Temperatures in the Chicago area are expected to soar later this week, with dangerous heat indexes that could reach up to 115 degrees, prompting the city to issue a warning for the high temperatures.
Monday’s high temperatures hit the 80s, but the hot and humid weather arrives in earnest starting Tuesday when temps during the day are forecast to hit the mid-90s, according to the National Weather Service.
The high temps combined with humidity Tuesday may make peak heat indexes reach as high as 110 degrees, the weather service said.
Beginning Wednesday morning and lasting through Thursday night, the city will be under an excessive heat watch, according to Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
Wednesday’s highs are expected to be in the upper 90s during the day, the weather service said. Heat indexes, which combine temperature, humidity and other measures to quantify the level of discomfort people could feel at a given time, could make it feel like 115 degrees.
Temperatures have only reached 98 degrees 20 times in the last 30 years when measured at O’Hare International Airport, according to the NWS. Two of those temperature highs were recorded June of 2022.
The “oppressive” heat continues Thursday, with highs near 100 and heat indexes above 110, the weather service said.
Overnight temperatures are also important to pay attention to, according to ABC 7 meteorologist Larry Mowry. Nights can either provide relief from the scorching heat or make it worse, he said, and this week Wednesday is expected to remain warm.
Meteorologists advised residents to stay hydrated, but avoid drinking alcohol, coffee and pop. People should also wear loose, light clothing and minimize use of ovens, stoves and electric lights.
It’s important to stay indoors during extreme heat, experts say.
The city’s cooling centers will be open throughout the week for people to take a break from the heat. Along with Chicago public parks and libraries, these cooling centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for the heat.
- Englewood Center, 1140 W. 79th St.
- Garfield Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave. (open 24 hours)
- King Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove
- North Area Center, 845 W. Wilson Ave.
- South Chicago Center, 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
- Trina Davila Center, 4312 W. North Ave.
Building owners should check on their cooling equipment and ensure it’s working properly ahead of the heat wave, the city’s Department of Buildings advised. Last year, the city adopted an ordinance requiring working air conditioning in all residential buildings.
Those who have to spend time outdoors should know the symptoms of heat exhaustion, including dizziness, thirst, nausea and weakness.
If not treated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Symptoms include confusion and loss of consciousness.
But there’s some relief at the end of the week. It’ll start to feel less humid by Friday, when a system that brings a slight chance of storms moves across the area.
