(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Record-breaking heat scorched the Chicago area on Monday, with the National Weather Service reporting that temperatures reached 97 degrees at O'Hare Airport.
That broke the June 17 heat record of 96 degrees, which was set in 1957. Monday's low temperature was expected to fall only to the upper 70s — close to the 2018 record of 78 degrees.
Fortunately for Chicagoans, Monday was expected to be the hottest day of this week's heat wave.
In response, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) 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:
- 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, Monday marked the opening day 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.
The city of Chicago urges residents to be mindful of heat-related illnesses- such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
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