Chicago, IL – While the Chicagoland area observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day with closed banks and USPS services, a pressing weather concern overshadows the holiday. A severe wind chill warning is in effect for north central and northeast Illinois, including Chicago and surrounding counties, with wind chill values expected to plummet as low as -40 degrees.
Local weather authorities have issued a warning until noon CST Tuesday, cautioning against the life-threatening cold. The wind chill could reach a staggering -25 to -40 degrees, posing a serious risk of frostbite on exposed skin within minutes. Following this, a wind chill advisory remains in place from noon Tuesday to 9 AM CST Wednesday, with temperatures potentially falling to -15 to -30 degrees.
The extreme weather affects Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Lee, De Kalb, Kane, La Salle, Kendall, Grundy, Central Cook, Southern Cook, Northern Will, and Southern Will counties. Residents are strongly advised to stay indoors and follow safety guidelines to protect against the hazardous cold.
