Have you looked at the weather forecast for Thursday night through Monday? There’s so much shockingly cold weather coming that the National Weather Service felt the need to issue an “Extreme Cold Watch” starting late Thursday night.
If you live in Northern Illinois, you already know our winters don’t mess around, and the arctic air blasting into the Rockford area late Thursday night is a reminder of just how serious cold can get. This isn’t the kind of weather you “power through.” It’s the kind you prepare for.
When it comes to staying warm, layering is everything,but smart layering matters most. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer. Cotton might feel comfortable indoors, but outside it traps moisture and drains body heat fast. Synthetic fabrics or merino wool keep sweat off your skin and help you stay warmer longer. Add a heat-trapping middle layer like fleece or wool, and finish with a wind-blocking outer layer…