Heat indexes were expected to reach near 100 degrees Tuesday in portions of the area as an air quality alert remains in effect until midnight, weather officials warned.
National Weather Service officials issued a heat advisory Tuesday for portions of north-central and northeast Illinois as well as northwest Indiana, with heat indexes forecast to hit around 100 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday, possibly continuing through the weekend.
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Peak indexes are expected to reach between 100 to 105 degrees in the next couple of days, officials said. During this period, thunderstorms are also a possibility in some areas. Lake breezes may provide some relief along the shores of Lake Michigan during the afternoon hours, weather officials noted.
An air quality alert is in effect until midnight Tuesday as an air pollution action day was declared, meaning weather conditions are such that widespread ozone and particulate levels are expected to be at dangerous levels for those with pulmonary and respiratory diseases, who should limit time outdoors, officials said.
Residents are asked to reduce pollution levels by watching emissions. Tips on reducing emissions can be found at www.airnow.gov.
Current afternoon conditions at O’Hare International Airport are partly cloudy at 90 degrees, with the same farther south at Midway Airport.