Chicago, Illinois – Dangerous cold is expected to grip the Chicago area Sunday night into Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with wind chills approaching -20 degrees.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a surge of arctic air will follow light snow chances late Friday, bringing much colder temperatures for the holiday weekend. While most of the weekend is expected to remain dry, the cold intensifies late Sunday as winds increase.
Forecasters indicate wind chills between -10 and -20 degrees are likely Sunday night into Monday morning across northern Illinois. Actual air temperatures may fall into the single digits or below zero, with persistent winds driving the extreme cold risk.
These conditions can lead to frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes and pose heightened danger to anyone spending prolonged time outdoors. The cold may also affect MLK Day events, early morning commutes, transit use, and outdoor work.
Saturday and Sunday daytime temperatures are expected to remain well below freezing, with highs mainly in the teens, before the coldest conditions arrive overnight Sunday.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, wear layered winter clothing, hats, and gloves, and ensure pets have adequate shelter. Those traveling or working outside should prepare for rapidly dangerous exposure conditions.
The cold snap is expected to gradually ease later Monday, though below-normal temperatures may persist.
