Sweltering temperatures and heightened pollution levels continue to grip the Chicago region Tuesday, which is likely the “hottest day of the heat wave,” according to the National Weather Service.
An excessive heat warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. in northern Illinois, as the weather service warns of a heat index — what the temperature feels like when humidity is combined with air temperature — of 110 to 115 degrees. This heat leads to hazardous conditions, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Zachary Yack, a meteorologist with Chicago’s National Weather Service, said temperatures are running about 10 to 15 degrees higher than normal, which in late August is in the low- to mid-80s. At O’Hare International Airport, temperatures are forecasted to reach a high of 98 degrees, Yack said.
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“This is not completely unheard of that we see this type of heat waves, but because of how mild we’ve been as of recent, this definitely feels a lot hotter than what we’ve become more accustomed to,” Yack said. “Hence it’s going to feel more oppressive to those out there that have been enjoying the pleasant weather the last several weeks.”
The weather service recommends drinking plenty of water, staying in air conditioning and limiting strenuous exercise or work to early morning or evening. Children and pets should also never be left in unattended vehicles for any length of time, as the extreme heat can cause car interiors to reach lethal temperatures in minutes.
An air quality alert also remains in effect in the Chicago metro area until midnight due to unsafe ozone levels for “sensitive groups.” Pollutants emitted by cars, industrial sources and wildfires such as those currently blazing in Canada can cause high ozone levels.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency recommends that children and adults, particularly those with pulmonary or respiratory disease such as asthma, should limit their outdoor activity.
The city opened cooling centers at its six community service centers operated by the Department of Family and Support. See here for a full list of cooling locations and hours. The Salvation Army has also opened its community centers as cooling shelters.
Some relief from the hot temperatures is expected Tuesday, with thunderstorms and showers possible across northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana late in the afternoon into the night. Some storms may be strong to severe with damaging winds and hail, Yack said.
Temperatures are expected to gradually fall the rest of the week, according to the weather service, with some chance of storms. Wednesday’s forecast is partly sunny with a high near 79 degrees.
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