Chicago, Illinois — A period of bitter cold is expected to impact Chicago beginning Thursday night, with actual air temperatures dropping below zero Friday and remaining dangerously cold into Saturday morning.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Chicago, a strong Arctic cold front will move into northern Illinois late Thursday, ushering in the coldest air of the winter. High temperatures Friday are forecast to range from -5°F to +3°F, and forecasters say some locations may remain below zero for the entire day, a notable cold-weather milestone.
Overnight lows from Friday night into early Saturday are expected to fall between -4°F and -13°F, keeping conditions hazardous into Saturday morning. While temperatures will remain well below seasonal averages early Saturday, moderation is expected by Saturday afternoon, with highs climbing into the 3°F to 10°F range.
The National Weather Service notes high confidence in the cold event through Saturday morning, though there is still some uncertainty regarding just how extreme temperatures may become at their coldest point.
Ahead of the Arctic air, light snow is expected overnight into early Wednesday, followed by gusty snow showers Wednesday evening as an initial cold front passes. A much stronger front late Thursday night will bring the most significant temperature drop.
Residents are urged to prepare for prolonged cold by protecting pipes, ensuring vehicles are winter-ready, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
The extreme cold is expected to significantly affect commuters, students, and early-morning workers during Friday travel.
