Arctic Cold To Freeze Batavia: Where To Find Warming Centers

BATAVIA, IL — Arctic cold will hit the Chicagoland starting tonight, according to forecasters, with lows dropping below zero in some areas.

For those looking to escape the cold and remain safe from the weather, the Batavia Police Department, at 100 N. Island Ave., will operate as a warming center from noon to 4 p.m. daily. Guests should call 630-454-2500 to ensure they can be accommodated.

The National Weather Service warned that a cold front would bring a “quick blast of Arctic air” to the Chicago area, with wind chills as low as 20 below zero Wednesday into Friday.

“A strong cold front will move across the area this afternoon into early this evening, shifting southwest winds to the northwest,” the weather service said. “Main takeaway will be the wind chills, which will be in the -10 to -15 range overnight into Thursday morning and again Thursday night into early Friday morning.”

RELATED: 'Blast Of Arctic Air' Coming Wednesday, Thursday To Chicago Area

According to Accuweather, temperatures in Chicago are expected to drop drastically on Thursday, with a high of 17 degrees and a low of 6 degrees.

Warmer air is expected to blow in early Friday morning, forecasters said, allowing temperatures to level off in the mid to high 20s by daybreak.

In Batavia, temperatures will hit a high of 19 degrees and drop to zero degrees Thursday. Friday temperatures are expected to go back up to 29 degrees. Saturday will see a high of 28 degrees and a low of 20 degrees, according to AccuWeather.