Wind chills dropped below zero across the Chicago area early Monday, the beginning of the coldest stretch of days this winter.
The lowest readings came from Freeport, with a temperature of 4 below zero and a windchill of minus-18. The temperature at O’Hare International Airport got as low as 9 above with a wind child of minus-2.
Temperatures were expected to rise into the 30s Tuesday and Wednesday, but gusty winds will likely make it feel much colder. Wednesday night, there is a chance of flurries before midnight, then a slight chance of snow after midnight. The low will be around 10.
There is a 40 percent chance of snow on Thursday with a high near 17. More snow was expected Thursday night with a low around 3. Friday will be mostly sunny with a high near 14, according to the National Weather Service. It will get down to around 8 through the night.
The weather service said the snow cover is adding to the cold.
Chicago saw the first snowstorm of the season over the weekend, with more than four inches of snow falling in the city. The storm system had left the area by Sunday morning, with Woodstock seeing the highest total of 5.4 inches.
Chicago saw its first measurable snowfall of the winter Tuesday, marking a new date for the latest measurable snow in the Chicago area. The previous record was set on Dec. 20, 2012. The area usually gets its first measurable snowfall around Nov. 18.
