Bears-Packers could be coldest game in Chicago history

CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire/AP) - The National Weather Service is warning that a fresh surge of bitterly cold arctic air may result in frostbite and hypothermia in northern and central Illinois.

A high of 10 and a low of minus 7 was forecast for Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Wind chill values, as low as minus 19 overnight, will make it feel even colder.

Blustery winds from the northwest of 15 to 20 mph were expected to contribute to widespread blowing snow. O’Hare International Airport reported 2.2 inches of snowfall from a storm that began Saturday night and tapered off early Sunday. Midway International Airport reported 2 inches of snowfall.

The Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers Sunday at Soldier Field for what could be one of the coldest home games ever. The coldest Bears game at Soldier Field was on Dec. 22, 2008, when the thermometer hit 2 degrees with a wind chill of minus 13.

The cold weather was expected to continue Monday, with a high near 16, but wind chill values as low as minus 18.

Temperatures were expected to rise during the week, with sunny skies and a high of 29 expected Tuesday and a high near 32 on Wednesday.

Snow was back in the forecast on Wednesday night, the weather service said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.