Frigid temperatures, along with subzero wind chills, are expected to settle over the Chicago area this week.
Wind chills dropped to as low as minus 22 degrees Tuesday at O’Hare Airport, and similar conditions were expected overnight into Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service said.
High temperatures Wednesday would remain on the chilly side in the mid-teens before once again dropping to single digits in the evening, weather officials said.
Light snow accumulation was also possible Wednesday afternoon and could make for a slippery evening commute, weather officials said. Motorists are cautioned to drive carefully when heading home after work.
Here is a summary of the coldest wind chills and air temperatures observed from this morning (note that wind chill data is not available for the cooperative sites listed at the bottom of the graphic). pic.twitter.com/Vifi0sEOs7
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 19, 2025
Subzero wind chills would continue overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning, plunging to as low as minus 20, weather officials said.
Temperatures Thursday could improve slightly, with highs in the low 20s. However, Thursday night is forecast to once again bring bitterly cold winds, with wind chills ranging between zero and minus 15.
Friday’s forecast could see highs in the upper 20s before dropping into the single digits overnight.
[4:15 PM 2/18/2025] Cold conditions will continue this week. Intermittent flurries/light snow may occur Wednesday afternoon and evening with a light dusting in spots which may result in slippery travel, particularly east/south of I-55. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/nRlW8Pu7AE
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 18, 2025