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An arctic chill has descended upon the Chicago region, plunging wind chills to perilous levels, with many areas experiencing a bone-chilling -20 to -25 degrees on Sunday morning.
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In response, ABC7 Chicago meteorologists have activated an AccuWeather Alert to warn residents about this weekend’s extreme cold snap.
The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory affecting multiple counties, including Boone, Cook, DeKalb, and several others, effective from Saturday evening at 8 p.m. through Sunday at noon.
Additionally, Wisconsin’s Waukesha County is under a Cold Weather Advisory until 10 a.m. on Sunday.
Sunday night is expected to bring frigid conditions, with temperatures dropping into the single digits and wind chills plummeting to between -10 and -15 degrees.
Slippery road conditions were possible in those areas, as low temperatures could interfere with snow removal efforts, the NWS says. Wind gusts up to 25 mph could also cause snow to drift back onto roadways.
Officials warned that frostbite can develop in minutes without the proper clothing.
The city of Aurora will have a warming center open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. with meals available and plenty of cots for sleeping.
READ MORE | Warming centers open in city, suburbs as bitter cold moves into Chicago area | Full list
Sunday morning, ahead of the Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field, will be the coldest part of the weekend.
SEE ALSO | Fans, players bracing for what could be one of coldest Bears games ever
As the Cold Weather Advisory expires, winds may relax on Sunday afternoon, but it will still be bitterly cold. During the game, wind chills will be anywhere from -5 to -10.
Meanwhile, there is light at the end of the tunnel. A warming trend is expected next week, and temperatures may climb into the 40s by Wednesday.
Monday morning, Chicagoans will have to bare the -10 wind chills; afternoon highs will be in the 20s.
Click here for the latest seven-day forecast.
