Chicago, Illinois – A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 3 AM to 10 AM CST Monday across much of northern and central Illinois, with dangerously low wind chills expected during the Monday morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, wind chills are forecast to range between 20 below zero and 25 below zero as arctic air settles across the region overnight. The advisory covers northeast, north central, central, and east central Illinois, including the Chicago metropolitan area.
Counties affected include Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, McHenry, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, La Salle, DeKalb, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Lee, Livingston, Iroquois, and Ford. Cities within the advisory area include Chicago, Rockford, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Waukegan, Elgin, Schaumburg, Evanston, Oak Lawn, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Kankakee, Ottawa, Dixon, Rochelle, Woodstock, Crystal Lake, and Pontiac.
The National Weather Service warns that exposure to these wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, particularly during the early morning commute. Cold conditions may also pose risks to people working outdoors and those without adequate winter clothing.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in warm layers including hats and gloves, and use caution when traveling. Pet owners are advised to keep animals indoors when possible, and residents should check on older adults and neighbors during the coldest period.
Wind chills are expected to gradually improve after mid-morning Monday as temperatures begin to recover.
