Springfield, IL – A cold weather advisory remains in effect for central Illinois until 6 a.m. Wednesday, with wind chills as low as 20 degrees below zero.
The National Weather Service in Lincoln warns that dangerously low wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Areas affected include Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, and Champaign, as well as surrounding counties such as Sangamon, Mason, and Vermilion.
Residents are urged to wear multiple layers of clothing, including hats and gloves, and to limit outdoor activities. Frostbite and hypothermia are significant risks for those exposed to these temperatures without proper precautions.
Pet owners should keep animals indoors or provide warm shelters. Officials also remind residents to use portable heaters safely and never operate generators or grills indoors.
As temperatures begin to rise after 6 a.m., the immediate threat will lessen, but lingering cold conditions may continue in shaded and wind-exposed areas. Stay informed with updates from local weather services and take precautions to stay safe during this period of extreme cold.