An ‘Arctic blast‘ is headed to the Chicago area this weekend, with wind chills far below zero and another chance for accumulating snow, the NBC 5 Storm Team said.
But there’s some good news, too: Temperatures will warm after the bitter cold, with highs jumping back up into the 30s and even 40s as Christmas approaches.
“By next week, look at that. We’re into the mid 40s,” NBC 5 Storm Team Alicia Roman said, noting the average high for this time of year is 37 degrees.
Friday, temperatures during the daytime would peak around 30 degrees, Roman said, with some brief light snow showers possible in the afternoon, though no accumulation was expected.
By around 4 p.m., temperatures will drop into the 20s, Roman said, followed by the teens overnight and into the single digits Saturday morning. Wind chills could get as low as -10 at the coldest.
Illinois will also see another round of snow Saturday, Roman said, with counties to the south and southwest seeing between one and two inches.
“A lot of this snow will stay downstate,” Roman said.
According to the National Weather Service snow timing for those parts would be between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., with “fluffy and sliperry” snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour.
Areas near and south of I-80 should prepare for reduced visibility, snow covered roads and hazardous travel, the NWS said, with amounts diminishing near the Wisconsin state line.
Overnight into Sunday, things will get even colder, Roman said, with a cold weather advisory taking effect at 6 p.m.
“Saturday night into early Sunday morning is where we really see that drop,” Roman said. At that time, wind chills as low as -30 possible.
“The entire area will see that range,” Roman said, “between -15 and -30.”
According to the NWS, the dangerously cold wind chillds could cause frost bite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
The weather will make for a cold Bears vs. Browns game at Soldier Field, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m.
“Use caution while traveling outside,” the NWS said. “Wear appropriote clothing, a hat and gloves.”
Highs for Saturday and Sunday will both be in the teens, the NBC 5 Storm Team said, with some sun both days. By Monday, a high of 22 degrees was expected, with temperatures in the 30s and 40s and chances for rain as the week goes on.
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