Chicago could reach record-breaking heat Tuesday

Monday was hot but Tuesday is expected to be even hotter in Chicago, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees.

An excessive heat warning is in effect for all of Northern Illinois until 10 p.m. Tuesday with air temperatures across the area projected to reach 95 to 99 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

With heat and humidity, it could feel somewhere between 105 to 115 degrees outside, according to the weather service.

The projected temperature high for O’Hare Airport is 98 degrees which would break the previous record for Aug. 27 of 97 degrees set in 1973.

Meteorologists are still monitoring the potential for afternoon thunderstorms which would bring temperatures down.

“If one of those thunderstorms were to try to develop there near the city it would cut that temperature,” NWS meteorologist Todd Kluber told the Sun-Times.

But if storms were to hit closer to the evening it would leave open the possibility of record highs in the afternoon.

“It’s definitely in play as long as we don't get a thunderstorm that moves through here during the day,” Kluber said.

Last August, temperatures at O’Hare reached 100 degrees for the first time since 2012.

Possible storms

There is a potential for thunderstorms across Northern Illinois from Tuesday afternoon into the evening hours. Some storms may be strong to severe with damaging winds and hail, according to the weather service.

Air Quality

Along with high heat, ozone pollution levels are expected to reach “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” An air quality warning remains in effect until midnight Wednesday.

Ozone pollution is caused when emissions from cars, trucks, factories and other sources interact with sunlight. That causes chemicals to cook in the air and create a dangerous type of pollution that is most common in summer.

Those with chronic respiratory illnesses should limit outdoor activity, and all people should take precautions when outside — drink fluids, wear light clothing and know the signs of heat exhaustion.

Resources

The city’s Department of Family and Support Services opens cooling centers during periods of extreme heat. The following locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Wednesday:

• Englewood Center, 1140 W. 79th St.
• Garfield Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
• Dr. Martin Luther 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.

Also, all six of the city agency’s senior centers will be open through Wednesday. These locations will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

• Central West Senior Regional Center, 2102 W. Ogden Ave.
• Northwest Copernicus Senior Center, 3160 N. Milwaukee Ave.
• Southeast Atlas Senior Center, 1767 E. 79th St.
• Northeast Levy Senior Center, 2019 W. Lawrence Ave.
• Downtown Renaissance Court, 78 E. Washington St.
• Southwest Regional Center, 6117 S. Kedzie Ave.

Chicago Park District facilities, Chicago Public Library branches, Chicago police stations and City Colleges of Chicago are also available for heat relief.