Today's going to be hot, but worst is yet to come
Temperatures could reach deadly levels this week in the suburbs as a heat dome settles over the Midwest.
Officials from the National Weather Service are expecting a week of temperatures in the 90s as sweltering weather will settle in over the Chicago area.
Though, officials said, some passing thunderstorms could help cool things down today and Tuesday.
A heat advisory has been put into effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today as temperatures are expected in the mid 90s. Because of moist air from the expected rain, the heat index is expected to reach 110 degrees. The worst days are expected to be the worst Wednesday and Thursday where temperatures are expected to rise into the 100 degree range.
The hot weather could last through next Sunday, National Weather Service meteorologist Amy Seeley said.
“But it won't be record-breaking,” she said, adding that the average high temperature for this time of year in the Chicago area is 84 degrees.
The weather service advises people to properly hydrate themselves, check on the elderly and to never leave pets or children in cars. “This isn't anything new,” Seeley said.
The 90-degree hot and humid forecast affects the entire central U.S., Seeley added.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency also is offering tips for Chicago-area residents, including:
• Familiarize yourselves with local emergency plans from community agencies, including schools.
• Stay inside as much as possible and keep out of sunshine if air conditioning isn't available.
• If a community cooling center isn't around, residents could spent part of the day at an air-conditioned library, school, movie theater or shopping mall.
• Eating a light and well-balanced meal is also key, as well is limiting alcoholic drinks.
• Wear loosefitting, light-colored clothes and protect your head with a hat.
FEMA also offers tips for preparing your home or apartment. That includes properly installing air conditioners, temporary window reflectors and covering windows that soak up the afternoon sun.
ComEd officials say they're on high alert as a scorching heat wave moves in that will keep temperatures in the 90s or above this week.
The utility says service has been restored for nearly all of the hundreds of thousands customers who lost power following a storm in northern Illinois last week.
The storm knocked out service for about 850,000 customers on Monday. Crews have spent days clearing trees and restoring power since then. Suburbs north of the city were the hardest hit.
ComEd officials say the cost of restoration topped $80 million.
ComEd spokesman Tony Hernandez on Sunday said the utility will keep its emergency operations center open with a heat wave predicted this week.