Excessive Heat Watch Issued for Chicago Area for Thursday and Friday

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for the Chicago area for Thursday afternoon through Friday evening.

Temperatures are expected to quickly rise into the middle 90s both on Thursday and Friday with dew points approaching the upper 70s. The combination is expected to produce heat indexes between 105 to 115, according to the National Weather service.

Temperatures this high could lead to heat-related illnesses with prolonged exposure. The elderly, small children and pets are especially susceptible. Area residents are encouraged to plan ahead and to have a cool place to shelter from the heat. Residents are also encouraged to avoid outdoor activity during the afternoon hours, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and check up on relatives and neighbors, according to the National Weather Service.

If you must be outside during the heat, weather officials say you should wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing and drink plenty of water. Residents are also reminded to never leave young children or pets in a vehicle.

An excessive heat watch means that prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected.

Here is a detailed look at the forecast for the rest of this week:

• Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 80s inland... But only in the upper 70s near the lake. East winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Highs in the upper 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
• Thursday: Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 90s. Peak afternoon heat index readings 105 to 110. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
• Friday: Mostly sunny in the morning then becoming partly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 90s.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 90s.
• Saturday Night And Sunday: Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s. Highs in the upper 80s.

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