Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin Braces for Dangerous Cold Weather Advisory as Windchills Plunge 15° to 30° Below Zero Across the Midwest

MINNESOTA — A powerful Arctic outbreak is set to send temperatures plunging across Illinois and much of the Midwest over the next several nights, prompting a Cold Weather Advisory and warnings about windchills that may reach 15 to 30 degrees below zero in parts of the state.

Extremely Cold Air Spreads Across the Midwest

Forecasters report that the core of the cold blast will stretch from the Northern Plains into the Midwest, where the harshest conditions are expected. Areas including Minneapolis, Sioux Falls, Des Moines, Madison, and Chicago will face some of the most dangerous windchill values.

The data shows:

• 30° to 45° below zero windchills across the Northern Plains
• 15° to 30° below zero windchills extending into Iowa, Wisconsin, and northern Illinois
• 5° to 15° below zero windchills across central and southern Illinois and into surrounding states

Such low windchill readings can lead to frostbite in as little as 10 minutes, making this one of the coldest air masses to affect the region so far this season.

Cold Extends Far Beyond the Midwest

While Illinois and nearby states will endure the harshest temperatures, the advisory stretches deep into the South:

• Windchills in the 0° range around Oklahoma City
• Windchills in the 10s around Dallas
• Windchill values between 10° and 15° across much of the Southeast, including Atlanta, Nashville, and Memphis

Even New Orleans is expected to dip to 10° to 15° windchill values — an unusually cold event for the Gulf Coast.

Major Safety Risks for Illinois Residents

Illinois residents should prepare now for:

• Dangerously low windchill values capable of causing frostbite and hypothermia
• Increased strain on heating systems
• Hazardous conditions for anyone traveling or working outdoors
• Risks to pets, livestock, and vulnerable neighbors

Officials warn that extended exposure without proper winter clothing can be life-threatening.

How to Stay Safe During the Extreme Cold

Residents are urged to:

• Limit time outdoors and dress in layers
• Bring pets inside and ensure livestock have adequate shelter
• Check on elderly or disabled neighbors
• Protect pipes from freezing
• Prepare vehicles with emergency supplies if travel is necessary

This Arctic air mass will continue to influence temperatures for several days, with conditions improving only slightly toward the end of the week. NapervilleLocal.com will provide updates as the situation develops.