Chicago, Illinois – Dangerous cold is impacting northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, with life-threatening wind chills as low as -40 degrees expected late tonight through Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters report high confidence in a prolonged period of bitter cold through the weekend. The coldest conditions are expected between 3 a.m. and noon Friday, when wind chills of -30° to -40° are likely northwest of Interstate 55, and -20° to -30° southeast of I-55. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
Temperatures will remain well below normal into early next week. Highs Friday are expected between -5° and 2°, with overnight lows ranging from -2° to -11°. Wind chills will remain below zero through at least Saturday morning.
In addition to the cold, the National Weather Service says there is increasing potential for accumulating snow across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana from Saturday afternoon through Sunday, with probabilities generally in the 30–50% range. Exact snowfall amounts remain uncertain, but fluffy snow combined with cold temperatures could lead to hazardous travel conditions, especially on untreated roads and elevated surfaces.
Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, bring pets indoors, check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors, and protect pipes by allowing faucets to drip. Motorists should prepare for potential travel impacts this weekend.
