Temperatures Expected to Soar

Update (Sunday at 1:25 p.m.) According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in Bolingbrook are up to 91 degrees.

Today's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 99.

And the heat is expected to stay for most of the week. According to forecasts, daytime temperatures are expected to stay in the 90s—Thursday's temperatures could creep up to 96 degrees.

Original Post

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service are warning area residents to take caution this weekend as temperatures soar into the 90s and above.

The hottest temperatures are expected to begin Sunday and remain for much of next week.

The weekend's forecast calls for a high of 87 degrees Saturday. Sunday, though, calls for a high of around 90, with heat index values as high as 98 degrees. 

The National Weather Service issued this Special Weather Statement for Bolingbrook: 

A strong upper level high pressure system will develop over the central plains and build east into the region pumping a hot and humid airmass into northern Illinois and northwest Indiana by Sunday and lasting through much of next week. Heat and humidity will build this weekend with highs climbing into the 90s by Sunday and Monday. Heat indices on Sunday will likely climb to around 100 degrees ... and probably to around 105 degrees Monday. By Tuesday, some slight relief from the heat is possible, especially close to the lake. Heat is then forecast to rebuild back into the region with highs returning to the 90s with heat indices over 100 degrees possible again.

Stay cool, stay safe

Noting that heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States, the National Weather Service offers the following heat wave safety tips:

• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.

• Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

• Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.

• Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney,or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.

• Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

• Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

• Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.

• Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult

Know these heat disorder symptoms (and how to treat them):

• SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.

• HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.

• HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

• HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106 degrees or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First aid: Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.