Weather

Hottest Air Of The Summer For IL: 115 Peak Heat Index Values Possible

Excessive heat warnings and watches are in effect as the dangerous heat is expected for the Chicago area.

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The weather service said the heat will build today, and peak on Tuesday, with gradual easing on Wednesday. Residents were advised to postpone outdoor activities.
The weather service said the heat will build today, and peak on Tuesday, with gradual easing on Wednesday. Residents were advised to postpone outdoor activities. (National Weather Service Chicago)

ILLINOIS — Heat warnings and watches have been issued as the hottest air of the summer is expected over the next few days, according to the National Weather Service.

An excessive heat warning is in effect from noon Monday to 10 p.m. on Tuesday for Cook County, as heat index values between 103 and 107 are expected on Monday, and 110 on Tuesday, according to the weather service.

For the rest of the Chicago area, a heat advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. on Monday, and an excessive heat watch is issued for Tuesday afternoon and evening for Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Grundy and Will counties.

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The weather service said heat index values of 105 to 109 are expected Monday for those areas, and 110 to 115 is possible on Tuesday.

The weather service said the heat will build today, and peak on Tuesday, with gradual easing on Wednesday. Peak heat index values on Wednesday will be around 95.

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There is also a severe weather threat on Tuesday, with about a 20 to 30 percent chance for storms.

"Anytime we are in a heat wave, there is a threat for severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and torrential downpours," the weather service said.

Storms are also possible on Wednesday. If storms do occur, it would lead to localized relief from the heat.

Staying safe in the heat

The National Weather Service advised, "Consider altering your outdoor plans, including school sports practices. This is the hottest air that we’ve experienced so far this summer."

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency offers a list of cooling centers for those who do not have air conditioning.

The National Weather Service urged residents tow know the symptoms of heat exhaustion: dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, weakness.

Residents should move to a cooler area if they experience symptoms, loosen clothing, sip cool water and seek medical help if symptoms don't improve.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent injury if not treated.

Symptoms of more severe heat stroke include confusion, dizziness and loss of consciousness. If anyone experiences those symptoms, residents should act fast by calling 911, moving them to a cooler area, loosening clothing and applying ice or water.

From IEMA:

  • Know the terms used by the National Weather Service during extreme heat: Heat Wave, Excessive Heat Watch, Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Warning, and Heat Index.
  • Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Stay in the shade or under awnings as much as possible.
  • Avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible to prevent sunburn.
  • Consume plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water, diluted juices, and electrolyte solutions are best. Stay away from carbonated drinks.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or taking diuretics, consult your doctor before exposing yourself to heat.
  • Keep lights in your home low or off, keep shades drawn, and avoid using the oven.
  • Keep rooms well ventilated with air conditioners and fans. Keep your windows open if you don't have air conditioning or a fan. Note: Fans will not prevent heat-related illness when the temperature is in the high 90s.
  • Cool down with cool, wet towels and periodic cool baths or showers.
  • Take advantage of cooling centers, public pools, and air-conditioned stores and malls during periods of extreme heat.
  • Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness.
  • Closely monitor children, the elderly, or those who require special care during periods of intense summer heat.
  • Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes. On a hot day, temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140ºF-190ºF within 30 minutes.
  • Make a special effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are seniors, families with young children, people with special needs, or living alone.
  • Seniors and others who may be sensitive to extreme heat should contact friends, neighbors, or relatives periodically throughout the day.
  • Seek help if you feel symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

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