Chicago's new cold weather alerts: What you need to know
CHICAGO - As Chicago braces for dangerously cold temperatures, you may notice some changes in the weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service.
This winter, the agency has replaced traditional wind chill terms to make alerts clearer.
Why No Wind Chill Advisory or Warning for Cold Snap?
What we know:
Chicago's first cold weather advisory of the season will go into effect Sunday night.
Starting this winter, Wind Chill Advisories have been replaced with Cold Weather Advisories.
Wind Chill Warnings have been replaced with Extreme Cold Warnings.
Why The Name Change?:
The National Weather Service wanted to simplify their weather alert terminology and emphasize that extreme cold, regardless of wind, can be dangerous and lead to frostbite.
The criteria for each remains the same: wind chills around -20F or colder will result in a Cold Weather Advisory, and wind chills around -30F or colder will result in an Extreme Cold Warning being issued.
Forecast Details :
A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect from 6 p.m. Sunday through 12 p.m. Monday for wind chills as low as -20 to -25 degrees.
Another Cold Weather Advisory will go into effect from 9 p.m. Monday through 12 p.m. Tuesday for wind chills as low as -20 to -29 degrees.
Follow our weather page for more forecast updates.