Winds were quick to increase Wednesday night with the arrival of our first Arctic cold front that brought bouts of heavier snow, and even a few snow squalls, across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. The snow didn't last all night, but the gusty west winds did. This created hazardous travel on some of the local roads as significant blowing and drifting snow became a concern, especially in the open and rural areas. While the strongest of the wind ended early Thursday morning, wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph continued for much of the afternoon. This continued to cause snow to blow across north/south roads.
The wind won't ease much Thursday night with the arrival of the second Arctic cold front, which will keep wind gusts close to 30 mph overnight. Blowing and drifting snow will remain possible in the more open and rural areas through Friday morning. The difference with tonight is that temperatures will be falling, dropping below zero by 10pm and then well below zero by sunrise Friday.
The coldest air will settle in after sunrise Friday with the overnight low forecast to fall between -10 to -15 degrees, but wind chills will range between -30 and -40 degrees. Afternoon temperatures, despite the sunshine, won't rise above zero which will keep afternoon chills in the -20 to -25 degrees. An EXTREME COLD WARNING will go into effect late Thursday night and run through mid-day Friday. After that there will be a COLD WEATHER ADVISORY that goes into effect for the remainder of Friday, lasting into Saturday morning.
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