Dangerous Heat: Index Could Hit 109, Heat Advisory Extended

CHICAGO, IL — The National Weather Service in Chicago has extended its heat advisory, which now expires at 7 p.m. Monday for much of the Chicago area. The NWS is predicting the heat index could hit 103 to 109 degrees — meaning that although temperatures are expected to remain in the low to mid-90s, it will feel much hotter.

"The combination of heat and humidity will lead to hazardous conditions, particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions," the NWS said in an alert.

Counties affected by the heat advisory include Will, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Lake, Kendall, Grundy and others.

"The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible," the National Weather Service said. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors." If you don't have air conditioning, check with your village of city government to find an available cooling center.

The NWS offers these heat safety tips:

• Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities
• Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in the air conditioning or shade
• Minimize sun exposure, and wear sunscreen
• Know the symptoms of heat illness
• Check on the elderly, sick and those without air conditioning

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Possible muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

First aid:

• Move person to a cooler environment
• Lay person down and loosen clothing
• Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible
• Fan or move victim to air conditioned room
• Offer sips of water
• If person vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Altered mental state
• One or more of the following symptons: throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing
• Body temperature above 103°F
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Faints, loses consciousness

First aid:

• Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.
• Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment.
• Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath.
• Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures.
• Do NOT give fluids.

The NWS was also warning of limited thunderstorm and flood risk on the area Monday during the afternoon and night. Tuesday brings an elevated risk of severe storms, flooding and excessive heat, and storms are also possible Wednesday and Friday.

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