Record Heat Again Today: When Will It End?

For the second day in a row, Chicago has broken a heat record. The official high today reached a whopping 94 degrees, soaring above the previous record of 92 degrees set in 1970. Today's temp also tied for the second hottest day of the year so far in Chicago, according to the National Weather Service.

This is the second day in a row Chicago has set a heat record. On Wednesday, high temps reached 92 degrees in the city of Chicago. The high broke a previous record of 91 degrees set on Sept. 20, 1931. It is only the sixth time in recorded history Chicago has seen two days in a row of temps above 90 degrees this late in the season.

Record warmth could continue into the first day of fall, which is Friday, Sept. 22, and on Saturday as well, according to the National Weather Service. Highs between 90 and 94 degrees are in the forecast for the Chicago area on Friday. The previous heat record for Sept. 22, set back in 1956, was 92 degrees. On Saturday, high temps between 89 and 93 degrees are expected. The previous heat record for that day was 91 degrees. Temps could be lower along Lake Michigan.

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Currently, the record for most consecutive 90-degree days this late in the year — as in, on or after Sept. 20 — is a total of three 90 degree days in a row, which was set back on Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, 1971 and on Sept. 20 through Sept. 22, 1895. If Chicago sees four consecutive days of temps higher than 90, it will be the first time in recorded history where temps have reached that high this late in the year.

Looking ahead, the heat could start to diminish a bit next week. Highs in the mid- and lower 80s are in the forecast for the beginning of the work week. On Wednesday, a steep drop off into the lower 70s is in the forecast.

With the extreme heat returning, Chicago-area residents are reminded to stay hydrated and to never leave children and pets unattended in a vehicle. Other tips include limiting strenuous outdoor activity and checking up on the elderly, sick or those without air conditioning. Those working outdoors should make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as much as possible.

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