Bitter Cold Temperatures Hit Chicago
Bundle up, Chicago: Bitter cold temperatures and even colder wind chills were in the forecast, the NBC 5 Storm Team said, thanks to a blast of icy, Arctic air that moved in following a cold front Wednesday.
Thursday morning, temperatures across the area were in the single digits, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said. Things would get even colder from there.
“This is not even the coldest part of the day,” Roman said at 5 a.m., pointing to nine degree temperatures in DuPage County. By 7 a.m., the temperatures are expected to drop even more, with wind chills as low as -15 or colder for some.
Wind chills 5 below to 15 below zero are expected this morning and again tonight into Friday morning. Bundle up before heading out. These cold conditions may also lead to river ice formation and possible ice jams. #ILWX #INWX pic.twitter.com/DEEDBH2guk
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) December 4, 2025
Cold Temperatures and Wind Chills
The high temperature Thursday at O’Hare is predicted to be 18 degrees. Some parts to the south and in northwest Indiana would see readings in the 20s, Roman said, thanks to lingering clouds.
Thursday night into Friday morning, temperatures will drop again into the single digits, Roman said, with another freezing cold morning expected. By Friday afternoon, temperatures will warm slightly, with highs in the 20s.
Unusual Cold Air for the Season
Such cold air is unusual for Chicago this early in the season, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said.
The record low for Dec. 4 is 0 degrees, which was set in 1893, but the last time a temperature of 5 degrees or colder was recorded at O’Hare prior to Dec. 5 was Dec. 4, in 1991.
In 153 years of records, the temperature in Chicago has dropped to 5 degrees or colder prior to Dec. 5 just 26 times. The earliest was Nov. 17 in 1959, when the low was 3 degrees.
Community Response to the Cold
The cold has led some Chicago area communities to cancel events, including in Bourbonnais, where officials moved to cancel their annual Christmas tree lighting.
“As much as we love kicking off the holiday season together, the forecast is projecting frigid risks that we cannot overlook,” local officials there said.
In Palatine, the village warned residents that such extreme cold could frozen water pipes to burst inside homes or businesses, with others, including Waukegan, Batavia and Aurora, opening up warming shelters.
Roadside Assistance and Warming Shelters
Through Friday, the Illinois Tollway will be operating “around-the-clock Zero Weather Road Patrols” as part of roadside assistance during the dangerously cold weather.
“Drivers need to be prepared for frigid temperatures and sub-zero windchills as they travel this week and should dial *999 for prompt roadside assistance if they experience mechanical problems or are stranded along the Tollway system,” a release from the Tollway authority said.
According to Illinois Tollway executive director Cassaundra Rouse, the patrols will operate 24 hours a day to search for stranded drivers and respond to calls.
“Safety is always our top priority and we will do whatever is necessary to protect our customers during this extreme weather,” Rouse said.
More Snow on the Way
According to Roman, a “series of disturbances” will pass through over the weekend, bringing more light snow chances, including late Saturday night and late Sunday into Monday morning.
Conclusion
The bitter cold temperatures and wind chills have hit Chicago, with temperatures expected to drop even lower in the coming days. The community has responded by canceling events and opening up warming shelters, and the Illinois Tollway is operating around-the-clock roadside assistance patrols. With more snow on the way, it’s essential for residents to stay warm and safe during this extreme weather.
FAQs
What are the expected temperatures for the rest of the week?
Temperatures are expected to remain in the single digits and teens, with wind chills making it feel even colder.
Are there any warming shelters available?
Yes, several communities, including Waukegan, Batavia, and Aurora, have opened up warming shelters for residents to stay warm during the extreme cold.
What should I do if I experience mechanical problems or am stranded while driving?
You should dial *999 for prompt roadside assistance if you experience mechanical problems or are stranded along the Tollway system.
Is it safe to travel during this extreme weather?
It’s essential to exercise caution when traveling during this extreme weather, and to check the latest forecast and road conditions before heading out. Drivers should also be prepared for frigid temperatures and sub-zero windchills.
