Chicago, Illinois – Bitterly cold air is settling into the Chicago area, creating dangerous wind chills and travel concerns from tonight through early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, wind chills are expected to drop to between −15 and −25 degrees late tonight and early Monday morning, with similarly cold conditions persisting into Tuesday morning. Forecasters say the cold is area-wide, with the lowest wind chills expected across northwest Illinois.
While snowfall is not the primary concern, the National Weather Service warns that extreme cold can significantly impact road conditions, especially on bridges, overpasses, and elevated highways where surfaces cool rapidly. Motorists traveling along Interstate 90, Interstate 94, Interstate 290, and Interstate 55 may experience vehicle issues such as reduced battery performance and mechanical failures in the cold.
Officials note that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in 30 minutes or less under these conditions, and the risk of hypothermia increases significantly during prolonged exposure. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and cover all exposed skin.
The prolonged cold may also contribute to frozen pipes and increasing river ice, which could lead to ice-related issues in the coming days.
Looking ahead, the National Weather Service is monitoring reinforcing shots of Arctic air later this week into next weekend, with a growing signal for below-zero wind chills lasting several days.
For commuters, outdoor workers, and students, officials stress that cold exposure—not snow—is the primary hazard through Tuesday morning.
