Chicago Braces for Days of Extreme Heat
Chicago is under a Heat Advisory as temperatures climb into the mid-90s before an active pattern of stormy weather settles in beginning Thursday evening.
Chicago Heat Advisory
What to expect:
Temps will soar into the mid-90s this afternoon with humidity remaining uncomfortably high going into the overnight hours.
Tonight’s lows are expected in the upper 70s, paving the way for a quick rebound in temperature on Thursday.
Thursday afternoon may produce an isolated thunderstorm or two that would lead to damaging winds with little potential for any other severe weather threats.
The Heat Advisory is set to expire Thursday evening as a “cold front” cools off the area and produces more widespread showers and thunderstorms overnight.
Weekend Outlook
From Thursday through Saturday, a potential flood risk is being watched closely, especially in low-lying areas and near river and lake shores.
Most of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana can expect half an inch of rainfall with a 40% chance of seeing as much as two inches total by Saturday evening.
Friday high temps are expected to be in the low 80s as mostly cloudy skies and multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms prevent diurnal heating.
Saturday will be partly cloudy and highs tapping out in the mid 80s with more scattered showers and thunderstorms expected in the afternoon into the evening.
Sunday starts the second wave of heat within a week, featuring highs in the upper 80s and some areas creeping up into the low 90s.
Monday will follow suit with highs in the low 90s and lots of sunshine.
Heat and Humidity Raise Risk of Illness
It feels like typical July in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean the heat and humidity aren’t serious. The Heat Advisory is on and health officials warn that heat stress can happen to anyone.
Chicagoans have been getting outdoors early and often.
The lakefront was busy Wednesday with walkers, joggers, cyclists and dog moms — all getting their workouts done before the temperatures crank up.
Zeynep Busbee walked the lakefront, pushing her dog in a stroller. She said her dog, Teddy, can take only so much walking on hot days.
“He’s used to walking for an hour. But lately, I notice he gets tired and doesn’t like the heat. I put him in a stroller, he’s resting,” she said.
Heat combined with intense humidity make it less tolerable for outdoor activity.
Officials advise getting out of the sun, getting in some air conditioning, even if it’s only for a couple of hours, and hydrate more than usual.
Melissa Ait Belaid plans ahead.
“A refillable water bottle is great and knowing where to get some if you need to, 7-11, CVS all that stuff,” she advised.
Humidity makes the body sweat, but it’s harder to cool down, according to health officials.
“We worry about heat and humidity because it gets hotter faster, it’s harder to cool down, your body can’t sweat more, so even if it feels moist, it’s losing water. So you want to increase the water that you’re drinking,” said Dr. Oyinkansola Okubanjo, an emergency medicine physician with Advocate Health Care.
She says if a person seems confused or they’re not making sense, that’s a sign of heat-related illness and that medical attention might be necessary.
Source of Information
The information in this forecast came from FOX 32’s Dominic Cannonito.
Conclusion
Chicago is experiencing a heat wave, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-90s and humidity remaining high. The Heat Advisory is in effect, and health officials warn of the risk of heat-related illness. It is essential to stay hydrated, stay out of the sun, and seek air conditioning when possible. The weekend outlook shows a potential flood risk, with widespread showers and thunderstorms expected. Sunday and Monday will see a return to hot temperatures, with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current weather forecast for Chicago?
A: Chicago is under a Heat Advisory, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-90s and humidity remaining high.
Q: What are the risks associated with the heat wave?
A: The heat wave poses a risk of heat-related illness, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
Q: How can I stay safe during the heat wave?
A: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, stay out of the sun, and seek air conditioning when possible.
Q: What is the weekend outlook?
A: The weekend outlook shows a potential flood risk, with widespread showers and thunderstorms expected.
Q: What are the expected high temperatures for Sunday and Monday?
A: Sunday and Monday will see a return to hot temperatures, with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s.
