CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Residents in Champaign and surrounding communities are waking up to bitterly cold conditions this week as an arctic cold front pushes through central Illinois, triggering a Cold Weather Advisory from early Friday through Saturday afternoon. Forecasters say dangerously low wind chills could make it feel as cold as 15 to 25 degrees below zero at times, with frostbite possible on exposed skin in under 30 minutes if precautions aren’t taken.

According to local forecasts, daytime air temperatures will remain well below freezing, while winds from the north and northwest are driving wind chill values far lower than the thermometer indicates. At mid-morning today, actual temperatures hovered around the single digits below zero, with “feels like” temperatures near -26°F to -30°F across much of the area due to steady winds of 15–28 km/h (10–18 mph).

The forecast shows mostly cloudy skies throughout the afternoon, but conditions are expected to stay frigid. Tonight and into Friday morning, wind chill readings could plunge even further, posing serious risks to anyone outdoors without adequate winter gear.

Officials urge people to limit time outside and to dress in layers if travel is necessary. Hats, gloves, scarves and insulated boots are recommended, and pets should be kept indoors whenever possible. School and work commutes could also be affected by slick surfaces as temperatures remain low.

A slight warming trend is expected later in the weekend, but forecasters warn that the cold isn’t over yet, and residents should continue to monitor local weather updates for changes in wind and temperature trends.