URGENT UPDATE: The Chicago area is bracing for severe cold as temperatures plummet, with wind chills expected to drop to a staggering 10-20 degrees below zero tonight. Residents should prepare for dangerous conditions as the region faces its coldest weather in decades.
After reaching near-freezing temperatures on Wednesday, the bitter cold will intensify drastically. The NBC 5 Storm Team reports that air temperatures could fall into the low single digits by Wednesday and Thursday nights, marking the earliest occurrence of such frigid weather since 1991.
A cold front is sweeping through the Chicago area, bringing not only icy temperatures but also scattered snow showers this evening. Although accumulations are projected to be minimal—less than a half-inch—freezing drizzle may affect areas south of Interstate 80, according to the National Weather Service.
Wind gusts are anticipated to exceed 25-30 miles per hour, which will exacerbate the chilling effect, causing temperatures to drop rapidly. Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes warns that the mercury could dip to 5 degrees or lower, creating dangerous wind chill factors that will persist into Thursday morning.
Despite partly to mostly sunny skies on Thursday, the temperatures will remain frigid, with highs only reaching the mid-to-upper teens. The situation will not improve overnight as temperatures are expected to remain in the single digits again on Friday morning, with wind chills once more falling below zero.
On Friday, a slight reprieve is forecast, with high temperatures in the upper 20s; however, flurries may still develop throughout the day. As the weekend approaches, the Chicago area can expect partly to mostly sunny conditions, bringing slightly warmer temperatures around the freezing mark.
However, another round of snow showers is projected to hit on Sunday, coupled with cooler temperatures, making it crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared. This weather pattern is not just a minor inconvenience; it poses significant risks to health and safety, especially for vulnerable populations.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as the NBC 5 Storm Team monitors this developing situation closely. Residents are urged to take precautions and stay safe during this historic cold snap.
