Dangerous Wind Chill Moves into Chicago Area, Cold Weather Advisory Remains in Effect

Subzero Wind Chills Expected to Last Through Wednesday

A cold weather advisory remains in effect through Monday across all of northern and central Illinois as a result of a cold snap that has moved into the Chicago area. The National Weather Service warns that wind chills could drop to minus 23 degrees in downtown Chicago on Tuesday morning, making it essential for residents to take precautions to stay warm.

Temperatures and Wind Chills

As of Sunday morning, the temperature at O’Hare Airport was 6 degrees with a wind chill of minus 11. Sunday is expected to see a high of 12 degrees in Chicago and a low of minus 5, which with windchills could feel like minus 15.

Lake Effect Snow Showers Possible

Lake effect snow showers are possible Sunday night in northwest Indiana, according to the National Weather Service.

Risks and Precautions

The National Weather Service encourages everyone to limit outdoor time and cover all exposed skin while outside, as people could develop frostbite in less than 30 minutes. The city will have one warming center open at Garfield Community Service Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave., from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday, and all six of the city’s warming centers will be available Tuesday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Warming Centers

The city’s warming centers will be open at the following locations:

• Garfield Community Service Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
• Englewood Community Service Center, 1140 W. 79th St
• Martin Luther King Community Service Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove
• North Area Community Service Center, 845 W. Wilson Ave.
• South Chicago Community Service Center, 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
• Trina Davila Community Service Center, 4312 W. North Ave.

Cook County will also open three courthouse warming centers beginning at noon Sunday, which will run continuously until Wednesday afternoon.

• Skokie Courthouse, 5600 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie
• Maywood Courthouse, 1500 Maybrook Dr., Maywood
• Markham Courthouse, 16501 S. Kedzie Ave., Markham

The Salvation Army’s Freedom Center in Humboldt Park, 825 N. Christiana Ave., will be open 24 hours as a warming shelter throughout the week.

Staying Warm

The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications has provided several tips for people to stay warm:

• Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go.
• Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Avoid unnecessary trips outside. When going out, limit the time outdoors.
• Wear several layers of loose, warm clothes.
• Keep head, hands, and feet covered when outdoors.
• Stay dry because moisture can reduce the insulation effectiveness of clothing.
• Prioritize daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high-energy foods, drink warm beverages to keep the body warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Keep pets indoors as much as possible during bitter, numbing cold.

Conclusion

The city and surrounding areas are bracing for a prolonged period of extremely cold weather, with wind chills expected to last through Wednesday. Residents are urged to take precautions to stay warm and safe, and to seek shelter if necessary. Stay informed and follow local guidelines for staying warm and safe during this cold snap.

FAQs

Q: What is the expected temperature and wind chill in Chicago?

A: The temperature is expected to be around 12 degrees, with wind chills reaching as low as minus 23 degrees.

Q: Are there any warming centers available?

A: Yes, the city has several warming centers available, including the Garfield Community Service Center, Englewood Community Service Center, and others. Cook County also has three courthouse warming centers open.

Q: What should I do to stay warm?

A: Limit outdoor time, wear multiple layers of clothing, cover exposed skin, stay dry, and prioritize daily needs. Follow the tips provided by the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications for staying warm and safe.