Extreme Heat Watch issued for Cook County, including Chicago, for Saturday through Monday
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for Cook County starting Saturday morning and lasting into next week.
The Extreme Heat Watch takes effect at 10 a.m. Saturday, and lasts through 12 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, and covers the entire county, including Chicago.
The NWS issues an Extreme Heat Watch when the conditions for dangerous heat are possible, but the occurrence and timing are still uncertain. During the watch, you should be prepared to cancel outdoor activities if a warning is issued. If you don't have air conditioning, make sure you know where your nearest cooling center is, and/or make arrangements to stay with friends and family who have air conditioning.
You should also check on your elderly neighbors and people who may need help in their day-to-day lives.
The watch stems from a heat dome in the Midwest that puts millions of people at risk with high temperatures and stifling humidity. The Chicago heat index over the weekend is supposed to be in the triple digits, feeling like 100 to 105 degrees.
Cook County and Chicago cooling centers are available for anyone who does not have air condition and needs to cool off.
Chicago has six permanent cooling centers, including Garfield Center, which is open 24 hours. The other five locations are typically open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but their hours are often extended during heat waves in the city. Click here for more information.
There are also 34 cooling centers around Cook County, many of which are open 24 hours during severe heat waves or if needed. Click here to see a full list of county cooling centers.
Additionally, public libraries and police stations throughout the city of Chicago and Cook County are often open on weekends for anyone who needs access to air conditioning and water. Chicago Public Libraries have water fountains available for public use.
All of Chicago's public swimming pools and splash pads open Saturday as well. Outdoor pools will primarily be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. but, for the first time since 2020, they are all open seven days a week.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke: Symptoms and how to treat
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are major risks during a heat wave, especially with high humidity. It is easy to become overheated and dehydrated in high temperatures, so it is essential to make sure you are drinking enough water.
Heat exhaustion is milder than heat stroke. It can develop after several days of exposure to heat and inadequate or unbalanced fluid replacement. Heatstroke is a serious illness that happens when the body begins to lose its ability to regulate its own temperature and functions, and can result in permanent disability or death if not treated as quickly as possible.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, high body temperature and decreased urine output.
If you or someone you know is experiencing heat exhaustion move into a cool indoor space or shade immediately, give them liquids to drink, remove unnecessary clothing including shoes and socks, used cold water or a cold compress to cool the person down on their head, face and neck, and frequently sip cold water. The CDC also encourages calling 911 or taking the person to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room for treatment.
Heatstroke symptoms include confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, hot and dry skin or profuse sweating, very high body temperature, loss of consciousness, and very high body temperature. If treatment is delayed, it can quickly become fatal, the CDC says.
If you are with someone experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately and stay with that person until help arrives. Move them into a shaded, cool area and remove their outer clothing then work to cool them down as quickly as you can with cold water or an ice bath if possible. Wet the skin or place cold, wet clothes on the skin, or soak their clothing with cold water. You should also circulate the air around them by fanning to help cool them off. The CDC also recommends placing cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits and groin to help cool them faster.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
2 tornadoes touched down in Indiana on June 18, NWS says. Here's where
Two tornadoes touched down near Lafayette as part of a line of storms that swept across several states June 18, the National Weather Service's Indianapolis office has concluded. The strong thunderstorms that knocked out power across Indiana the afternoon of June 18 spawned two EF0 tornadoes west and northwest of Lafayette as they skipped along a path across much of Tippecanoe County, the NWS said June 19. Most of the damage in the county was from straight-line winds, but the two tornadoes damaged trees and caused minor damage to two houses, according to the weather service. The tornadoes were a third to half a mile in length with estimated maximum winds of 75-80 mph, the NWS said. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tornadoes touched down near Lafayette, Indiana, on June 18, NWS says
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Severe thunderstorm watch for 4 Massachusetts counties until Thursday night
On Thursday at 1:23 p.m. a severe thunderstorm watch was issued by the National Weather Service valid between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. in effect until 9 p.m. for Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties. Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away. To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations: Lightning safety plan: When venturing outdoors, it's crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place. Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it's a clear indication of nearby lightning. Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors. Indoors safety measures: Once you're indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors. These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways. Wait for the all-clear: After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. It's important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution. When indoor shelter isn't available: If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety: Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk. Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees. If you're in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people. Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It's crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning. Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don't attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks. In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety. When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards: Beware of rapid water flow: Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away. Maintain safe driving distances: Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain. Slow down and drive with care: If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Read the original article on MassLive.
CBS News
3 hours ago
- CBS News
Damaging Maryland storms knock out power, take down trees and power lines
Severe storm threat persists through the evening in Maryland Severe storm threat persists through the evening in Maryland Severe storm threat persists through the evening in Maryland Stormy weather knocked down trees, power lines, and took out power for tens of thousands of Marylanders on Thursday These strong to severe storms swept through the state with damaging winds, torrential downpours, and flooding in some areas. According to the National Weather Service, some parts of Maryland had hail and wind gusts of up to 70 mph. Maryland storm damage WJZ received photos of damage across the state. A large tree was knocked over along Gillis Falls Road at Watersville Road near Mount Airy. A video by Timothy Butz showed relentless rain pouring on Glen Burnie. @SteveSosnaWX Videos of the vicious storm that hammered Glen Burnie, Md. a bit ago. — TIMOTHY BUTZ (@timbutz70) June 19, 2025
