Weather
100-Degree Temps, 'Blast Furnace' Winds, Flash Drought: IL Weather
Wind will make it "feel like a blast furnace," Chicago could have the first official 100-degree day in a decade, plus a "flash drought."
ILLINOIS — The National Weather Service is calling for a hot and humid start to the week as we mark the first official day of summer on Tuesday, and it said a "flash drought" is possible.
Tuesday will be breezy, hot and humid, according to AccuWeather.
Temperatures could hit 100 degrees at O'Hare International Airport, and the heat index could hit 105 degrees in other parts of Illinois. If the temperature does reach 100 degrees at O'Hare, it will be the first official 100-degree day since 2012, the National Weather Service said.
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NWS is also forecasting a possible temperature of 102 degrees at Midway airport Tuesday.
"Thankfully, it will be MUCH less humid than last week," the National Weather Service said. "Gusty winds (Tuesday) will make it feel like a blast furnace!"
Find out what's happening in Across Illinoisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Some thunderstorms are possible between 7 and 10 p.m. Tuesday as a cold front approaches — but because storms are expected to weaken as they approach the Chicago metro area, "not everyone will see storms with this front this evening."
Flash drought possible
NWS said a "flash drought," or rapid-onset drought, may also be developing in Illinois, thanks to below-average rainfall and little rain expected in the coming days.
A flash drought is "set in motion by lower-than-normal rates of precipitation, accompanied by abnormally high temperatures, winds, and solar radiation (i.e. clear skies)," NWS said.
The latest five-day rainfall forecast calls for less than half an inch of rain over northwest Illinois and less than .10 inches of rain over northwest Indiana. Beyond that, the NWS Climate Prediction Center forecasts for next week show a likely continuation of drier-than-normal weather for the area.
Staying safe in the heat
Heat-related illness can develop in less than 30 minutes of strenuous outdoor activity. To stay safe, the National Weather Service advises:
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911.
If you are without power or air conditioning, find a cooling center near you:
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