degrees (wind chill: minus 48)

Dec. 31, 1967

Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Known as the "Ice Bowl," the 1967 NFL championship reigns supreme as the coldest postseason game. The Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 to win their 11th NFL championship, three years before the AFL/NFL merger.

Down 17-14, Bart Starr led the Packers down the field for the winning touchdown with 16 seconds remaining. At the time of the score, temperatures had dwindled to minus 18.

Minus 9 degrees (wind chill: minus 59)

Jan. 10, 1982

Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati

The then-San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals squared off in arguably the coldest game, based on wind chill factor, in NFL history: "The Freezer Bowl." It was a drastic change for the Chargers, who were coming off a week where they defeated the Dolphins in 80-degree weather.

With a spot in Super Bowl XVI on the line, the Bengals dominated en route to a 27-7 victory. The Chargers struggled in the cold with four fumbles and were shut out in the second half.

Minus 6 degrees (wind chill: minus 25)

Jan. 10, 2016

TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

In the first Minnesota Vikings home postseason game outdoors since the 1976 NFC Championship Game, the temperature lived up to the hype.

Neither team found comfort in the cold with 19 combined points and 409 combined yards. The Seattle Seahawks wound up on top 10-9 in the NFC wild-card game after Blair Walsh missed a 27-yard field goal to win.

Minus 4 degrees (wind chill: minus 27)

Jan. 24, 2024

Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Missouri isn't exactly known for its cold weather, but this matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins would have given any NFC North frozen tundra game a run for its money. Patrick Mahomes' helmet shattered after a hit, and Kansas City coach Andy Reid's iconic mustache froze. Still, the Chiefs -- with Taylor Swift watching from a presumably warm enclosed suite -- triumphed, beating the Dolphins 26-7.

Minus 1 degree (wind chill: minus 23)

Jan. 20, 2008

Lambeau Field, Green Bay

January football in Green Bay promises cold weather, and it wasn't any different in 2008. The New York Giants and Packers faced off in an NFC Championship Game that would have been the coldest ever in any other stadium except Lambeau Field.

Eli Manning led the Giants to a 23-20 win en route to a Super Bowl title. During the game in Lambeau, New York players grew worried about head coach Tom Coughlin, whose cheeks didn't take the weather well.

"His cheeks were so red I thought he was going to get frostbite forever," then-Giants offensive tackle David Diehl told Sports Illustrated in 2017.

Zero degrees (wind chill: minus 32)

Jan. 15, 1994

Rich Stadium, Buffalo, N.Y.

The Buffalo Bills call one of the coldest regions of the country home but have never hosted a playoff game below zero degrees. The AFC divisional game in 1994 remains the coldest in Bills history.

Buffalo came out on top 29-23 in a game where both teams had at least 300 total yards. The Bills would play in -- and lose -- their fourth straight Super Bowl two weeks later.

ABC7 Chicago and ESPN Research contributed to this article.