Dangerously Cold Temps, More Snow on the Way

As if 7 inches or so of snow entering 2014 was not enough seasonal weather to contend with, Old Man Winter is adding a frosty touch of dangerously cold temperatures.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for blowing and drifting snow through 9 a.m. Saturday, with wind gusts near 35 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures will plummet from 30 degrees on Saturday to highs of just 11 degrees Sunday and -9 degrees Monday. The bitter cold continues on Tuesday, with a predicted high of just -3 degrees.

“Warmer” weather won’t arrive until Wednesday, when the high is expected to hit 16 degrees before moving to near 28 on Thursday.

Combined with the winds, the frigid temperatures could be dangerous, and if you have to venture outside, take steps to stay warm. Dress for the weather. When it’s this cold, a ski mask or scarf ought to be in your arsenal to protect otherwise exposed skin. Gloves or mittens are a must.

If you will be on the road, make sure you have a blanket in the car, as well as a charge along with your cellphone. Add a flashlight, and when you go,  make sure someone knows where you are going.

Snow Removal in Wheaton and Glen Ellyn

Word of the pending Arctic blast came as the Chicago region was digging out from a “snow event” that began as the world was preparing to welcome the start of a new year.

The snow let up in the western suburbs by Thursday, but the threat of lake-effect snow continued to hover over DuPage County and other areas bordering Lake Michigan.

The Chicago Tribune reported Thursday that Wheaton had 15 of its trucks and Glen Ellyn had its fleet of a dozen Public Works trucks out on the streets Thursday morning to keep roads clear even as the snowfall continued. And more snow is on the way this weekend.