It’s been a frigid stretch of weather in the Chicago area, and if it feels unusual, your assumptions may be right.

The National Weather Service’s monthly roundup of records from O'Hare Airport shows January’s average temperature of 21.9 degrees was just 3.3 degrees below the historic average for the month.

A quiet, dry day is in store for the Chicago area Thursday, but things will start to change overnight as lake effect snow begins to build in western Michigan, leading to a “prolonged” period of snow for northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana Friday and Saturday.

Fox 32's Emily Wahls has the latest forecast.

The Chicago area will be under an Extreme Cold Warning on Friday. Local officials are warning residents to be ready for the brutal cold.

Wind chills of up to 15 degrees below zero hit the Chicago area Tuesday morning, with the National Weather Service warning of “extreme cold temperatures” throughout the day. Fluffy, accumulating snow was expected to blanket the area late Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning,

With air temperatures frigid and wind chills even colder, some Chicagoans decided it was the perfect time for some people to go get their cars washed or go for a run.

The Chicago area is expected to see more snow Tuesday into Wednesday, followed by a blast of frigid weather.