Chicago Issues Warnings as Cold Weather Advisory Takes Effect Monday
A Cold Weather Advisory will take effect in Chicago and surrounding areas beginning early Monday morning. As extreme Arctic air moves in, temperatures are expected to drop to dangerous lows. The advisory starts at 3 a.m. and remains in effect until 10 a.m. Central Time.
Affected Areas
This advisory applies to:
- Northern and Central Illinois
- The entire state of Wisconsin
- Parts of Central Indiana
Notably, all counties in the greater Chicago area will experience these hazardous conditions, but Northwest Indiana is excluded.
Weather Forecast
Residents can expect single-digit temperatures, with dangerous wind chills between -15 to -25 degrees. The high temperature for Monday is predicted to be only 8 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winter Weather Advisory
In addition to the cold, a Winter Weather Advisory will be active from 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday in LaPorte County, Indiana, and further east. Lake-effect snow and blowing snow are forecasted, with total accumulations estimated to be:
- 2 to 4 inches north of the Indiana Toll Road
- 1 to 2 inches south of the toll road
City Preparedness
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation is actively monitoring road conditions. Salt spreaders have been deployed to maintain the safety of arterial streets, bridges, and overpasses.
Warming Centers
To combat the extreme cold, multiple warming centers will be available on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Key locations include:
- Garfield Center at 10 S. Kedzie Ave. (Open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- 74 Chicago Park District locations
- All 22 Chicago police district stations (24 hours)
Several Chicago Public Library locations will also serve as warming centers during their operating hours on Sunday, though they will be closed for the holiday on Monday.
Frostbite Awareness
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management emphasizes the risks of frostbite. Skin can freeze within 30 minutes of exposure to extreme cold. Key symptoms of frostbite include:
- Stage 1: Ice crystals form on the skin.
- Stage 2: Skin feels warm.
- Stage 3: Skin turns red, pale, or white.
- Stage 4: Persistent pain and skin may turn black or blue.
Residents are advised to wear multiple layers of loose clothing and keep extremities covered to minimize the risk of frostbite.
Pet Safety
The city also warns pet owners to keep their animals safe. Short-haired dogs, puppies, senior dogs, and indoor cats should not be left outdoors unsupervised. Those walking short-haired dogs should consider using a sweater or coat.
On Sunday, the Chicago Animal Care and Control is hosting an adoption event with waived fees, allowing residents to adopt pets safely.
Safety Tips for Residents
As the demand for heating rises, residents are reminded to ensure they have working carbon monoxide detectors. To prevent frozen pipes, a trickle of water is advised, and thawing should be done carefully with a hair dryer or heating pad. Space heaters should be used cautiously and kept away from flammable materials.
