McHenry County Heat Advisory: Cooling Centers Open As Temperatures Climb

McHENRY COUNTY, IL — Residents across McHenry County are being urged to take precautions Wednesday as a heat advisory brings potentially dangerous temperatures and humidity to the area.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday for McHenry County and surrounding areas. Heat index values are expected to reach 100 to 105 degrees, creating a risk of heat-related illness.

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The National Weather Service said dangerous heat could continue into Thursday and Friday, with an elevated risk of excessive heat in parts of the region.

Cooling centers

McHenry County ha several locations where residents can seek relief from the extreme heat. Residents are encouraged to call ahead to confirm hours and availability, particularly because hours can change.

Among the locations listed by the county are:

• Algonquin: Ganek Municipal Center, 2200 Harnish Drive
• Crystal Lake: Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock St.
• Harvard: Harvard Senior Center, 6817 Harvard Hills Road
• Harvard: Mercyhealth Harvard Hospital, 901 Grant St.
• Island Lake: Village Hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave.
• Johnsburg: David G. Dominquez Municipal Center, 1515 Channel Beach Ave.
• Lake in the Hills: Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate
• Lakemoor: Lakemoor Police Department, 28581 W. Route 120
• Lakewood: Village Hall, 2500 Lake Ave.
• Marengo: City Hall, 132 E. Prairie
• Marengo: Marengo Park District, 825 Indian Oaks Trail
• McHenry: McHenry City Hall, 333 S. Green St.
• McHenry: McHenry Township, 3703 N. Richmond Road
• Port Barrington: Village Hall, 69 S. Circle Ave., for residents
• Prairie Grove: Village Hall, 3125 Barreville Road
• Woodstock: McHenry County Judicial Center, 2200 N. Seminary Ave.
• Woodstock: Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St.

Woodstock Public Library is listed by the county as a cooling center and has Wednesday hours extending into the evening. McHenry Public Library District is also open Wednesday and provides an air-conditioned public space in McHenry.

No widespread closures reported

Individual schools, park districts, municipalities and organizations may opt to cancel outdoor activities as conditions develop. Residents should check directly with organizers before heading to outdoor events or activities.

Stay safe in the heat

The National Weather Service recommends limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day and taking extra precautions when outside. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly when temperatures and humidity are high.

Residents should drink plenty of water, seek air conditioning when possible and check on elderly neighbors, young children and others who may be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.

This story will be updated if McHenry County-area closures, cancellations or additional cooling locations are announced.