As the Chicago area faces bitterly cold temperatures this weekend, Chicago and Cook County officials are warning the public to stay indoors and stay warm.
Temperatures were expected to drop Friday night into the single digits, with subzero wind chills, and stay there throughout the weekend, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a cold weather advisory for most of northern Illinois from 8 p.m. Saturday to noon Sunday.
“It’s definitely going to be a pretty cold weekend here before things start improving toward the middle of next week,” meteorologist Zachary Yack said.
The Chicago region could see some light snowfall, with maybe an inch or two sticking, Saturday morning and afternoon, Yack said. Then, the temperature will drop to minus-2 degrees overnight Saturday with wind chills reaching minus-20.
Sunday morning is forecast to be sunny and between 4 and 13 degrees. The temperatures will drop to 3 degrees overnight, and wind chills will drop as low as minus-20 degrees.
Although winter doesn’t officially start until Dec. 21, the Chicago area has already seen 17.3 inches of snow in just the last few weeks, the fastest start to the snowfall season since 1978.
Bitterly cold temperatures are expected this weekend, with the coldest wind chills (-15 to -25F) occurring Saturday Night. A rapid build up of ice on area rivers may occur as well, leading to an increased threat for localized ice jams. Bundle up! #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/rNMniSAskM
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) December 12, 2025
With potential subzero temperatures, health officials are asking residents to take proper precautions by avoiding unnecessary trips outside.
While indoors, people should never use their ovens, or charcoal or gas grills to heat their homes, Cook County officials said. Electric space heaters should be used away from flammable materials, and the heaters should be unplugged when not in use or before going to bed.
Since 2005, city laws have required apartment units to be heated to at least 68 degrees during the day and 66 degrees at night during the colder months. Tenants can call the city’s 311 system to report if their unit is not warm enough.
For those planning to watch the Bears take on the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, fans should wear several layers of dry, loose and warm clothing. People spending time outdoors should pay special attention to keeping their heads, ears, hands and feet warm, and avoid drinking alcohol because it could draw away body heat.
The Illinois Tollway Authority began sending 24-hour patrol crews onto the highways Friday night to more quickly respond to stranded motorists. Drivers should call *999 if they need roadside assistance, and stay in their vehicle until crews arrive, the agency said.
The city maintains a list of warming centers on weekdays when temperatures dip below 32 degrees. Cook County will also operate three suburban warming centers that will open 24 hours a day starting at 8:30 a.m. Friday until Dec. 15.
The centers are at:
- Skokie Courthouse: 5600 Old Orchard Rd.
- Maywood Courthouse: 1500 Maybrook Dr.
- Markham Courthouse: 16501 S. Kedzie Ave.