The National Weather Service is issuing an Extreme Cold Watch across parts of central and northeast Illinois later this week as wind chills dip to dangerous levels.
Extreme Cold Watch in Chicago, central Illinois
Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 or 30 below zero are possible Thursday evening into Friday morning in Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, Woodford, Fulton and Knox Counties, according to the NWS. These temperatures could result in frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Wind chills as low as 35 degrees below zero are possible Thursday night through Saturday morning in portions of north central, northwest and west central Illinois. This could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
The NWS also issued a Wind Advisory in these areas as gusts up to 45 mph are expected Wednesday evening.
Wind chills Jan. 22, 2026, in Illinois could cause frostbite
Wind chills as low as 30 to 35 degrees below zero are possible in portions of central, north central and northeast Illinois late Thursday night into Friday morning. This could result in frostbite in 10 minutes.
Those who must go outside are advised by the NWS to dress in layers, including a hat, gloves and face mask. Keep pets indoors as much as possible and check in on older family and friends. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly and avoid using generators or grills inside.
Illinois weather forecast
Here’s the forecast Thursday, Jan. 22 through Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, when another arctic blast is expected to hit Illinois.
Central Illinois weather forecast
Chicago weather forecast
Chicago weather radar
Central Illinois weather radar
Illinois warming centers
The governor’s office provides a live interactive online map for Illinois residents to find warming centers in their county.
Each listing includes the center’s address, phone number and hours of operation.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: NWS issues ‘Extreme Cold Watch’ in Illinois. Why you could get frostbite
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
