Chicago is bracing for a cold snap that's set to hit with full force this weekend, bringing not just a blanket of snow but dangerous wind chills and hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a warning about "elevated excessive cold risk" for the area tonight, with gusty winds fostering icy roads and snow, making any commute risky business.
With an 80 percent chance of precipitation, tonight's forecast predicts around an inch of snow before giving way to clearer, yet colder, skies, according to the National Weather Service. The strong westerly winds will also continue, causing blowing and drifting of snow, especially in rural areas. Residents should prepare for wind chills that could plummet as low as -19 degrees tonight.
The harsh weather conditions are expected to persist through the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, with temperatures hovering around a mere 3 degrees. As stated by NBC Chicago, "Brutally cold temperatures will persist for several days and won't let up until the middle of next week." The advisory from the National Weather Service cautions against the severe cold, noting that even brief exposure could result in frostbite on bare skin within minutes.
Chicago's residents are still reeling from Friday's snowstorm that dumped several inches of snow, causing substantial disruption, including tens of thousands of power outages and treacherous, travel conditions. Despite these recent woes, a slight reprieve is in sight with Wednesday's temperatures expected to rise to around 18 degrees, offering some solace from the relentless chill.
For sailors, the outlook is similarly grim, with gale force winds and "significant freezing spray risk" anticipated on Lake Michigan late tonight into Sunday. The National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL also noted the potential for ice buildup on area rivers which may lead to flooding hazards. Everyone in the region, whether on land or at sea, is advised to exercise extreme caution during this period of frigid weather.
