Chicago and the surrounding areas experienced bone-chilling temperatures as a wind chill warning came to an end on Tuesday. However, residents have been cautioned that the cold is far from over, as a wind chill advisory takes its place. In addition to the persisting cold, another round of snowfall is expected in the near future.

The wind chill warning, which was in effect until noon on Tuesday, impacted several counties including Lake, McHenry, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Central Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, and Northern Will County. In these areas, the wind chill values plummeted to as low as -35 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures ranging between -15 and -25 degrees below zero.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has stated that the wind chill warning will transition into a wind chill advisory, which will remain in effect until Wednesday morning. Moreover, Kankakee and eastern Will counties in Illinois, along with Porter, Northern LaPorte, Newton Counties in Indiana, and Kenosha County in Wisconsin, are also currently under wind chill advisories until 9 a.m. Wednesday.

The NWS has issued a warning about the potential dangers of such extreme cold, highlighting that frostbite could occur on exposed skin within just 30 minutes. As a precautionary measure, residents are urged to dress appropriately and take extra care when venturing outside.

While Tuesday is expected to be predominantly sunny, temperatures are predicted to hover around 0 degrees, with a high of 1 or 2 degrees. However, there is a glimmer of relief in the forecast, as Wednesday is expected to bring slightly improved temperatures. Despite this, conditions will still be cold, but not as brutally freezing as in previous days.

Furthermore, there is a possibility of snowfall on Wednesday, and travel delays may occur if the system materializes, particularly during the Wednesday evening commute. Later in the week, another round of snowfall, bringing 1-2 inches of accumulation, is predicted to arrive on Thursday into Friday.

Adding to the concerns surrounding the freezing weather, the NWS has cautioned about potential ice formation on area rivers, which could lead to ice jams and subsequent flooding.

Looking ahead, there is some positive news for Chicago residents. According to NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman, there is a high probability of above-average temperatures in the region between January 23-29.

As the city braces itself for the continuation of the bitter cold and unpredictable weather, it is important for residents to remain vigilant, take precautions, and stay updated on the latest weather advisories and forecasts.