Locals can expect below-freezing temperatures to make a comeback this winter week as cold and wind chills hit Wednesday and Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, Oak Park is expected to see wind chill values as low as negative 3 degrees during the day Wednesday, dipping down as low as negative 15 degrees that night.
Scattered flurries and snow showers are also expected Wednesday with winds up to 35 miles per hour.
On Thursday, the National Weather Service said there is a 20% chance of snow with winds up to 20 miles per hour. The temperature high during the day is 18 degrees, with a low that night around 14 degrees.
Temperatures are expected to warm back up slightly Friday with a high of 35 degrees.
When cold weather hits, Oak Park has some local warming centers available for anyone in need of one. When temperatures drop below 20 degrees, or extreme weather shuts down public facilities or transportation for four hours or more, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 611 Randolph St. becomes one such location.
During the day, anyone looking to warm up can head to the Oak Park Public Library – Main Library at 834 Lake St., open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
The Oak Park Public Library – Dole Branch at 255 Augusta St. is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. This location is closed on Mondays.
The Oak Park Public Library – Maze Branch at 845 Gunderson Ave. is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. This location is closed on Fridays.