Chicago woke up to a wall of humidity Monday morning, with Midway Airport already near 77°F and a sticky dew point around 73°F. The National Weather Service has much of Cook County under an Extreme Heat Warning from noon Monday, June 29 through 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, with afternoon feels-like temperatures expected to climb into the low 100s.
Afternoon Heat Peaks And Timing
According to the National Weather Service, highs are set to reach about 94°F on Monday, June 29, then crank up to around 96°F on Tuesday, June 30 and Wednesday, July 1. Each afternoon, heat-index values could land in the 101 to 105°F range. Overnight lows stuck in the upper 70s will not offer much relief, which raises the risk of heat-related illness for outdoor workers and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
Gusty Afternoon Winds Add To The Mix
South to southwest winds of about 10 to 15 mph are expected, with afternoon gusts up to 25 to 30 mph, especially on Tuesday. Those gusts could kick up dust and send lightweight outdoor furniture or canopies skittering. If you have outdoor plans, secure loose items and keep the wind in mind for grilling setups or tents during the mid-afternoon hours.
Late-Week Storms Could Break The Heat
Some relief may finally arrive late in the week. Forecasts show a chance of showers and thunderstorms from late Thursday, July 2 into Friday, July 3, which could help knock down daytime highs for the July 4 weekend. Storm coverage is still uncertain and any storms that do pop up could bring brief heavy rain and gusty winds, so it is worth having a backup plan for outdoor events.
Staying Safe In The Midweek Sizzle
Drink plenty of water, skip strenuous outdoor activity during the peak afternoon heat, and never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for a short time. If you do not have reliable air conditioning, the Chicago Park District lists public facilities with air-conditioned rooms and the city can help locate cooling centers. Call 311 or visit the Chicago Park District page for locations and hours.
