CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Following morning storms, the Chicago area will experience a steamy and hot afternoon.
A line of strong thunderstorms moved through the region during the morning commute. Bringing gusty winds and heavy rain, the National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning at one point and time for all local counties.
The storms also impacted local air travel.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) previously issued a ground stop at both O'Hare International and Midway Airports. For an extended period, all inbound and outbound flights were on hold.
More than 150 flights have been canceled at O'Hare, coupled with extensive delays.
The stormy weather has vacated, leaving in its wake extremely hot and muggy conditions.
AccuWeather says temperatures will climb into the 90s, but heat indices this afternoon will approach 100 degrees.
Tonight, another round of storms could hit the area. According to AccuWeather, the city and areas south are the most vulnerable.
Fortunately, this extreme heat will be brief. AccuWeather forecasts breezy, cooler, and less humid conditions by tomorrow afternoon, with temps in the low 80s inland and only in the 70s at the lakefront.
For the rest of the work week, AccuWeather expects temps to remain in the 70s.
As was the case for most of last week, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has activated six community service centers as cooling centers. They will be open until 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.
There are also nearly 50 outdoor pools throughout the city that 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 also 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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