An extreme heat warning is in effect for Chicagoland until midnight Thursday, weather officials said.
The National Weather Service included several cities and towns in Illinois, saying the heat index was expected to reach at least 105 degrees Thursday in portions of central, central-east, north-central and northeast Illinois, as well as northwest Indiana.
Current afternoon conditions at O’Hare International Airport were mostly cloudy at 87 degrees. Farther south at Midway Airport, conditions were the same at 87 degrees.
On Thursday, temperatures are expected to reach 96 degrees with a heat index of 105 degrees, officials said.
On Wednesday, ComEd asked customers to cut back on power usage as its power grid was under strain in certain areas.
Thursday night, there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms that may slightly break the heat after midnight when temperatures are expected in the mid-70s, officials said.
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During the July 4 holiday, temperatures of 84 degrees are expected. On Saturday, the chance of storms increases to 70% with temperatures in the 70s. On Sunday, high temperatures are forecast to reach at least 84 degrees.
Weather officials warned certain health conditions could worsen with the heat and reminded people to stay hydrated, seek relief in air-conditioned places and stay out of direct sun. Officials also said to check on family and neighbors during the heat wave.
Remember not to leave children unattended in vehicles as it may reach deadly levels within minutes.