Highest Chicago temperature in a decade expected Tuesday

It’s the first day of summer, and nature might be trying to prove a point. The temperature could hit 100 degrees in Chicago for the first time in a decade on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service forecast the metro area to hit the century mark at 4 p.m. The last time Chicago saw such high temperatures was toward the end of a heat wave on July 6, 2012. Temperatures climbed to 103 degrees that day, meteorologist Ricky Castro said.

“It’s become quite rare,” he said.

Weather scanners at Midway Airport showed temperatures got to 100 degrees there last week, but Chicago’s official temperature is kept at O’Hare International Airport.

High temperatures are more likely when the area is dry, as it will be Tuesday. But that same dryness means it won’t feel so “oppressive” outside, Castro said.

“Today will be quite hot. It’s certainly a day where you want to take heat precautions. But it won’t be the same thing as if we had really high dew point temperatures or high humidity levels,” he said.

Heat indexes are expected to peak at 102 degrees on the Tuesday summer solstice. The record temperature for June 21 is 101 degrees, set in 1988.

It might be smart to wear loosefitting, light-colored clothing and sunscreen Tuesday, Castro said.

“Obviously, the pool’s a good bet, or go to the lake,” he added.

But Chicagoans seeking to beat the heat in a city-run pool will find locked gates. A lifeguard shortage has delayed public pool openings until July 5.

[ Lifeguard shortage will delay Chicago public pool openings until July 5 ]

A cold front is expected to come in Tuesday night, Castro said. It could cause storms with gusty winds, downpours and lightning. But the anticipated storm’s coverage area is expected to be isolated and scattered by the time it hits the Chicago area, meaning the city likely won’t see relief from its current dryness.

“Miss for many, hit for few,” Castro said.

Wednesday and Thursday will see more moderate weather with highs in the upper 80s and cooler temperatures by the lake.

Forecasts currently show temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s on Friday and Saturday before an expected cold front moves in Sunday.