CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The extreme heat will hang around for a third straight day.
After eclipsing yesterday's 67-year-old record high temperature of 96 degrees, AccuWeather says the Chicago area today is once again poised to reach the mid 90s. Coupled with the high humidity, the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts inland heat indices being near 100 degrees.
This June heat wave is here to stay for the rest of the week, AccuWeather says.
Tomorrow, it will remain sweltering, with a projected high of 96 and heat indices once again close to 100.
Thursday and Friday, AccuWeather says, will remain quite toasty for areas inland, high temps slated to hover in the low 90s. Areas close to the lake, however, will see some relief. The NWS says heat indices will only sit in the mid 70s.
Saturday, the oppressive conditions will return for the entire Chicago area. AccuWeather forecasts a high of 96, just one degree shy of the record set in 1988.
There is an end in sight to this extreme heat. AccuWeather says more defined relief for the heat and humidity will come Sunday and Monday.
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has activated six community service centers as cooling centers. They will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will need to wear a face covering while in all the centers. The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) will give free face coverings for those who do not have one.
Here are the Chicago community centers that will be activated as cooling centers:
**Centers open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.**
- Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th Street
- Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
- King Center – 4314 S. Cottage Grove
- North Area Center – 845 W. Wilson Ave.
- South Chicago Center – 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
- Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave.
Fortunately, this week marks the beginning of Chicago’s outdoor pool season. Nearly 50 outdoor pools throughout the city are available to the public. Residents can also receive relief at the City’s Park District field houses and splash pads.
There 25 suburban cooling centers available in Cook County, with operating hours that differ.
In Kane County, health department officials are reminding residents of the 16 available cooling centers.
DuPage, Will and Lake Counties will also offer numerous safe, air conditioned places.
Illinois motorists who become stranded can also receive assistance. The Illinois Tollway will operate a 24-hour Hot Weather Patrol on the Reagan, Veterans Memorial, Jane Adams, Tri-State, and Route 390 Tollways, searching for drivers of disabled vehicles.
The City of Chicago warns residents to be mindful of heat-related illnesses- such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Here are symptoms of heatstroke:
- An extremely high body temperature, such as 103 degrees or above
- Dizziness and nausea
- A throbbing headache and a pulse that is rapid and strong
- Skin that is red, hot and dry
-Pulse that is rapid and strong
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