Heat Wave Forecast For Chicago This Week

"We're having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave."

Those Irving Berlin lyrics will ring true this week as a heat wave descends upon Chicago.

Some days could see highs in the low- to mid-90s, with forecasted heat index values of 100 degrees or more. Overnight lows in the mid-70s won't provide much relief.

Tuesday brought sunny skies with a high near 90 and a heat index of 96 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago.

The sunshine will continue on Wednesday and Thursday with highs near 93 on both days. Heat index values will hover around 100 degrees.
 
The forecast high for Friday is 92 degrees.

A cold front is expected to move across the Great Lakes sometime Friday, according to the Storm Prediction Center, which will bring a chance for severe storms. 

It will also reduce high temperatures—they'll return around 81 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, meteorologists predict.

In the meantime, though, it's going to be hot. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips on how to stay safe in the heat:

• Drink more fluids, specifically those that don't contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
• Stay indoors, in an air-conditioned place, if possible.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours, and cut down on exercise, if possible.