Aug. 26 (UPI) — The National Weather Service on Monday issued an “excessive heat warning” for Chicago and a host of other Midwest cities.
In all, 38 million people in 11 states are projected to see at least “major” levels of heat risk. Hot and humid air mass is sending heat indices, or “feels-like” readings that measure heat and humidity, soaring to 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other Midwestern cities being affected by the intense heat include Des Moines, Iowa; the Twin Cities in Minnesota; Madison, Wis.; and Omaha, Neb.
Temperature records last weekend were smashed in the southern Plains, including Amarillo, Texas, hitting 104 degrees on Sunday. The front will shift to the Southeast, including record highs forecast from Louisville, Ky., on Tuesday to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.
A potentially dangerous combination of record or near record high temperatures & oppressive humidity are expected today and especially Tuesday. Please heed this heat safety information provided on the graphics in this post and please share with others! #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/aMa8YAgjyc— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) August 26, 2024
The NWS Weather Prediction Center in Chicago is forecasting a high temperature of 96 degrees in Chicago on Monday and 98 Tuesday. These temperatures are 20 degrees above the typical daily high for this time of year.
The hottest temperatures on record at O’Hare Airport: Aug. 26 was 95 in 20023 and Aug. 27 was 97 degrees in 1973.
On Sunday, the high was 92 with a low of 75.
“The air quality problem this week will not be nearly as intense as last year during the Canadian wildfires, but it will be important for folks to take precautions,” Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford told the Sun-Times. “This week’s problem is mainly ozone, which is more effectively created during heat waves.”
Overnight low temperatures are forecast to hold in the upper 70s to 80s in Chicago on Monday night.
St. Louis’ daily high temperatures may not fall below the upper 90s to 100 until Friday.
“The heat, which will be accompanied by high humidity and result in AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures well over 100 for millions, can turn dangerous for those trying to enjoy some time outside as summer begins to wind down,” Bill Deger, AccuWeather senior meteorologist, said. “It will also help fuel rounds of powerful thunderstorms that will traverse the edge of the hottest weather through midweek.
A high risk level applies to “anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration,” the NWS said.
This applies to “most health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure,” NWS said.
The City of Chicago has activated more than 250 cooling centers through Wednesday.
The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued an Excessive Heat Warning from noon Monday to Tuesday 10pm due to dangerously hot conditions.
More than 250 Cooling Center locations have been activated and are open through Wednesday for residents to find relief from the heat. pic.twitter.com/PGxiEndgNA— City of Chicago (@chicago) August 26, 2024
The Chicago Public Schools canceled outdoor activities Monday, the first day of school.
In Detroit, public schools will be released three hours early on Monday and Tuesday.
An Air Quality Alert is in effect for northeastern Illinois. Air quality is expected to be at unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Limit prolonged outdoor activity, especially those with chronic respiratory illnesses. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/werIz7hMFt— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) August 25, 2024
Chicago is also dealing with ozone pollution that is expected to reach levels “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
With ozone pollution, emissions from cars, trucks, factories and other sources interact with sunlight. That causes chemicals to cook in the air and create a dangerous type of pollution. Most affected are people with asthma and other lung conditions.