Heat Wave Continues Across Chicago Area
A sweltering heat wave across the Chicago area continues for a third straight day Monday, with temperatures that feel as high as 105 degrees and extreme heat warnings and advisories across Illinois.
The next few days however will see a change in the weather pattern, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, with daily chances for showers and storms and temperatures staying hot but gradually dipping.
Current Weather Conditions
Before the change arrives, extreme heat warnings and heat advisories were still in effect.
According to the National Weather Service, Chicago and Cook County were under an extreme heat warning through midnight, with dangerously hot and humid conditions and a high temperature of 97 degrees.
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“The magnitude of anticipated heat, combined with oppressive warmth at night will lead to hazardous conditions, particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions,” the NWS said.
In all other counties in the Chicago area, a heat advisory was in effect.
“Heat impacts will be worsened by consecutive days of hot and humid conditions, with overnight lows in the mid-to-upper 70s, providing limited relief,” the NWS said.
Overnight temperatures will continue to be warmest in the core of Chicago due to the Urban Heat Island effect. Overnight lows may not fall below 80 degrees again tonight, which are near the normal highs for this time of year!
Here’s how the Urban Heat Island effect works. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/9zgdHlVqzX
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) June 22, 2025
In a Sunday social media post, the NWS said the “Urban Island Heat Effect” was helping to keep overnight lows in Chicago in the 80s, which are normal daytime high temperatures for this time of year.
The effect was keeping the heat dangerous and extreme, even after the sun goes down.
“Urban settings are often several degrees warmer than rural areas due to concrete and asphalt radiating heat absorbed during the day,” the NWS said. “Such warm temperatures limit the ability to recover and prepare for the next day of heat.”
Rain on the way
Overnight is when the Chicago area will start to see a change in the weather pattern, Roman said, with the chance for thundershowers to move in.
Tuesday was expected to start out dry, Roman said, though more rain and storms were in the forecast beginning around 12 p.m. in counties to the northwest.
Between around 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., scattered showers were expected becoming more widespread, with rain in Chicago lasting through the afternoon and evening commutes.
According to Roman, the rainy trend will last through the week.
“We’ll see this pattern over and over again the next several days,” Roman said.
The pattern will also bring a slight break in the heat and humidity, with temperatures in the low 90s and upper 80s through Friday.
Conclusion
The heat wave that has been affecting the Chicago area for the past few days is expected to continue, with extreme heat warnings and advisories still in effect. However, a change in the weather pattern is expected to bring rain and storms to the area, which will help to alleviate the heat and humidity. It is essential for residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the heat wave, such as staying hydrated, staying indoors during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Urban Heat Island effect?
The Urban Heat Island effect refers to the phenomenon where urban areas tend to be warmer than rural areas due to the presence of concrete, asphalt, and other human-made structures that absorb and retain heat. This can lead to higher temperatures in urban areas, especially at night.
How can I stay safe during a heat wave?
To stay safe during a heat wave, it is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, and avoid strenuous activities. It is also crucial to check on vulnerable neighbors, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, to ensure they are safe and have access to cool water and shade.
What can I expect from the weather forecast for the next few days?
According to NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman, the Chicago area can expect a change in the weather pattern, with daily chances for showers and storms and temperatures staying hot but gradually dipping. The rainy trend is expected to last through the week, with temperatures in the low 90s and upper 80s through Friday.
