CHICAGO — The city will once again face dangerous levels of heat and humidity early this week, according to the National Weather Service.

A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for Chicago through Thursday, with “dangerous” heat index or real-feel temperatures above 100 degrees and multiple thunderstorms both in the mix, the National Weather Service said in an alert issued Sunday.

Sunday could see a high of 89 degrees with a heat index of 100 degrees. Monday and Tuesday will see the highest temperatures, with a forecast high of 94 degrees Monday and 92 degrees Tuesday.

Coupled with high levels of humidity, the heat index or real-feel temperatures could reach 110 degrees both days, although it will be cooler by the lake Tuesday, according to the weather service. Rain showers are also possible Monday and Tuesday.

The heat is expected to break Tuesday night into Wednesday, when storms are forecast to roll through the area.

The National Weather Service forecast for the week of July 27. Credit: National Weather Service/Chicago

Periodic storms will hit the area Wednesday, with cooler temperatures to follow, according to the weather service. Thursday will see a forecast high of 78 degrees, with lower levels of humidity.

This week’s excessive heat risk is just the latest heat wave to hit the city this summer.

Last week saw Chicago under an extreme heat watch, with the highest temperatures felt within the city due to the urban heat effect. Late June saw temperatures flirt with near-record levels.

As of mid-July, Chicago was experiencing its fifth-warmest summer in 154 years, according to WGN meteorologist Bill Snyder.

Here is more information on the effects of extreme heat and ways to remain safe.

Heat Illness Symptoms

People should remain in air conditioned facilities and watch for signs of heat-related illness, including heat stroke and exhaustion, officials warned.

Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion; slurred speech; loss of consciousness; hot, dry skin or profuse sweating; seizures; and a very high body temperature, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, you should immediately call 911; move the person to a shaded area and remove their clothing; cool them quickly with methods such as an ice bath, wetting their skin and putting cold, wet cloths on their skin and putting ice on their head, neck, armpits and groin; and circulate the air around them to help with cooling, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Convention (or CDC).

Heat stroke is a serious illness that can lead to death.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, decreased urination and a higher than normal body temperature, according to the CDC.

Cooling Centers

The city operates several cooling centers for those seeking refuge from the heat:

  • Community service locations open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday: Englewood Center, 1140 W. 79th Street; Garfield Center*, 10 S. Kedzie Ave.; Dr. Martin Luther King Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove; North Area Center, 845 W. Wilson Ave.; South Chicago Center, 8650 S. Commercial Ave.; Trina Davila Center, 4312 W. North Ave.
  • 21 Senior Centers will be open across the city 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday**
  • Park District, Police Stations, Public Library and City College buildings will remain open to the public for their regular hours of operation

Wellbeing Checks

Chicagoans can call 311 or use the 311 app or website to request a wellbeing check for someone.

Beaches, Pools

All Park District beaches will be open during the heat wave; the Park District’s outdoor pools and splash pads are also open.

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