Dangerously cold temperatures close dozens of schools

CHICAGO (AP) - Dozens of Illinois schools are closed as temperatures dip to brutally cold levels, including 30-below wind chills in some areas.

More than 30 school districts in northern Illinois announced Tuesday that Wednesday classes were canceled, with more expected to decide early in the morning.

The National Weather Service says Wednesday's high will struggle to rise above zero in northern Illinois, with wind chills 30 below or colder.

Meteorologist Mike Bardou (bahr-DOOH') says central Illinois will get progressively colder. Springfield's temperature will fall from about 3 degrees in the morning to about minus-7 in the afternoon, with wind chills of 22- to 32-below.

Southern Illinois temperatures should be in the teens during the day, though wind chills still could be a factor.

Bardou says people should stay indoors if possible.