We’re heading into a long weekend in Chicago, and it’s going to be a cold and wintry one!
Chicago is set for nearly three straight days of snow in the lead up to Martin Luther King day on Monday, January 19.
Here’s a full breakdown of the forecast.
Chicago’s 3-day snow stretch
The snow will begin falling Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), with an 80% chance of precipitation after 10 p.m.
The overnight low will plunge to just 24 degrees, and snow showers will continue into Friday morning.
Friday will see a 70% chance of snow overall, wind gusts up to 25 mph, and high of 36 degrees. Overnight Friday, expect a 40% chance of additional snow and a low of only 17 degrees.
Come Saturday, we’ll see a 30% chance of snow showers mainly after 12 p.m., according to the NWS, and a high of only 21 degrees. The overnight low Saturday will hit a frigid 11 degrees.
Conditions will look much the same Sunday, with additional afternoon snow showers possible and a high of 21 degrees.
By MLK day on Monday, skies will finally clear but temps will remain dangerously cold with a high of only 10 degrees for the holiday.
So if you’re heading out to do some community service or attend a commemorative event, be sure to bundle up.
Cold weather safety tips
With temperatures nearing the single digits at points during the upcoming weekend, it’s important to stay warm and safe, especially when heading out doors.
Here’s a refresh on some of the most prudent cold weather safety tips from the Chicago Department of Public Health.
- Avoid any unnecessary trips outdoors
- When venturing outdoors, wear multiple layers of dry, loose, warm clothing
- Be especially careful to cover your head, ears, hands, and feet
- Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, eat nourishing meals, and consume warm beverages and soups
- Make sure your heat is in working order; space heaters not recommended as an alternate heat source
- Stock up on groceries and other essentials
For more tips and safety resources, click here.