Cold weather advisory with dangerous wind chills in effect for Chicago area

Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune on Jan 21, 2025

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

CHICAGO — National Weather Service officials issued a cold weather advisory in effect until 2 p.m. Tuesday for portions of central, east central and northeast Illinois as well as northwest Indiana.

Officials said dangerously cold wind chills may reach as low as 28 below zero causing frostbite to those exposed to the frigid temperatures in as little as 30 minutes.

Officials warn the bitterly cold conditions are expected to flood the area Tuesday with wind chills of 20 to 30 below zero, adding the coldest conditions are expected north and west of LaSalle to the Waukegan line. Tuesday night, wind chills are expected to be near 15 to 20 below zero, officials said.

On Wednesday, officials expect up to an inch of snow in the afternoon and evening hours.

The frigid temperatures may cause river ice development and ice jams along the Fox, Rock, Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers, officials said. The ice jams can cause rises in rivers leading to flooding in isolated areas, officials warned.

Current morning conditions at O’Hare International Airport are fair at negative 6 degrees. Farther south at Midway Airport conditions are similar at negative 5 degrees, officials reported.

While flurries are expected Tuesday throughout the day, there is a 30 percent chance of snow Wednesday, increasing to a 70 percent chance of snow Wednesday night, officials said.

While temperatures are expected to be below freezing Thursday and Friday, clear conditions are expected. Highs in the low 20s are expected both days, officials said.

Commuters should prepare for slippery conditions Wednesday.

____