Lombard, IL – Residents across Lombard, DuPage County, and the greater Chicago metro are being urged to prepare for dangerously cold conditions arriving Thursday night and lasting through early Saturday, with wind chills potentially plunging as low as -35 degrees.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, a strong Arctic air mass will move into northern Illinois late Thursday, bringing bitter cold temperatures and hazardous wind chills through the weekend. The coldest period is expected from 3 a.m. to noon Friday, when exposed skin could develop frostbite in as little as 10 minutes.
Forecast models show overnight lows between -2 and -14 degrees, with sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, pushing wind chill values into the -20 to -35 degree range, especially northwest of I-55. Areas southeast of I-55, including Lombard, could still see wind chills between -20 and -25 degrees.
Daytime highs Friday may struggle to climb above -5 to +3 degrees, with dangerous cold lingering into Saturday morning. While temperatures may slightly improve by Saturday afternoon, officials warn conditions will remain very cold.
Local officials and emergency managers are advising residents to stay indoors whenever possible, bring pets inside, and take steps to prevent frozen pipes by letting faucets drip slowly. Residents are also encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and other vulnerable individuals during the extreme cold.
Anyone who must go outside is urged to wear multiple loose-fitting layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outdoors.
Warming center information for Lombard and nearby communities is available through the Village of Lombard and local emergency management resources.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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