CHICAGO (WLS) — A severe Arctic chill has descended upon the Chicago area, pushing wind chills to perilous lows of -20 to -25 degrees early Sunday morning.
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The meteorology team at ABC7 Chicago has declared an AccuWeather Alert in anticipation of the weekend’s frigid temperatures.
The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for several counties, including Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Will, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake (Illinois), Livingston, McHenry, Winnebago, Jasper, Lake (Indiana), and Newton. This advisory remains in effect from 8 p.m. Saturday until noon on Sunday.
Wisconsin’s Waukesha County is also under a Cold Weather Advisory, which is set to last until 10 a.m. on Sunday.
Sunday night is expected to bring single-digit temperatures, with wind chills dropping to between -10 and -15 degrees.
The National Weather Service warns that icy road conditions could affect these areas, potentially complicating snow removal efforts. Additionally, wind gusts reaching up to 25 mph may cause snow to drift back onto roadways, further impacting travel.
Officials warned that frostbite can develop in minutes without the proper clothing.
The city of Aurora will have a warming center open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. with meals available and plenty of cots for sleeping.
READ MORE | Warming centers open in city, suburbs as bitter cold moves into Chicago area | Full list
Sunday morning, ahead of the Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field, will be the coldest part of the weekend.
As the Cold Weather Advisory expires, winds may relax on Sunday afternoon, but it will still be bitterly cold. During the game, wind chills will be anywhere from -5 to -10.
Meanwhile, there is light at the end of the tunnel. A warming trend is expected next week, and temperatures may climb into the 40s by Wednesday.
Monday morning, Chicagoans will have to bare the -10 wind chills; afternoon highs will be in the 20s.
Click here for the latest seven-day forecast.
