Chicago, IL – A blast of arctic air will keep Illinois in the deep freeze through Thursday, with wind chills plunging to as low as -20°F in some areas. Residents should bundle up and limit outdoor exposure as frostbite can occur in minutes.
According to the National Weather Service, the coldest temperatures will hit Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with lows near 4°F in Chicago and wind chill values far below zero. A slight chance of flurries may create slippery conditions on roads, especially during the Wednesday evening commute.
Thursday will see some improvement, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 23°F. Winds from the northwest will keep conditions brisk, but the bitter cold risk will ease heading into Friday.
The weekend brings a much-needed break from the arctic air. Saturday will warm to near 30°F, and Sunday could see highs approaching 40°F, signaling an early taste of spring.
Travelers and commuters should prepare for icy patches and keep an eye on changing road conditions. Stay informed with weather alerts and dress in layers to stay safe.
