An arctic blast has swept across the Chicago area, plunging temperatures to hazardous levels with wind chills reaching between -20 and -25 degrees. Overnight conditions on Sunday prompted meteorologists from ABC7 Chicago to issue a weather alert for the dangerous cold expected throughout the weekend.
The National Weather Service responded by issuing a Cold Weather Advisory for numerous counties, including Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Will, and several others. This advisory is valid from 8 p.m. Saturday through noon Sunday, with a similar warning in effect for Wisconsin’s Waukesha County until 10 a.m. on Sunday.
As night descends on Sunday, temperatures are predicted to dip into the single digits, with wind chills potentially plummeting to as low as -10 to -15 degrees. The bitter cold poses risks for hazardous driving conditions, as the low temperatures may disrupt snow removal efforts and contribute to slippery roadways. Wind gusts of up to 25 mph could lead to significant drifting of snow back onto roads.
Officials have warned that frostbite can occur in mere minutes without appropriate clothing, urging residents to take necessary precautions when venturing outside. To assist those in need, the city of Aurora is providing a warming center that will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., offering meals and cots for those seeking shelter.
As the weekend progresses, the morning hours before the Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field are predicted to be the coldest, prompting both fans and players to brace for what may become one of the coldest games in the team’s history. During the match, wind chills are expected to hover around -5 to -10 degrees.
While the Cold Weather Advisory will come to an end by Sunday afternoon as winds begin to ease, frigid temperatures will still persist. Looking ahead, relief is on the horizon as forecasts indicate a warming trend next week, with temperatures possibly reaching the 40s by Wednesday. However, residents will still need to contend with wind chills around -10 degrees on Monday morning, although daytime highs could reach the 20s.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and forecasts as the region navigates these extreme weather conditions.
