Arctic Cold Blast to Grip Midwest and North Texas Thursday, Sending Temperatures 15–20 Degrees Below Normal
ILLINOIS — A strong Arctic cold front is set to push across the Midwest and southern Plains this week, bringing the most intense chill of the season so far. Temperatures are expected to plunge 15 to 20 degrees below normal, with some areas across the Upper Midwest potentially dipping below zero by Thursday morning.
Meteorologists say this cold blast will follow in the wake of a major snowstorm that left more than a foot of snow across parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota earlier this week. The combination of fresh snowpack and clearing skies will allow temperatures to plummet rapidly by midweek.
Midwest Faces Subzero Wind Chills and Dangerous Cold
Forecast models show Arctic air spreading southward from the northern Plains into the Great Lakes region late Wednesday into Thursday. Cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee could see morning lows near or below zero degrees, with wind chills dropping into the negative single digits or lower.
“This is a true early-season Arctic outbreak,” forecasters noted. “With snow already on the ground, overnight lows could fall dramatically once skies clear out.”
Residents across the Midwest should prepare for:
- Subzero wind chills across northern Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin
- Highs struggling to reach the 20s and 30s in most areas Thursday
- Dangerous driving conditions due to lingering snow and refreezing on untreated roads
The National Weather Service is monitoring conditions closely and may issue Wind Chill Advisories for parts of the region if temperatures continue to trend downward.
Cold Front to Reach North Texas With Chilly Rain
The same Arctic surge will extend deep into the southern U.S., reaching North Texas by Thursday afternoon. While snow is not expected in Texas, temperatures will tumble quickly, with highs only in the low 40s and the potential for a cold, steady rain.
Residents in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denton should expect a sharp drop in temperatures following the front’s arrival, with overnight lows falling into the 30s.
“This will be one of the coldest air masses of the season so far for Texas,” meteorologists said. “Even though snow isn’t in the forecast, it’ll feel like the first true taste of winter.”
Early Taste of Deep Winter
This Arctic outbreak marks one of the earliest and strongest cold waves of the 2025–26 winter season. The sharp temperature gradient — with subzero readings in the Upper Midwest and 40s as far south as Dallas — highlights the strength of this cold dome.
Forecasters warn that with more snow expected early next week across the Midwest, temperatures could remain below freezing well into the weekend, keeping roads icy and heating demand high.
Residents are urged to:
- Protect pets and livestock from extreme cold
- Allow extra time for morning commutes on slick roads
- Use caution with space heaters and ensure proper ventilation
Stay up to date on local temperature drops, wind chill alerts, and winter forecasts by visiting NapervilleLocal.com for continuous coverage.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.