The Village of Park Forest is opening warming centers as forecasters warn of dangerous arctic air expected to arrive later Wednesday evening and linger through the weekend.

The Park Forest Police Department, located at 200 Lakewood Boulevard, and Village Hall, at 350 Victory Drive, will serve as official warming centers during the cold snap. Residents can access Village Hall during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The police station remains open 24 hours a day.

Meteorologists expect daytime temperatures to hover in the teens Thursday and struggle to reach the 20s on Friday, with overnight lows in the single digits. Strong winds accompanying the front will push wind chills — the “feel-like” temperatures — into the range of -10 to -25 degrees Thursday, with similar conditions likely to persist into Friday. While the National Weather Service has not issued a Wind Chill Advisory or Warning, forecasters noted those alerts may be activated as temperatures drop.

Village officials are urging residents to take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia, two potentially life-threatening conditions that can develop quickly in extreme cold. Frostbite can occur in minutes when skin is exposed to subzero wind chills, particularly on the fingers, ears, nose, and toes. Early signs include numbness, tingling, or skin that appears white or waxy. Hypothermia, caused by a drop in the body’s core temperature, can develop even at temperatures above freezing and may lead to confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, or slowed breathing.

“Residents should dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and limit the amount of time spent outdoors,” Village officials said. “If you begin to feel numb or unusually tired, get to a warm place immediately.”

The Village also recommends several safe ways to stay warm indoors: use space heaters with automatic shutoff features and keep them at least three feet from anything flammable; never use ovens or stoves to heat a home; avoid overloading electrical outlets; and ensure working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed.

Residents are also encouraged to check on neighbors, especially older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those who live alone. Cold-related emergencies can escalate rapidly, and early intervention may be crucial in saving a life.

For more information on warming centers or cold-weather safety, residents can contact Village Hall or the Park Forest Police Department.