Brutal Cold Weather Headed to Chicago: What to Expect
Chicagoans are no strangers to winter weather, but the brutally cold conditions expected in the coming days are something we’re not as accustomed to.
Wind Chill Values to Drop Below Zero
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), windy conditions and cold temperatures will create wind chill values of up to 18 degrees below zero beginning Saturday night. Dangerously cold weather will arrive beginning in the evening, plunging actual temperature values from the high teens to mid 20s into the single digits.
Wind Speeds and Wind Chill Values
Wind speeds of around 10 to 20 miles per hour, combined with the brutally cold temperatures, will lead to wind chills of anywhere between negative 8 and 18 degrees, according to the NWS. The most frigid values of around negative 15 to 25 degrees are expected both Sunday and Monday nights, with values of 30 degrees below zero possible locally.
A Timeline of the Upcoming Cold Spell
Here’s a timeline of the upcoming temps, wind chills, & wind speeds for the upcoming cold spell. Wind chills drop below zero Saturday evening and remain below zero until Wednesday. The coldest will be Sunday night/Monday morning and Monday night into Tuesday morning with wind chills 15 to 25 below zero. #ilwx #inwx
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 17, 2025
Temperatures and Wind Chill Values
Temperatures Sunday morning will be between 2 and 10 degrees, with “feels-like” temperatures up to negative 20 degrees possible. It will get even chillier from there, with wind chill values reaching -25 on Sunday night and once again late Monday.
Significant Improvements Expected
Significant improvements won’t come until late Wednesday, when wind chill values are expected to climb above zero.
Chicago’s Typical Winter Weather
According to the NWS, Chicago typically experiences at least one cold spell of similar magnitude most winters. That was the case last January, when the region saw wind chill values as low as 32 degrees below zero.
Staying Safe During the Brutal Cold
If you’ll be spending any time outside during the brutal cold, you’ll want to be especially cautious. The NWS warns that during such extreme wind chills, frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less.
River Flooding Possible
Meteorologists warn that such bitter cold conditions could lead to rapid formation of ice on local rivers. According to the NWS, ice jams that will develop “will have the potential to cause rises on area rivers with little warning and isolated areas of flooding are possible.”
Conclusion
The National Weather Service has issued a warning for the Chicago area, expecting brutally cold weather to arrive this weekend. Wind chill values are expected to drop below zero, with temperatures as low as 2 degrees Fahrenheit possible. Residents are advised to take precautions and stay safe during this extreme cold spell.
FAQs
Q: What is the expected wind chill value for the weekend?
A: Wind chill values are expected to drop as low as 18 degrees below zero beginning Saturday night.
Q: What are the expected temperatures for Sunday morning?
A: Temperatures on Sunday morning are expected to be between 2 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Is it possible for frostbite to occur?
A: Yes, the National Weather Service warns that during such extreme wind chills, frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less.
Q: Is there a risk of river flooding?
A: Yes, meteorologists warn that the rapid formation of ice on local rivers could lead to isolated areas of flooding.
