Community Corner
The Heat is On: Chicago Weather Forecast, Cooling Centers, Safety
It's hotter than the blue blazes. Have you noticed? Read on to learn when to expect a cool front and what you can do in the mean time to beat the heat.
"We're having a heat wave; a tropical heat wave."
Those Irving Berlin lyrics will ring true this week as a heat wave descends upon Chicago.
Some days could see highs in the low- to mid-90s, with forecasted heat index values of 100 degrees or more. Overnight lows in the mid-70s won't provide much relief.
Tuesday brought sunny skies with a high near 90 and a heat index of 96 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago.
The sunshine will continue on Wednesday and Thursday with highs near 93 on both days. Heat index values will hover around 100 degrees.
The forecast high for Friday is 92 degrees.
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A cool front is expected to move across the Great Lakes sometime Friday, according to the Storm Prediction Center. It will bring a chance of severe storms.
It will also reduce high temperatures—they'll return around 81 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, meteorologists predict.
In the meantime, though, it's going to be hot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges residents to:
- Drink more fluids, specifically those that don't contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
- Stay indoors, in an air-conditioned place, if possible.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
- Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
- Cut down on exercise, if possible.
Keep Cool, Lincoln Park
As part of his Keep Cool Illinois campaign, Gov. Pat Quinn has made more than 120 state facilities available as cooling centers.
The centers provide residents a place to beat the heat and remain comfortable during any hot summer day, but additional facilities will be available in the coming days because of the forecast.
Tollway Oasis locations are open 24-7. Department of Human Services cooling centers are open on weekdays during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about DHS Cooling Centers, please call the Illinois Department of Human Services hotline at 800-843-6154 during normal business hours. Chicago residents can dial 311 to locate a cooling centers in your area.
Here are those you'll find around the North Side:
- Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, 1279 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park
- Department of Human Services, 2112 W. Lawrence Ave., Uptown
- North Area Community Service Center, 4740 N. Sheridan Road, Uptown
- TrinaDavila Community Service Center 4357 W. Armitage Ave., Hermosa
- Public Aid Department, 2753 West North Ave., Humboldt Park
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