Chicago, Illinois – A high-confidence arctic outbreak is increasingly likely to spread across the Midwest, with an estimated 80% chance that dangerously cold temperatures will impact the region late this week into early next week. The cold air mass is expected to bring some of the harshest conditions of the winter so far, raising concerns for travel, infrastructure, and public safety across several states.
According to the National Weather Service, a powerful arctic air mass is forecast to surge south across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, and Missouri. The coldest stretch is expected from Saturday through Tuesday, with daytime highs struggling to reach the teens or single digits in many locations and overnight lows falling below zero across northern and interior areas.
Wind chills will present the greatest danger, frequently dropping into the 15 to 30 below zero range across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, with subzero wind chills extending into Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio. Major metro areas including Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, and Cleveland could see frostbite risks within minutes during overnight and early morning hours.
Light snow and lake-effect snow showers may accompany the cold, particularly downwind of the Great Lakes, leading to slick travel on Interstates 80, 90, 94, and 35. Officials urge residents to limit outdoor exposure, protect exposed pipes, and ensure vehicles are prepared for extreme cold.
The arctic pattern is expected to persist into early next week, and additional wind chill advisories or warnings are likely as confidence remains high in prolonged, dangerous cold across the Midwest.
