Weather
Illinois Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: How Cold Is Too Cold?
Springfield, IL – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a Chicago bus stop or just a few minutes outdoors be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, I
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-26T07:08:22.540Z
Springfield, IL – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a Chicago bus stop or just a few minutes outdoors be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Illinois residents are being reminded that bitter temperatures and strong winds can turn routine outdoor activities into serious health risks.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , wind chill describes how cold the air feels on exposed skin when air temperature and wind speed are combined. Wind accelerates heat loss from the body, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
For example, when the air temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit and winds reach 20 mph, the wind chill is approximately 22 degrees below zero.
How Quickly Can Frostbite Develop? NWS guidance indicates exposed skin may develop frostbite in approximately 30 minutes at wind chills near 20 degrees below zero. At substantially lower wind chills, frostbite can develop in 10 minutes or less.
These estimates depend on conditions and individual exposure.
Frostbite symptoms include numbness and pale or waxy looking skin. Hypothermia can cause shivering, confusion, slurred speech and unusual drowsiness. Suspected hypothermia requires urgent medical attention.
What's the Difference Between an Extreme Cold Watch and Warning? An Extreme Cold Watch means dangerously cold conditions are possible. Residents should prepare and monitor updated forecasts.
An Extreme Cold Warning means dangerously cold conditions are expected or occurring. Residents should limit outdoor exposure and take protective precautions.
Wind chill does not lower the temperature of cars, pipes or other objects below the actual air temperature, although strong winds can cause them to cool faster.
How Can Illinois Residents Stay Safe? Before extreme cold arrives:
Cover exposed skin: Wear insulated gloves, hats, scarves and wind resistant outerwear. Dress in layers: Keep clothing warm and dry, replacing wet garments promptly. Limit exposure: Take indoor warming breaks and avoid unnecessary time outdoors during extreme cold warnings. Prepare supplies: Keep blankets, medications, food, water, flashlights and charged power banks available. Stock vehicles: Carry extra clothing, blankets, a phone charger and a winter emergency kit. Never operate generators, grills or outdoor fuel burning heaters inside homes or garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Illinois From Chicago and Cook County to Rockford, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign, Springfield and Carbondale, dangerous wind chills can affect communities statewide.
Northern Illinois, including Winnebago, McHenry, Lake and DeKalb counties, can experience prolonged periods of subzero temperatures during Arctic outbreaks.
Along Lake Michigan, Chicago, Evanston and Waukegan residents may face strong winter winds that increase heat loss from exposed skin.
In central Illinois, open farmland and exposed roads can leave outdoor workers and stranded motorists particularly vulnerable.
Chicago area commuters waiting for CTA buses or Metra trains may also face prolonged outdoor exposure during extreme cold.
Travelers along Interstate 90, Interstate 94, Interstate 55, Interstate 57 and Interstate 80 should keep winter emergency supplies available in case of breakdowns.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review emergency supplies, check on vulnerable neighbors and monitor official NWS forecasts.
Remember: Wind chill doesn't change the air temperature. It changes how quickly your body loses heat — and how quickly exposed skin can become injured.