Chicago weather: Wind chills plunge to -25, Cold Weather Advisory issued

Prepare for an Arctic blast as Chicago faces bitter cold overnight, with temperatures plummeting near zero and wind chills dipping as low as -25 degrees.

What we know:

Monday will bring sunny skies, but don’t let the sun fool you—highs will only reach around 10 degrees, with wind chills again plunging into the -20 range.

Tuesday continues the trend of extreme cold, with highs barely hitting 4 degrees and bone-chilling wind chills persisting.

By Wednesday, a slight warm-up is on the way with highs in the low 20s, and by Friday, temperatures are expected to climb into the 30s.

Cold Weather Advisory?

Starting this winter, Wind Chill Advisories have been replaced with Cold Weather Advisories. Wind Chill Warnings have been replaced with Extreme Cold Warnings. The National Weather Service wanted to simplify their weather alert terminology and emphasize that extreme cold, regardless of wind, can be dangerous and lead to frostbite.

The criteria for each remains the same: wind chills around -20F or colder will result in a Cold Weather Advisory, and wind chills around -30F or colder will result in an Extreme Cold Warning being issued.

A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday through 12 p.m. Monday for wind chills as low as -20 to -25 degrees. Another Cold Weather Advisory will go into effect from 9 p.m. Monday through 12 p.m. Tuesday for wind chills as low as -20 to -29 degrees.

Chicago Warming Centers:

Locations open from Saturday, Jan. 18 – Monday, Jan. 20:

• Garfield Community Service Center – 10 South Kedzie Avenue, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sunday and Monday
• Chicago Public Library (78 locations), visit chipublib.org for hours and locations
• Libraries will be closed on Monday, January 20
• Chicago Park District (59 locations) locations will be open during hours of operation
• 59 field houses open on Monday, January 20 – Chicago Park District Locations open MLK Holiday
• Chicago Police Districts (22 locations)

Locations open Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Friday, Jan. 24:

• All Community Service Centers (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
• Englewood Community Service Center – 1140 West 79th Street
• Garfield Community Service Center – 10 South Kedzie Avenue (8 a.m.- 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21)
• Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center – 4314 South Cottage Grove
• North Area Community Service Center – 845 West Wilson Avenue
• South Chicago Community Service Center – 8650 South Commercial Avenue
• Trina Davila Community Service Center – 4312 West North Avenue
• Senior Centers (21 locations) 8:30am-4:30pm – visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for locations
• Chicago Public Library (78 locations), visit chipublib.org for hours and locations
• Chicago Park District (75 locations) will be open during hours of operation
• Renaissance Court, Chicago Cultural Center 72 E. Randolph, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Chicago Police Districts (22 locations)

Conclusion:

It is essential to take necessary precautions during extreme cold weather conditions. Make sure to dress warmly, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor activities during the most extreme cold periods.

FAQs:

Q: What is the difference between a Cold Weather Advisory and an Extreme Cold Warning?
A: A Cold Weather Advisory is issued when wind chills are expected to be around -20F or colder, while an Extreme Cold Warning is issued when wind chills are expected to be around -30F or colder.

Q: How can I stay safe during extreme cold weather conditions?
A: Make sure to dress warmly, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor activities during the most extreme cold periods.

Q: Are there any warming centers available in Chicago?
A: Yes, there are several warming centers available in Chicago. You can find a list of locations and hours of operation in the article.