Chicago's Forecast: Heat Advisory Issued as Heat Index Soars Above 100 Degrees in Certain Areas

Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Extreme heat is impacting the Chicago area on Monday afternoon after storms popped up in the morning hours.

The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for Boone, Cook, DeKalb, Will, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake (IL), Livingston, McHenry, Ogle, Winnebago, Newton, Jasper, Lake (IN) and Porter counties from noon to 8 p.m. Monday. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the area has been canceled.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Temperatures climbed into the low to mid-90s in the afternoon, and it will feel like between 105-109 degrees, ABC7 Chicago AccuWeather Meteorologist Mark McGinnis said.

But the heat is not stopping from coming to enjoy Monday night’s Summer Series concert at Millennium Park.

And heat or not, Lollapalooza kicks off on Thursday, and the work to get everything set up in time needs to be completed.

READ MORE | AC issue prompts hours-long bypass at Rush ER during extreme heat in Chicago: spokesperson

Crews have been working nonstop all over Grant Park, setting up stages, food tents and outside vendors.

It is a beehive of activity. ABC7 spoke to one of the folks getting it all done about what it is like to work in these conditions.

“We want to make sure everyone is protected and stuff. Every 30 minutes, we might take a 15. It might be a little overkill. But we have plenty of cold water and plenty of shade, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses,” said Thomas Hickman.

SEE ALSO | How to stay cool in Chicago area amid rising temperatures this summer: LIST

ABC7 also spoke to a pulmonary specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital earlier Monday.

Dr. Justin Fiala said people need to be attentive to how their body is reacting, especially if they are spending a significant period of time outdoors.

“If the heart rate is racing. If there is a pounding headache. Flushed skin, but dry skin, so you’re not sweating as much, as you ought to be those are signs that maybe you should reassess. Take a break from whatever you’re doing,” Fiala said.

Fiala said it is the humidity that the body struggles with the most. But the good news is that the Chicago area should catch a break from the sweltering conditions by the end of Tuesday. In the meantime, it is important to hydrate.