Excessive Heat Warning for Chicago, Northeastern Illinois to Go into Effect Soon – NBC Chicago

Editor’s Note: An extreme heat warning is now in effect for northeastern Illinois. Our latest story can be found here. Our original story continues below.

Although a heat warning was canceled for much of the Chicago area Tuesday, all of northeastern Illinois will be under an excessive heat warning Wednesday, with dangerously hot and humid temperatures that could reach 115 degrees, the National Weather Service said.

According to an advisory from the NWS, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, heat warnings for LaSalle County will remain in effect. Other counties, including DeKalb, Kane, Kendall, Kankakee and Grundy, were previously included in the heat advisory but have since been removed.

Temperatures on Tuesday are expected to reach the upper 80s, but remain cooler and closer to the mid 80s along the lake. However, NBC 5 meteorologist Alicia Roman said the air temperature in some parts could approach 100 degrees on Tuesday “when you factor in the humidity.”

According to forecast models, temperature and humidity are expected to continue to rise.

Wednesday: Temperatures expected to become “dangerous”

What earlier this week was an excessive heat watch for all of northeastern Illinois on Wednesday was upgraded to an excessive heat warning, the National Weather Service said.

The NBC 5 Storm Team said temperatures on Wednesday are expected to reach 98 degrees, potentially breaking the record of 97 degrees set in 1947. Additionally, “dangerously hot conditions are expected with heat index values ​​ranging between 110 and 115 degrees,” the National Weather Service said.

According to the National Weather Service, northwest Indiana currently remains under a severe heat watch on Wednesday, though that could change.

As the heat increases, experts advise residents to know the symptoms of heat-related illness, stay hydrated and stay in air-conditioned spaces.

MORE: Suburban district postpones start of new year, CPS promises air conditioning in all schools amid heat wave

Experts also stress the importance of not leaving pets or people in hot cars, as they can become deadly within minutes.

Experts say hot cars can become deadly within minutes.

“Never leave children or pets in your car,” the Red Cross said. “The interior temperature of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees.”

Additionally, the city of Chicago says it will open additional cooling centers this week.

Thursday: Monitor for overheating

Air temperatures will remain in the 90s on Thursday and the area will be under an extreme heat watch, the weather service said.

According to the National Weather Service, temperature indicators on Thursday are expected to remain between 105 degrees and 110 degrees.

According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, some forecast models show that thunderstorms could develop late Thursday into Friday, which could disrupt the heat and keep temperatures lower.

Friday: Relief arrives

The good news is that the heat is not expected to last long, as a cold front is expected to move in late Thursday night, bringing some relief by Friday.

High temperatures on Friday are expected to reach the 80s, dropping to the 70s by the end of the week.

More: How is the Heat Index calculated, and how do meteorologists use it?

The best advice for staying safe during a Chicago heat wave, according to experts

A Cook County Health Authority spokesman said that while expert advice during periods of extreme heat may seem obvious, such heat “often results in the highest annual death toll of all weather-related disasters.”

So, what exactly should residents keep in mind over the next few days as temperatures continue to rise? While NBC Chicago combed through dozens of lists and tips from the Red Cross, National Weather Service, the City of Chicago and others, these five tips were among the most cited.

Learn the signs (and differences) of heat-related illness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps can all occur during periods of extreme heat. However, all three may present with different symptoms.

For example, people with heatstroke often have red, hot, and dry skin, without any sweat, the CDC says. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, the CDC says. Here’s the breakdown.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water and fluids, the NWS said. “Your body needs water to stay cool,” the NWS added. “Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.”

In addition, drinks containing alcohol or caffeine should be avoided, the Red Cross said.

Keep your home cool and limit oven or stove use

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, residents should “stay home as much as possible.”

“If you do not have access to air conditioning at home, look for places in your community that have air conditioning, such as a local cooling center,” a statement from FEMA said.

FEMA also recommended using curtains and awnings to wick away heat to help keep homes cool.

According to the National Weather Service, spending time in air-conditioned buildings “significantly reduces the risk of heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air-conditioned environment provides some protection.”

“Keep electric lights off or off, and limit oven and stove use,” Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications said.

According to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, additional cooling centers will be opened, and operating hours will be extended on Wednesday and Thursday, with residents able to get relief from the heat between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Dress for summer

“Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing,” the Red Cross said. “Avoid dark colors as they absorb sunlight.”

According to the National Weather Service, “light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, helping your body maintain normal temperatures.”

Do not leave people and pets inside parked cars

Experts say hot cars can become deadly within minutes.

“Never leave children or pets in your car,” the Red Cross stressed. “The interior temperature of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees.”

The Red Cross added that pet owners should also check their animals frequently to make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade.