Current Weather Conditions

The current weather conditions are expected to be mainly clear, uncomfortably warm and humid, especially in the city. The overnight hours Wednesday into Thursday will bring no relief from the humidity, with sweltering conditions keeping heat index values in the 80s. It will be especially uncomfortable in the City of Chicago, due to what’s called the “Urban Heat Island Effect.”

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mainly clear, uncomfortably warm and humid, especially in the city. Winds: South at 5-15 mph. Low: 79.

The Next Few Hours

THURSDAY: Sun early with clouds increasing. Afternoon thunderstorms developing. Winds: SSW 10-15 mph G20. High 97. Peak heat index: 105-110.

This will likely be the hottest day of 2025 so far. Scroll to the bottom of this page for information about area cooling centers.

A heat advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday.

There’s a marginal chance of strong to severe thunderstorms.

You can keep tabs on approaching weather with the WGN Interactive Radar:

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Current Conditions

Next Few Hours

Extended Outlook

There’s a big shift in our weather pattern starting with the last few days of July and into August. A stretch of cooler than average temperatures look to set up with highs that will barely get to 80 degrees. The big question: How long will this heat relief last? Stay tuned. 

Climate and Environment news: WGN Weather Center blog

Cooling Centers

Stay cool, hydrate often and check on vulnerable neighbors as this dangerous heat wave settles in.

For those that need a place to cool off, the City of Chicago uses the following six community centers as cooling shelters when conditions warrant:

• Garfield Center – 10 South Kedzie Avenue.
• Englewood Center – 1140 West 79th Street.
• King Center – 4314 South Cottage Grove.
• North Area Center – 845 West Wilson Avenue.
• South Chicago Center – 8650 South Commercial Avenue.
• Trina Davila Center – 4312 West North Avenue.

When they’re open, cooling centers typically operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

Additionally, seniors are welcome at any of the city’s 21 senior centers from on Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Department of Family and Support Services partners with the Office of Emergency Management (OEMC) to use robocalls to inform seniors of key information regarding how to stay safe during extreme weather.

Visit Chicago.gov/Seniors for senior center locations.   

Other cooling options include Chicago Police Department district stations (available 24/7), Chicago libraries, Park District facilities, city colleges and all 50 Chicago outdoor pools.

Chicago’s Department of Family & Support Services has additional information about resources available to residents.

For forecast, emergency alerts, safety tips and cooling centers, stay up-to-date with the Chicago OEMC app or their social media pages.

Call 311 to request well-being checks on loved ones if can’t do it yourself, and call 911 in an emergency.

Meanwhile, in greater Cook County, cooling centers will be open 24 hours at the Skokie, Maywood and Markham courthouses, starting Wednesday at 8 a.m. through Friday at 5 p.m.

The locations are:

• Skokie: 5600 Old Orchard Road.
• Maywood: 1500 Maybrook Drive.
• Markham: 16501 Kedzie Avenue.

Among other Chicagoland locations, north suburban Evanston released a reminder that its cooling centers will be open during the extreme heat wave Wednesday and Thursday.

The locations and times are:

• Robert Crown Community Center – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
• Evanston Public Library – Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A full listing and map of cooling centers throughout the county is available on the Cook County government website.

Conclusion

The current heat wave is expected to continue through Thursday, with temperatures reaching up to 97 degrees and a peak heat index of 105-110. It is essential to stay cool, hydrate often, and check on vulnerable neighbors during this time. The City of Chicago and surrounding areas have designated cooling centers for those who need a place to cool off. Stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecast and emergency alerts through the Chicago OEMC app or their social media pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current weather forecast?

A: The current weather forecast is mainly clear, uncomfortably warm and humid, especially in the city, with a high of 97 degrees and a peak heat index of 105-110 on Thursday.

Q: Where can I find cooling centers in Chicago?

A: The City of Chicago has designated six community centers as cooling shelters, which are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Additionally, seniors can visit any of the city’s 21 senior centers, and other cooling options include Chicago Police Department district stations, libraries