Wheaton, Glen Ellyn Dig Out; Dangerously Cold Temps on 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 beginning Sunday, so if you have to go outside, protect yourself.

This is the kind of weather during which health professionals advise just that, and no wonder — just take a look at the forecast.

An arctic blast will blow through the Fox Valley beginning Sunday, according to Accuweather, which predicts that temperatures in the Tri-Cities will plummet from the mid-teens on Friday and 30 degrees on Saturday to just 4 degrees Sunday and 5 below zero on Monday. Tuesday’s high is forecast at just 4 degrees.

Winds are expected to range from 12 mph to the low 20s during the same period.

“Warmer” weather won’t arrive until Wednesday, when the high is expected to hit 22 degrees before moving into the 30s for the rest of the week.

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 doing.

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” 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.

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