Chicago and outlying suburbs were under a heat advisory on Friday, with temperatures expected to reach the high 90s during the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
High heat and humidity will make for dangerous conditions, with hotter temperatures inland away from Lake Michigan. The heat index, which measures what the temperature feels like, will reach upwards of 110 degrees away from the lake and 105 degrees near the lake.
Offshore winds will keep the lakefront warm throughout the day, said Kevin Doom, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Romeoville.
Severe thunderstorms are forecasted for Friday afternoon but are unlikely to alleviate the heat, Doom said. “They’re probably going to kick off far too late.”
Potential afternoon and evening storms will bring damaging winds, torrential rainfall and hail, weather officials said.
An air quality alert due to smoke from Canadian wildfires was issued until Saturday at midnight. Doom said the heat is unlikely to make the bad air worse. Sensitive groups like children and older adults are the most at risk, and the National Weather Service said to check air quality before venturing outside
“The combination of the two just makes it an overall unpleasant day to be outside,” he said.
Midmorning conditions at Midway International Airport were 80 degrees and cloudy.
If venturing outside, stay hydrated and in shaded areas. Chicago residents can seek relief from the heat at any public library location, Park District field houses and splash pads around the city.
Cooling centers will be available at the following locations. Face masks are required and can be obtained at the centers:
- Englewood Center, 1140 W. 79th St.
- Garfield Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave. (24 hours)
- King Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
- North Area Center, 845 W. Wilson Ave.
- South Chicago Center, 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
- Trina Davila Center, 4312 W. North Ave.
Residents can also call 311, check online at 311.chicago.gov or download the CHI311 app to request a wellness check by the city or get connected to health resources.
Cook County officials on Tuesday also announced the opening of cooling centers from Wednesday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and those can be found on the county’s website. The county is also opening cooling centers at the Skokie, Maywood and Bridgeview courthouses.
vla@chicagotribune.com
