Dangerous Heat Index To Hit 110 In Hottest IL Weather In 7 Years

ILLINOIS — Dangerous heat and temperatures close to 100 degrees are expected starting Thursday and continuing through at least Saturday. The National Weather Service said the heat index, which is how hot it feels when humidity is taken into account, will climb up to 110 degrees for most of the area.

An excessive heat watch has already been issued for Chicago and Cook County. The watch is in effect from Thursday afternoon until Saturday evening. The NWS said heat index values this high could lead to heat-related illnesses with prolonged exposure.

Heat will expand into the area on Thursday afternoon and continue into Friday and Saturday, the NWS said. There will also be very warm overnight temperatures, so there will be little relief from the heat and humidity. In some areas, temperatures could hit triple digits, something that hasn't happened in Chicago since July 4 and 5, 2012, according to WGN.

The NWS said some storms are possible Thursday morning, but the high for the day is expected to hit 96 degrees. The heat index is expected to hit 109 degrees in Joliet, 107 degrees in Elgin and 102 degrees in Chicago.

On Friday, the heat index will be similar, hitting 109 degrees in Joliet, 109 degrees in Elgin and 104 degrees in Chicago. The NWS said the high temperature for Friday is expected to be 98 degrees and it will be very humid.

The heat will still stick around on Saturday, where the high temperature is 97 degrees, and the heat index could again hit 110 degrees.

Sunday may finally bring relief from the heat with morning storms. However, the high for the day is still 93 degrees with a heat index of 99 to 103 degrees, according to the NWS.

The NWS recommends wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, limiting outdoor activity and minimizing sun exposure. You should never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, and should check on the elderly, sick and those without air conditioning.

To keep yourself safe in extreme heat, ready.gov also advises:

• Find air conditioning.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Watch for heat illness.
• Wear light clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Also due to the excessive heat, Waste Management will begin scheduled pick-up at 5 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. on Thursday and Friday.