Brutal Arctic Wind Chills Set to Grip Ohio Valley and Great Lakes as Temperatures Feel Like −20°F by Tuesday Morning
OHIO VALLEY AND GREAT LAKES — A dangerous surge of Arctic air is tightening its grip across the region, with wind chills expected to plunge as low as −15°F to −20°F by early Tuesday morning, creating conditions capable of causing frostbite and hypothermia in a matter of minutes.
Forecasters warn this will be one of the coldest stretches of the season, with bitter wind making already frigid temperatures feel even more punishing as the cold blast pushes deeper into the Midwest and Great Lakes.
How Cold It Will Actually Feel
While thermometers will show single digits and teens in many areas, strong winds will dramatically lower “feels-like” temperatures, especially overnight and during early morning hours.
Forecast wind chills by Tuesday morning include:
- −18°F to −20°F across parts of northern Ohio
- −15°F to −19°F from northwest Ohio into southern Michigan
- −10°F to −15°F across central Ohio and portions of western Pennsylvania
These values are cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10–15 minutes.
Why This Cold Is Especially Dangerous
Wind chills this extreme accelerate heat loss from the body, shortening the time it takes for hypothermia to develop. Pets, livestock, and people without adequate shelter are particularly vulnerable during this type of Arctic outbreak.
Officials strongly urge residents to:
- Limit time outdoors, especially overnight and early morning
- Wear layered, wind-blocking clothing
- Cover exposed skin, including face and hands
- Bring pets indoors and ensure livestock have adequate shelter
Cold Pattern Lingers Into Midweek
This is not a quick overnight cold snap. Forecast guidance suggests dangerously cold wind chills may persist into midweek, with gradual moderation only after the Arctic air mass begins to weaken later in the week. Even after temperatures slowly rise, overnight wind chills will remain hazardous, especially in open and rural areas.
What Residents Should Prepare For
With the potential for prolonged cold exposure:
- Heating systems may be stressed
- Power usage will spike
- Vehicles may struggle to start
- Pipes become vulnerable to freezing
Preparation now can prevent emergencies later.
For continued coverage of extreme cold events, winter safety updates, and developing weather threats across the region, stay informed with NapervilleLocal.com and share this update with those who may be at risk.
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.