Arctic Front to Bring Perilous Cold to Chicago Area

It may be in the 20s Thursday, but don’t be fooled: an Arctic front headed to the Chicago area by nighttime will send temperatures plunging overnight, with perilous wind chill values that could cause frostbite in as little as 10 minutes.

According to the National Weather Service, the coldest conditions will come starting at about 3 a.m., when an extreme cold warning goes into effect for all of northeastern Illinois.

“Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 to 40 below zero expected,” the NWS said. “Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.”

The warning led more than 100 schools across the city and suburbs to move to e-learning or fully close Friday, including Chicago Public Schools, the largest district in the state.

According to NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes, Friday is likely to break weather records, and could be Chicago’s coldest day in years.

Chicago is expected to have its coldest day in years this Friday! Temperatures will likely break records as arctic air plunges south into Illinois Thursday night. The surrounding area could see wind chill values of -25 degrees to -40 degrees across northern Illinois. Tap the to read more #coldweather #weather #winter #winterstorm #chicagowinter

Extreme Cold Timeline

While Thursday afternoon will see highs in the 20s, a sharp drop in temperatures and wind chills will come overnight, with a “brutally cold air mass” moving in around midnight.

At 3 a.m., an extreme cold warning for all of northeastern Illinois and parts of southeastern Wisconsin will go into effect.

By 6 a.m. Friday, temperatures will have nosedived below zero, with air temperatures in Chicago predicted to be around -10 degrees. Those readings will be even lower in counties to the north and west.

Forecast temperature & wind chill progression from this evening thru midday Friday (every 3 hours from 6pm this eve-12pm CST Fri).
Worst of brutally cold air mass will arrive around midnight tonight, with overall lowest wind chills between about 6 AM & 10 AM CST Fri. #ILwx #INwx

And, wind chill values will be even worse than that, especially in parts north and west of I-55, the NWS warned.

Friday morning in Woodstock, the predicted “feels-like” temperature was -40 degrees. The temperature was expected to feel like -39 in DeKalb, -37 in DuPage, and -38 in Waukegan.

In parts southeast of I-55, and in northwest Indiana, wind chills would range from -20 to -30.

Here is an approximate timeline of the dangerous cold expected through the upcoming weekend, with the coldest conditions expected late tonight through Friday morning. Some areas will likely see actual temps remain below zero all day Friday! #ILwx #INwx

When to Expect the Worst of the Cold

The worst of the cold was expected to last through 12 p.m. Friday, though the afternoon wouldn’t be much better, with a high of -2 degrees.

“Some areas will likely see actual temps remain below zero all day,” the NWS said.

The NWS added that there was also “high confidence” in a period of bitter cold with dangerous temperatures through Saturday morning.

Weekend and Next Week’s Forecast

Saturday, the high temperature was 11 degrees, and Sunday, the predicted high was 18, with snow chances both days as a major winter storm makes its way across the country.

Next week, temperatures will rise, but only into the teens, the NBC 5 Storm Team said.

Conclusion

The Arctic front expected to hit the Chicago area on Thursday night will bring perilous cold temperatures and wind chill values, causing frostbite in as little as 10 minutes. The extreme cold warning will go into effect at 3 a.m. on Friday, and the worst of the cold is expected to last through 12 p.m. Friday. It is essential to dress in layers, including a hat, face mask, and gloves, and to stay indoors as much as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the expected temperature on Friday?

A: The expected temperature on Friday is around -10 degrees, with wind chill values ranging from -20 to -40 degrees.

Q: How long will the extreme cold last?

A: The extreme cold is expected to last through 12 p.m. Friday, with some areas possibly seeing actual temperatures remain below zero all day.

Q: What should I wear to protect myself from the cold?

A: It is recommended to dress in layers, including a hat, face mask, and gloves, to protect yourself from the cold.

Q: Will schools be closed on Friday?

A: Yes, more than 100 schools across the city and suburbs have announced that they will be closed or will have e-learning on Friday due to the extreme cold.

Q: What is the forecast for the weekend and next week?

A: Saturday’s high temperature is expected to be 11 degrees, and Sunday’s predicted high is 18, with snow chances both days. Next week, temperatures will rise, but only into the teens.