Chicago, IL – Residents across Illinois should prepare for plummeting temperatures and possible snow starting Friday night and continuing through the weekend. The National Weather Service warns that areas southeast of I-55 may see rain transition to snow Friday evening, with little accumulation but icy roads likely.
According to the National Weather Service, Friday will remain mild, with highs reaching the mid-40s. Rain is expected to develop in the evening near I-55 before changing briefly to snow as temperatures rapidly drop overnight. Saturday will bring blustery winds, single-digit temperatures, and wind chills as low as -15 degrees.
By Sunday, temperatures will struggle to climb above 10 degrees, with wind chills plunging to -25 in some areas. These dangerous cold conditions will persist into Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with highs barely above zero and overnight lows below -5 degrees.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution on Friday evening as icy patches may form during the rain-to-snow transition. Northwest winds gusting up to 30 mph on Saturday will add to hazardous travel conditions, especially in open areas. Residents should limit outdoor exposure during peak cold periods and ensure pets are adequately protected.
The bitter cold will peak Sunday night through Tuesday, with prolonged subzero wind chills posing a risk of frostbite in as little as 10 minutes. The brief mild weather Friday offers an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming deep freeze.
For real-time updates and weather alerts, visit weather.gov or follow local authorities.
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