Record warmth yesterday followed by dangerous cold this week

 

Although most main weather headlines across the eastern half of the United States are for cold weather and other winter impacts, here across the state line we were able to actually break record warm temperatures. Yesterday's high temperature was able to reach 54° which was able to set the record high for January 17th in Rockford! With strong warm southerly wind as well as daytime sunshine temperatures were able to shoot up quite high! The bad news is, this has already left and a near 60-degree temperature change is expected as we roll into the new week.

Through today temperatures will slowly decrease through much of the day as a cold front passes through this morning clearing clouds and gradually cooling the ground. As we approach the midnight hours is when dangerous cold and wind chills arrive as temperatures drop near 0° by Sunday morning with gustier winds sticking around behind the cold front.

Because of this a Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for portions of Northern Illinois including all of the state line. This will last until Sunday morning but expect these advisories to be continued as multiple days of sub -10° wind chills will stick around. The criterion for this advisory is similar to the previous Wind Chill Advisory where wind chills are expected to drop below -20° to -30°. 

The coldest of the arctic air and wind chills doesn't look to arrive till Monday into Tuesday however still through the beginning of the week wind chills will remain below 0° causing dangerous conditions to be outside in. During the morning commutes on Monday and Tuesday, wind chill temperatures will be at their coldest, so make sure to wear extra clothing and limit time outside when heading out during the morning.

Through the next two days frostbite will be a very real danger for those who will be outside for extended periods of time. If you are outside at any time over this next stretch of time layers will be needed to avoid frostbite as well, we limited time staying outside at all. Frostbite can arise quick as by Monday night it may only take 15 minutes for this to occur. Be extra safe these next few days with such dangerous cold and take breaks inside if you do find yourself outside for an extended period of time.