Chicago, Illinois – A large-scale Arctic cold pattern is expected to settle across the Midwest beginning Thursday, bringing a prolonged stretch of dangerous cold, subzero wind chills, and periodic snow potential through the following Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, much of the Midwest is favored to experience well below-normal temperatures during the Jan. 15–21 period as Arctic air pushes south from Canada and locks into place. While overall precipitation signals remain near seasonal averages, the intensity and duration of the cold will allow ice and snow to linger, creating elevated travel and safety risks.
States most impacted include Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio. Northern portions of the region face the greatest risk for prolonged subzero wind chills, particularly overnight and during early morning hours. Cities such as Minneapolis, Green Bay, Marquette, and northern Ohio communities could see wind chills drop to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of frostbite within minutes.
Across the central Midwest, including Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Columbus, temperatures are expected to remain well below seasonal norms. Even light snowfall could create hazardous conditions on major corridors such as Interstate 90, Interstate 94, Interstate 80, and Interstate 70 as repeated freezing limits daytime melting. Black ice is likely to be an ongoing concern, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Farther south into Missouri and Kentucky, the cold air will still be strong enough to create icy travel concerns, with temperatures dropping sharply below normal and overnight freezing becoming widespread.
Residents across the Midwest are urged to prepare now by checking heating systems, insulating exposed pipes, and ensuring vehicles are stocked with winter emergency kits. Limiting outdoor exposure during overnight and early morning hours will be critical, especially for outdoor workers and vulnerable populations.
Cold-related advisories and winter weather alerts may expand as confidence increases, with additional updates expected as the Arctic pattern becomes firmly established across the Midwest late next week.
