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CHICAGO (WLS) — The first official weekend of summer in Chicago has been busy and hot.
The dangerous heat continued for the city and the suburbs on Sunday, with the heat index expected to reach up to 107 degrees.
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A National Weather Service Extreme Heat Warning went into effect for Cook County at 10 a.m. Friday, and will expire at midnight Tuesday.
There is also a Heat Advisory for most of the Chicago area.
The Chicago weather forecast includes a Heat Advisory for the entire area and an Extreme Heat Warning for Cook County Sunday and Monday.
There are plenty of ways to cool down around the city.
Starting Saturday, the city’s 50 outdoor pools have now opened seven days a week.
The first official weekend of summer in Chicago has been busy and hot.
Beaches are also open. The Chicago Park District said they are fully staffed with lifeguards, and they are reminding everyone that swimming is allowed 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The waters of Lake Michigan registered at a cool 65 degrees on Sunday morning.
“Went in, put my feet in and I’m going to heat up and put my whole body in,” said beach-goer Jay Tolentino.
Spending the day with friends at South Chicago’s Rainbow Beach, Tolentino has the right idea. They have fried shrimp, margaritas and a canopy to shade them from the scorching heat.
SEE MORE | How to stay cool in Chicago area amid rising temperatures this summer: LIST
“It’s uncomfortable, but we waited for this, right? It took forever for summer to finally arrive, and now, she’s here, and I’m going to enjoy as much as possible,” said beach-goer Antonia Wesselink.
Still, taking additional precautions while enjoying some fun in the sun was definitely at the forefront of people’s minds on Sunday. Even as the sun rose over Lake Michigan, it was already in the 80s. A slew of early morning runners took advantage of the “cooler” part of the day.
“Listen to your body. Your body never lies. If you’re feeling like you can’t handle this, if it’s too hot, or whatever, then stop. There is no shame in stopping,” said Lynne Ingalls with the Chicago Area Runners Association.
Sunday’s Soldier Field Stair Climb went ahead, but it was altered.
Instead of climbing all the way to the top, the American Lung Association’s charity event’s 700 participants were limited to the bottom level of the stadium. Lung transplant survivor Elizabeth Markiewicz was among them.
“It was invigorating. The energy here was phenomenal. The people are great. My team, which is my family and friends, they support me so much. I had to. I used to always stair climb before I got sick,” Markiewicz said.
The heat did not discourage art lovers at the Magnificent Mile’s annual Art Festival either. Strategically set in a shady spot in from of what used to be the John Hancock Building, locals and tourists mingled while browsing the work of the fair’s sixty artists from around the country.
“You hydrate more, so it’s an excuse to get more food, get more steps in, shop more. I’m not mad,” Elizana Joseph said.
Pride Fest organizers in Northalsted said they are prepared to handle the heat this weekend.
The two-day street festival is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ life, culture, and community. It is located on Halsted Street, between Addison and Grace, and has a long list of musicians who are set to perform, this weekend.
The first day of Pride Fest wrapped up at 10 p.m. Saturday.
The city will also open cooling centers, which include Garfield Center, Chicago Park District locations, public libraries, city colleges and police districts. Anyone who doesn’t have air conditioners is encouraged to visit one of the locations.
The Office of Emergency Management is warning that the extreme temperatures could cause heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
For those who plan on spending time in the heat, the city’s health commissioner advised people to keep cool by applying ice or wet towels to their necks, wrists, armpits and groin areas.
City leaders said they will also be checking on those who are unhoused and need a place to stay. People were also asked to check on neighbors and those who are elderly during the dangerous heat.
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