Officials urge precaution ahead of subzero temperatures this weekend

Chicago and Cook County officials are warning the public to stay warm as the city braces for bitterly cold temperatures this weekend.

After a brief warm-up in temperatures earlier this week, Friday morning will see a slight chance of snow showers and temperatures between 25 and 32 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The temperature is forecast to drop into the single digits in the evening, with subzero wind chills.

Wind chill temperatures will remain below zero this weekend as evening temperatures also dip below zero. Wind chills will fall to minus 10 and 0 degrees by Saturday morning, with a chance of snow, and get as low as minus 30 in the evening.

Sunday morning is forecast to be sunny and between 4 and 13 degrees. The temperatures will drop to minus 8 to 5 degrees at night, with wind chills as low as minus 20 degrees.

Although winter doesn't officially start until Dec. 21, the Chicago area has already seen 17.1 inches of snow in just the last few weeks, the fastest start to the snowfall season since 1978.

With potential subzero temperatures, health officials in the Chicago area are asking residents to take proper precautions by avoiding unnecessary trips outside.

While indoors, people should never use the oven, charcoal or gas grills for heat, Cook County officials said. Electric heaters should be used away from flammable materials, and the heaters should be unplugged when not in use or before going to bed.

Since 2005, city laws have required apartment units to be heated to at least 68 degrees during the day and 66 degrees at night during the colder months. Tenants can call the city’s 311 system to report if their unit is not warm enough.

For those planning to watch the Bears take on the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, fans should wear several layers of dry, loose and warm clothing. People spending time outdoors should pay special attention to keeping their head, ears, hands and feet warm, and avoid drinking alcohol since it could draw away body heat.

The city maintains a list of warming centers on weekdays when temperatures dip below 32 degrees. Cook County will also operate three suburban warming centers that will open 24 hours a day starting at 8:30 a.m. Friday until Dec. 15.

The centers are at:

• Skokie Courthouse: 5600 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, IL 60077  
• Maywood Courthouse: 1500 Maybrook Dr., Maywood, IL 60153  
• Markham Courthouse: 16501 S. Kedzie Ave., Markham, IL 60428