Chicago Area Heat Wave: How Hot It Could Get

ILLINOIS — The "most uncomfortable air of the season so far" is on the way to the Chicago area, as heat index values over 100 degrees and "oppressively hot and humid" weather are expected starting on Saturday.

"Saturday through Monday look like the worst at this point, though hot temperatures may continue thereafter," the weather service said on its Facebook page.

The Associated Press reported that a "heat dome" could bring "worrisome temperatures" to the Midwest, particularly Illinois, with stifling temperatures and uncomfortable humidity.

A heat advisory has been issued across northern Illinois, and there is an extreme heat warning in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday to midnight Monday night for Cook County.

The weather service said dangerously hot and humid conditions, with high temperatures well in the 90s, are expected through the weekend. Peak afternoon heat index values of 100 to 105 degrees are possible.

Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events, the weather service said.

The weather service said there will be little reprieve from the heat at night, as the overnight hours will have heat index values remaining over 80 degrees through midnight each night.

During extreme heat, the weather service advised:

• Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
• the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
• Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Illinois residents who do not have air conditioning can find a cooling center here.

Cooling centers by county:

• Cook County
• DuPage County
• Kane County
• Kendall County
• Lake County
• McHenry County
• Will County

Here is a look at the daily forecast, per the weather service:

FRIDAY: A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

SATURDAY: Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 106. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear, with a low around 77. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

SUNDAY: Sunny and hot, with a high near 95. South southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear, with a low around 76.

MONDAY: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.