CHICAGO — Several days of dangerous heat began Tuesday following Monday’s severe storms that left major damage throughout the area.
An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for the Chicago area until 8 p.m. Wednesday and a Heat Advisory is in effect from noon Tuesday until the same time for Lake and McHenry counties.
Very hot and humid conditions are expected with temperatures near 100. Heat indices are expected to reach 110 degrees.
At around 3:15 p.m., the temperature at Midway was recorded at 100°. It is the warmest recorded temperature in the city since July 6, 2012 and the earliest reading for triple digits since 1934.
Some Chicago residents still have no power amid the heat due to Monday night’s storms. A senior living building and an adjacent apartment complex at E. 74th St. and S. Exchange were still without power until 8 p.m.
“It was terrible, we tossed and turned all night,” resident Melany Beard said. “It was really bad.”
Full forecast details and more at the WGN Weather Center blog
Tuesday Forecast: Patchy AM fog, mainly sunny, heat index 100-109, Heat Advisory for Lake (IL) and McHenry counties from noon today until 8PM Wed. Excessive Heat Warning for the rest of the area during those hours. Winds: SSW 5-15 G25. High: 98.
Mostly clear tonight. Winds: SSW 10-15 G25. Low: 79.
Wednesday Forecast: Mostly sunny, heat index 100-109, Heat Advisory and Excessive Heat warning continues, PM storms. Winds: SW 10-15 G25. High: 97.
Cooling areas are located at six community service centers and will be available Tuesday and Wednesday. Visitors are required to wear a face covering while in the cooling areas.
- 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.
The oppressive heat and humidity will break as we head towards next weekend.
Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications held a press briefing Tuesday morning to detail its preparations for the heat.