Chicago is bracing for a severe winter blast, bringing extremely low wind chills and dangerous temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued a series of advisories for the region as frigid air settles in.
Cold Weather Advisory Details
A Cold Weather Advisory is effective from 8 p.m. Saturday to noon Sunday for several counties, including:
- Boone
- Cook
- DeKalb
- DuPage
- Will
- Grundy
- Kane
- Kankakee
- Kendall
- LaSalle
- Lake (IL)
- Livingston
- McHenry
- Winnebago
- Jasper
- Lake (IN)
- Newton
Additionally, Waukesha County in Wisconsin is under a similar advisory from midnight Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday. There is also a Winter Weather Advisory for Grundy, Kankakee, LaSalle, Livingston, Jasper, and Newton counties from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Impact of Cold Weather
Low temperatures will hinder snow removal efforts, creating slippery road conditions. Wind gusts can reach up to 25 mph, leading to drifting snow on roadways. Authorities emphasize the risk of frostbite in minutes without adequate clothing.
Warming Centers Available
The city of Aurora will provide a warming center from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., offering meals and cots for those in need.
Weather Forecast
On Saturday, temperatures are expected to be in the lower teens. Wind chills will range from -10 to -20 throughout the day. Sunday morning, before the Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field, will be the coldest period of the weekend.
During the game, wind chills may be as low as -5 to -10. However, a warming trend is anticipated next week, with temperatures possibly reaching the 40s by Wednesday.
