A surge of arctic air continues pressing across the Midwest this weekend, tightening its grip with temperatures falling well below normal and wind chills reaching –20°F to –25°F at times. Residents should plan for extended exposure risks and rapidly changing roadway conditions as colder air deepens through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service, dangerously cold wind chills will remain a primary hazard through Sunday morning across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. These conditions may produce frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Very cold air will also support areas of light snow and patchy blowing snow, especially south of I-80, where reduced visibility may develop during higher gust periods.
A broader winter pattern remains in place as a large-scale upper-level trough reinforces cold across the north-central United States. This system continues sending disturbances across the region, allowing accumulating snow to stretch from the Northern Plains toward the Middle Mississippi Valley and into parts of the Midwest by late Saturday. Lake-effect snow is expected to re-intensify Saturday night into Sunday as northwest flow redevelops over the Great Lakes.
Residents should prepare for hazardous travel through the second half of the weekend. Slick pavement, intermittent visibility reductions, and pockets of drifting snow may occur where bands persist longest. Drivers should allow extra time and maintain reduced speeds during any snow bursts.
Looking ahead into early Monday, wind chills will remain below zero even as actual temperatures begin to moderate slightly. Conditions may stay unsettled as lingering trough energy passes eastward, keeping the region cold and at risk for additional flurries.
