Blistering heat returns to Chicago area for second time in three weeks

For the second time in three weeks, the Chicago area is bracing for sweltering temperatures.

Though the warmth will continue through Friday — peaking Tuesday and Wednesday — it won’t be as severe as the most recent heat wave, forecasters said.

No rain is in the forecast — only sunshine. Parts of the Chicago area farther away from the lake can expect to see temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s, with heat indices hovering near 100 degrees throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service.

The wave of hot temperatures comes during what forecasters describe as the “hottest window of the year” for Chicago, which typically lasts from July 6 to July 24.

Air quality is suffering as a result.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued an “air pollution action day” on Monday and Tuesday. Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups including children, older adults, and those with preexisting health issues. Those groups should limit prolonged outdoor activities, the agency said.

The Illinois Tollway also launched round-the-clock hot weather patrols to deploy extra roadway crews to more quickly find and assist customers stranded on its system during the extreme heat.

“For a second time this summer we have activated Hot Weather Patrols on the Illinois Tollway to expand our roadway coverage and provide additional assistance to ensure driver safety,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Additional patrols during this dangerously hot weather allow us to rapidly locate any stranded drivers and respond to drivers who call *999 for help as quickly as possible.”

The hot weather patrols were previously activated at the end of June and through the Fourth of July weekend and helped more than 800 customers, according to the tollway.

The Department of Family and Support Services’ six cooling centers will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days where temperatures reach at least 90 degrees. The centers are at:

• Auburn Gresham Center – 1140 W. 79th Street  
• Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave. 
• King Center – 4314 S. Cottage Grove  
• North Area Center – 845 W. Wilson Ave.  
• South Chicago Center – 8650 S. Commercial Ave.  
• Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave.  

A big area of high pressure over much of the United States and southern parts of Canada is the behind the higher temperatures.

“It’s a pretty strong one, even for this time of year,” weather service meteorologist Mike Bardou said of the pressure system.

This week’s heat wave isn’t expected to be as hot as the stretch of extreme humidity from late June and early July. Heat indices peaked around 105 degrees during the city’s first heat wave of the year.

“It doesn’t look to be as similar a magnitude,” Bardou said. “[There is] a little bit less moisture in the air, a little bit less humidity, a little less lower dew points … so the heat index would probably be a little bit cooler.”

Still, Bardou urged caution when navigating this week’s heat.

“Stay hydrated. Take breaks. Find some cooling relief as much as you can,” Bardou said. “It’s going to be hot, and it’s somewhat typical for this time of year, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions.”