just one day. cnn's ryan young has pulled the short straw in chicago where the temperature is 22 degrees blow zero. ryan, tell us what that feels like on your skin. >> reporter: unbelievable. you're not even hitting the wind-chill factor that we know has now hit 50 below in this area where record setting temperatures so far. the word has gone out to make sure everyone's safe, especially for those who don't have well insulated homes. there are heating centers open all across this area. look at the iconic river here in chicago, it's frozen over. but i can tell you when this wind hits you, it delivers quite a punch. nearly three quarters of the u.s. bracing for bitter cold. >> like i'm going into a freezer. >> reporter: digging out as life-threatening low temperatures and ferocious winds grip the midwest. >> it's hard to take a breath in. it's affecting my lunsgs a litte