Chicago Heat Wave Warning
Dangerous heat and humidity will move into the Chicago area forecast this week, the NBC 5 Storm Team said, with an extreme heat watch set to take effect mid-week and “feels like” temperatures as high as 115 degrees at times.
Current Weather Conditions
The building heat and humidity comes as Chicago’s air quality readings early Monday morning were “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” the website AirNow.gov said. The air quality ranked as a level three of six on the Air Quality Index, with a PM2.5 of 128.
While ozone levels were reported to be “good,” the website showed, some smoke from Canadian wildfires Monday morning was reaching parts of Northern Illinois, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said. Air quality was expected to improve throughout the day.
Temperature Forecast
Temperatures Monday will be warmer than Sunday, Roman said, with highs in the upper 70s and low-to-mid 80s. Heat and humidity will begin to build Tuesday, with temperatures in the mid-90s by Wednesday and heat index levels reaching between 105 and 115 degrees by Wednesday and Thursday.
“Continued warm and humid conditions Wednesday night will provide no heat relief, especially in urban areas,” the National Weather Service warned.
Extreme Heat Watch
As part of the forecast, the NWS issued an extreme heat watch for the entire Chicago area through 7 p.m. Thursday. That watch will go into effect Wednesday, the NWS said.
“Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 105 to 115 possible,” the NWS said. Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events, the NWS added. People were advised to drink plenty of fluids, remain in air conditioning and stay out of the sun.
Relief from the Heat
Heat and humidity builds across the region by midweek. Peak heat indices of 105 to 115 degrees are expected Wed-Thu. There are some signs that some relief from the heat may come with a cold front Fri, but uncertainty remains with this. Stay up to date on the latest forecast. pic.twitter.com/bzs8tJm5qB
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 20, 2025
Storms later in the day Thursday will work to cool temperatures down, with a cold front expected to move in by the end of the week. Still, timing remained uncertain, the NWS warned.
“A slower front with less storm coverage could result in another day of excessive heat on Friday,” the NWS said.
Conclusion
The upcoming heat wave in Chicago is expected to bring extremely high temperatures and humidity, making it essential for residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe. With the extreme heat watch in effect, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest forecast and follow the advice of weather experts to avoid heat-related illnesses.
FAQs
Q: What is the expected temperature in Chicago during the heat wave?
A: The temperature is expected to reach as high as 115 degrees, with heat index levels between 105 and 115 degrees.
Q: What is the air quality like in Chicago?
A: The air quality is currently “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” with a PM2.5 of 128, but it’s expected to improve throughout the day.
Q: What can people do to stay safe during the heat wave?
A: People are advised to drink plenty of fluids, remain in air conditioning, and stay out of the sun to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Q: When is the extreme heat watch in effect?
A: The extreme heat watch is in effect from Wednesday to 7 p.m. Thursday.
Q: Is there any relief from the heat expected?
A: Yes, a cold front is expected to move in by the end of the week, but the timing remains uncertain.
