Excessive heat is expected to smother the Chicago area on Saturday as temperatures in the mid-90s combine with high humidity to make it feel like 105 degrees.
A heat advisory is in effect from noon Saturday to 10 p.m. that night, according to the National Weather Service.
“Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location,” the weather service warned. “Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.”
A cold front will push through late Saturday night, bringing a risk of storms, heavy rain and wind. Temperatures could fall to 78 degrees overnight. The chance of rain is 60%.
Heat and humidity will be the big story on Saturday. Keep heat safety in mind if you plan to spend prolonged time outdoors. https://t.co/xO5bgWly9C pic.twitter.com/n4ELsII5uH
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 17, 2020
Sunday is expected to see a high of 88, accompanied by a 40% chance of rain, the weather service said.
On Thursday, the city activated its cooling centers to provide relief from the heat. Some locations are open through Sunday.
A full list of where residents can cool down, including libraries, can be found online or by calling 311.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the weather service said in its heat advisory. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”
Humidity will be on the rise through Sat. The humidity combined with temps in the mid 90s on Sat. will produce dangerous heat index values of 105F or higher. A cold front will bring a risk of strong storms with gusty winds and heavy rain late Sat. night into Sun. pic.twitter.com/cN8uc9RU85
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 17, 2020