Springfield, Illinois — Dangerous cold will settle into the Springfield area this weekend, with wind chills expected to drop below zero at times through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a bitterly cold air mass moving into central Illinois will bring wind chill values ranging from about -5 to -15 degrees, especially Saturday through Tuesday. The coldest wind chills are most likely during overnight and early morning hours.
Daytime highs during this stretch are expected to remain in the teens to low 20s, while overnight lows fall into the single digits. Even light winds during this period will significantly increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite with prolonged outdoor exposure.
Forecasters emphasized that exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 30 minutes when wind chills fall below zero. The National Weather Service urges residents to limit time outdoors, wear multiple warm layers, and cover exposed skin when venturing outside.
Officials also recommend keeping an emergency supply kit in vehicles, including blankets, extra clothing, and jumper cables, in case of breakdowns during extreme cold. Pets should be brought indoors, and vulnerable individuals should be checked on regularly.
Coldest conditions are expected to persist into early next week before gradual moderation later in the week.
This alert is especially relevant for early-morning commuters, students waiting at bus stops, outdoor workers, and unhoused individuals, as the most dangerous cold will coincide with peak exposure times.
