Bitterly cold temperatures are expected to remain in Greater Peoria and across Central Illinois through much of the week.
The National Weather Service in Lincoln put a cold weather advisory in place from 9 p.m. Monday until noon Tuesday for Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, McLean and most surrounding counties.
Very cold overnight wind chills falling as low as 20 degrees below zero are expected. Those dangerous wind chills could result in frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, according to the NWS.
The forecast calls for the bitterly cold air and below-zero wind chills to remain in the region through Thursday.
Anyone who must be outside is urged to use caution and wear appropriate clothing, including a hat, scarf and gloves. Residents should bring any pets indoors, and make sure outdoor animals have dry shelter and sufficient food.
The seven-day forecast has a high temperature between 13 and 17 degrees Tuesday through Thursday. Lows will slip from 6 on Tuesday to minus-1 on Wednesday and stay in the single digits on Thursday. Wind gusts as high as 17 mph are likely all three days.
Things will start to warm up gradually as the weekend arrives, with expected highs in the mid-20s Friday and up to the mid-40s by Sunday.
