Extreme Cold Timeline: When It Will Hit, What To Expect

Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero are expected for the Chicago area on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. An extreme cold warning has been issued from 3 a.m. to noon on Friday for the area.

The anticipated extreme cold has already prompted school closures around the area, and some county courts are going remote.

• IL School Closings: Extreme Cold Prompts Early Closings For Some Districts, Others Still Deciding
• Kane County Courts Go Remote Due To Extreme Weather

The weather service said there is a high confidence in a period of bitter cold with dangerous wind chills from Thursday night through Saturday morning. There is still some uncertainty on just how extreme the cold will be.

The cold will begin Thursday night, when temperatures could get as low as -14, and wind chills could be as low as 40 below zero. The cold continues into Friday morning, and by Friday afternoon, wind chills could still be as low as 25 below zero, according to the weather service.

Saturday morning will see a high of -2 degrees, and wind chills as low as 10 below zero will continue into Saturday afternoon.

Winds will also gust as high as 25 mph on Thursday night into Friday morning, according to the current forecast.

"Some areas will likely see actual temps remain below zero all day Friday," the weather service said.

The weather service advised staying indoors if possible, bringing pets indoors and letting faucets drip slowly to prevent frozen or burst pipes. Frost bite can occur in as little as 10 minutes with this cold.

Cold Weather Safety

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency urges residents to practice cold-weather safety:

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Wear mittens instead of gloves.
• Wear water-repellent clothing.
• Wear a hat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Make sure small children, infants, and the elderly stay warm. They are more vulnerable to the cold.
• Take advantage of warming centers, public park facilities, and heated stores and malls.
• Where possible, try to keep one room in your home heated to 68-70 degrees.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Eat high energy foods and drink warm beverages.
• Beware of overexertion; shoveling snow or pushing disabled cars can be very strenuous and should only be done by individuals in good health.

Safe heating tips:

• Electric heaters can be hazardous and should be used with caution to prevent shock, fire, and burns. Follow the usage instructions carefully and keep clothing and blankets away from heating elements.
• Carbon monoxide can kill. Be careful using fireplaces; make sure flues are clear and properly ventilated.
• Gas ovens, burners, and charcoal should never be used to heat your home.
• NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.

Vehicle safety in cold weather:

• Make sure your car is in good operating condition before using it in extreme cold.
• Keep condensation (water) out of your gas tank by keeping the tank as full as possible.
• Maintain a storm kit in your car with items such as a cell phone and charger; blankets; extra clothing; jumper cables; a flashlight; high-calorie, non-perishable food; and matches or a lighter.
• Plan your trip carefully. If cold, snowy, or icy conditions exceed your ability or your car's ability, don't travel.
• Tell someone about your travel plans.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.

Warming Centers Available

Warming centers are available throughout the Chicago area. Those without heat should call ahead before heading to a warming center to check hours.

Find a list of warming centers available in your county here:

• Cook
• DuPage
• Kane
• Kendall
• Lake
• McHenry
• Will