What Frozen Chicago Looks Like From the Sky

Well, you know what they say: There is no better vantage point to view the chilling effects of a polar vortex than from 36,000 feet in the air.

While the arctic blast sweeps through the Midwest causing temperatures to drop into record lows, those who have been able to catch the odd flight in and out of Chicago have been snapping pictures of the city in its coldest hour from their window seats.

Yesterday was the second coldest day ever recorded in Chicago's history, reaching temperatures as low as -22 degrees at O’Hare and -24 at Rockford. The brutal weather has caused thousands of flight cancellations so far, and for the people working on the ground during the vortex, the job isn't easy. Airport employees have resorted to shortening their shifts and wearing extreme outerwear on the tarmac.

The National Weather Service also warned that the air has the potential to be "life-threateningly cold." So far, eight deaths have been attributed to the vortex.

Aside from the visual of the frosted-over Chicago skyline, passengers have also been posting photos of a frozen Lake Michigan. While a combination of wave action, wind, and heat contained in the lake make it impossible for it to completely freeze over, the subzero temperatures have caused plumes of 'ice steam' to rise from the body of water.

As of now, according to Axios, the extreme temperatures are expected to start returning to normal by this afternoon.