Chicago, IL — A sharp cold front swept through Chicagoland today, dragging in a wave of arctic air that will grip the region through the end of the week. Following scattered snow showers this afternoon, conditions will turn clearer but dramatically colder tonight as temperatures freefall toward zero degrees.
Forecasters warn that conditions overnight and early Thursday will be dangerously cold, particularly across northern Illinois, where a few locations may dip below zero.
What to Expect Tonight: Dangerous Cold & Clearing Skies
As the last of the snow showers taper off this evening, skies across the region will turn partly cloudy. But the bigger concern is the arrival of dangerously cold temperatures:
- Northern Illinois: Lows near 0°F, with traditional cold spots dropping below zero
- Northwest Indiana: Slightly warmer due to lake-effect clouds, though still bitterly cold
- Wind chills: Expected to reach the single digits tonight and early Thursday
Residents are urged to take precautions as frostbite risks increase rapidly under these conditions.
Thursday: Bright Sun, Bitter Cold
Despite a return to sunshine on Thursday, temperatures will remain brutally low. Highs are only expected to climb into the mid-teens, with wind chills lingering in the single digits throughout the day.
By early Friday morning, temperatures plunge again, returning to around 0°F—making it another extremely cold start to the day.
Friday: Slight Warm-Up, More Clouds
Friday offers a slight reprieve as daytime highs reach the mid-20s, though that still puts the region around 15 degrees below average for mid-December. According to the forecasts, the skies will trend mostly cloudy, setting the stage for weekend changes.
Weekend Outlook: Snow Returns Saturday Night
Saturday will be mainly dry, but a new system will move in overnight, bringing scattered snow that will continue into Sunday. Weekend temperatures remain chilly, with highs in the upper 20s.
The cold, while not as extreme as Thursday, will remain well below seasonal norms.
City of Chicago Activates Warming Centers
As temperatures plunge, the City of Chicago is expanding access to warming centers to help keep residents safe. Several Community Service Centers will be open for anyone who needs relief from the cold:
- Englewood Community Service Center — 1140 West 79th Street | 312-747-0200
- Garfield Community Service Center — 10 South Kedzie Avenue | 312-746-5400
- Martin Luther King Community Service Center — 4314 South Cottage Grove | 312-747-2300
- North Area Community Service Center — 845 West Wilson Avenue | 312-744-2580
- South Chicago Community Service Center — 8650 South Commercial Avenue | 312-747-0500
- Trina Davila Community Service Center — 4312 West North Avenue | 312-744-2014
In addition, the city operates nearly 300 additional warming locations across:
- City Colleges
- Senior centers
- Community centers
- Libraries
- Parks
- Police stations
Officials urge residents—especially seniors, unhoused individuals, and those without reliable heat—to take advantage of these resources.
Stay Prepared
With multiple days of dangerous cold ahead, residents should:
- Limit time outdoors
- Check on elderly neighbors or relatives
- Bring pets indoors
- Keep emergency supplies stocked
- Dress in multiple warm layers
Your Turn
How are these extreme temperatures affecting your neighborhood? Share your thoughts, updates, or warming center experiences in the comments below.
