Current Conditions and Looking Ahead

Current Conditions

Looking Ahead

⚠️ Extreme Heat Warning

FRIDAY NIGHT: Becoming clear, breezy, warm and noticeably more humid. Low: 73.

A few clouds are possible as Saturday gets underway but they will quickly fade away as abundant sunshine, gusty southerly winds and intense early season heat takes hold.

Extreme Heat Warning

An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for all of Cook County from 10 a.m. Saturday through 12 a.m. Tuesday. A Heat Advisory is in place for everyone else for the same time frame.

Highs are expected to soar well into the 90s during the afternoon and combined with high humidity, produce heat index values that approach or exceed the dangerous levels.

SATURDAY HIGHS
SATURDAY HEAT INDEX

Understanding Heat Waves

WGN Weather Producer: What constitutes a heat wave?

Chicago prepares plan, cooling shelters ahead of extreme heat weekend

Heat: The No. 1 Killer

This may surprise some, but when examining all the weather-related fatalities, heat is number one and second place is not even close.

How does heat become deadly? Heat waves kill by overwhelming the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature, leading to heatstroke, organ damage, and cardiovascular failure. Extreme heat can also exacerbate existing health conditions like heart and lung problems, and dehydration can cause organ shut down.

Beach Forecast

This will be a popular place for many to try and beat the heat and stay cool. Caution: gusty winds will produce a 2-3 foot waves on Lake Michigan creating a MODERATE swim risk.

What does that mean? Moderate risk: Breaking Waves and currents are expected. Stay away from dangerous areas like piers, breakwalls, and river outlets. Always have a flotation device with you in the water.

Boating Forecast

A Gale Warning is in effect as gusty southerly winds which could reach 40 mph at times. These strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibilities.

US Watches & Warnings

Chicago area not alone, at least 25 states across the country are under some form of heat watch/warning or advisory as the early season heat wave takes hold.

Sunburn Forecast

Strongest sun of the year on the first full day of summer. Strong sun coupled with intense heat and humidity makes it imperative to wear sunscreen as it will only take 17 minutes at peak time, 1pm, to get sunburn.

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