The National Weather Service is warning about dangerous heat and humidity, with peak heat index values of up to 115 degrees, this coming week in the Chicagoland area.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory and excessive heat watch Sunday morning.
The advisory and watch cover the Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, La Salle, Kendall, Grundy, Livingston and Will counties. Other surrounding counties, including Chicago, are also under separate heat watches and advisories.
The advisory goes into effect at 12 p.m. Monday and the watch goes into effect at 12 p.m. Tuesday.
Heat index values of around 105 degrees are expected on Monday.
The NWS said dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 110 to 115 degrees are possible on Tuesday.
Hot temperatures will continue through the middle of the week as well.
Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, especially for those working or participating in outdoor activities, the NWS said.
Residents should monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on the situation.
The NWS said people should also be prepared to drink lots of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, the NWS said. “This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has listed the Chicagoland area under an outlook for severe weather for Tuesday.
“If storms develop Monday or Tuesday, they would almost certainly be severe given the extremely hot and humid airmass expected to be in place,” the NWS said.
The NWS added that the chance of storms is 20% or lower but heat waves typically attract severe thunderstorms and residents should stay weather-aware.