Dangerous Cold Grips Chicago with Windchill Values as Low as -40 Degrees

Chicago is currently facing dangerously cold temperatures and brutal windchill values that show no sign of easing up until midweek. A Windchill Warning is in effect until Monday at noon, with windchill values dropping to -25 and even -40 degrees in some areas on Sunday morning.

The air temperature has also plummeted, reaching below -10 degrees in certain locations, with -16 degrees recorded at Wegner Elementary School in West Chicago. This frigid air will persist throughout Sunday, and some areas near the lake may only reach a high of 0 degrees.

The situation worsens overnight, as windchill values are expected to dip to as low as -40 or -50 degrees in certain areas, with the air temperature lingering around -10 degrees or below.

Meteorologist Tim Joyce from WGN is reminding citizens that windchills of this magnitude can lead to frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Therefore, it is strongly advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

In addition to the bitter cold, strong winds are causing blowing snow, resulting in treacherous road conditions. Soldier Field recorded a wind gust of 46 miles per hour early Sunday morning, and wind gusts reaching 30 mph are expected throughout the day in the Chicago area.

Looking ahead, the good news is that the area should remain dry and snow-free until Wednesday or Thursday. By Wednesday, temperatures are projected to rise back into the teens.

However, it seems that most of North America will continue to experience freezing temperatures this week, as a blast of arctic air continues to affect the continent. Although temperatures may not remain as cold as they are currently, it is expected that warmer air won't arrive until early next week, resulting in below-average temperatures until then.

According to the forecast, Sunday will bring a mix of clouds and sun, accompanied by bitter cold and strong winds. The high is expected to reach -3 degrees, with windchill values around -30. Winds will be blowing from the west at 20 to 30 mph. The Windchill Warning will remain in effect until noon Monday.

Sunday night will be mostly cloudy and dangerously cold, with a low of -11 degrees and windchill values dropping even further below -30 degrees. Winds will be coming from the west at 10 to 20 mph, and the Windchill Warning will continue.

Martin Luther King Day, Monday, will see partly sunny to mostly cloudy skies, remaining very cold throughout the day. The high temperature is forecasted to only reach 1 degree, with windchill values around -20 and below. Winds will shift to the west/southwest at 10 to 20 mph. The Windchill Warning will be replaced by a Windchill Advisory at noon.

Monday night will be partly cloudy with a low of -10 degrees and windchill values around -20. Winds will be from the west at 10 to 15 mph.

In light of the extreme cold and dangerous conditions, authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions and stay safe indoors until the temperatures improve.