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An Arctic air mass is slamming the Chicago area, bringing dangerously cold, sub-zero wind chills to the region on Sunday. Most locations woke up to a “feels like” temperature between -20 and -25, leading meteorologists to issue an AccuWeather Alert for the bitter cold.
Danger and Advisories Issued
A Cold Weather Advisory was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), covering numerous counties in Illinois and Indiana until Sunday afternoon.
Officials warned that frostbite can set in on exposed skin within minutes under these conditions, urging everyone to dress in layers and limit time outdoors. The city of Aurora opened a warming center from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., offering cots and meals to those needing shelter.
Impact on Sunday Events
The coldest part of the weekend is occurring Sunday morning, just ahead of the Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field. Although the Cold Weather Advisory is set to expire, bitter conditions will persist through the game, with wind chills expected to remain between -5 and -10.
The NWS cautioned that slippery road conditions are possible, as the extreme low temperatures could interfere with snow removal efforts. Gusts of wind up to 25 mph will cause existing snow to drift back onto roadways.
The Forecast Ahead
While Monday morning will start with continued frigid wind chills near -10, a major warming trend is expected next week. Temperatures could climb into the 40s by Wednesday, offering a significant and welcome relief from the deep freeze.
