Cold Weather Advisory in Effect Across Chicago Area
A cold weather advisory is in effect across the Chicago area as an “arctic blast” is set to hit the region overnight Saturday, sending temperatures plummeting below zero, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
The advisory began at 8 p.m. Saturday and continues through noon Sunday, according to National Weather Service.
Wind chills are expected to fall into the -15 to -25 F range tonight into Sunday morning, with the coldest conditions across NW Illinois. Wind chills will likely remain below zero through the day on Sunday. Bundle up! #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/28w8trtllS
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) December 13, 2025
The entire state of Illinois and northwest Indiana are included in the advisory.
Temperature Forecast
Dangerously cold wind chills between 15 to 25 degrees below zero were expected, according to NWS.
Here’s a look at the forecast for temperatures in the Chicago area Saturday night into Sunday morning, according to NWS:
- 8 p.m. Saturday: 9 degrees, windchill of 7 degrees below zero
- 11 p.m. Saturday: 6 degrees, windchill of 11 degrees below zero
- 2 a.m. Sunday: 3 degrees, windchill of 15 degrees below zero
- 5 a.m. Sunday: 2 degrees, windchill of 16 degrees below zero
- 8 a.m. Sunday: 2 degrees, windchill of 15 degrees below zero
- 11 a.m. Sunday: 7 degrees, windchill of 8 degrees below zero
- 2 p.m. Sunday: 12 degrees, windchill of 1 degree below zero
Risk of Frostbite
With wind chills as low as what is predicted for the area, frostbite on exposed skin is possible in as little as 30 minutes, according to NWS.
Extreme Cold Warning
A separate extreme cold warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday until noon Sunday for parts of central and downstate Illinois, including Champaign, McLean and Cole Counties.
Dressing for the Cold
Dressing in layers including a hat, face mask and gloves is a must when outside, NWS advised.
Snowfall and Road Conditions
Snowfall that snarled traffic for hours Saturday on I-57 and I-55 in central and downstate Illinois moved east as of 5 p.m., however, wind gusts could cause snow to drift back onto roadways overnight, NWS warned.
Snow is slowly moving east, but will continue to fall south of the Kankakee River Basin. Hazardous roads may continue tonight as wind gusts to 25 mph may cause snow to drift back on to roadways tonight. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/qMcI82j23K
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) December 13, 2025
Highs on Sunday
Highs Sunday are expected to top around 12 degrees, though it will likely feel much colder thanks to wind chills.
Temperature Outlook
The cold is not expected to linger for long, with temperature highs predicted to rise into the 30s by Tuesday.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cold weather advisory in effect across the Chicago area is a serious warning that should not be taken lightly. With temperatures plummeting below zero and wind chills expected to fall into the -15 to -25 F range, it is essential to take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current temperature forecast for the Chicago area?
A: The current temperature forecast for the Chicago area is expected to be around 9 degrees at 8 p.m. Saturday, with wind chills as low as 7 degrees below zero.
Q: What is the risk of frostbite in the Chicago area?
A: With wind chills as low as what is predicted for the area, frostbite on exposed skin is possible in as little as 30 minutes, according to NWS.
Q: What should I wear to stay warm in the cold weather?
A: Dressing in layers including a hat, face mask and gloves is a must when outside, NWS advised.
Q: Are there any road closures or hazards in the Chicago area?
A: Snowfall that snarled traffic for hours Saturday on I-57 and I-55 in central and downstate Illinois moved east as of 5 p.m., however, wind gusts could cause snow to drift back onto roadways overnight, NWS warned.
Q: How long will the cold weather last?
A: The cold is not expected to linger for long, with temperature highs predicted to rise into the 30s by Tuesday.
