Extreme Heat Watch issued for northern Illinois

Be sure to enjoy today's seasonable temperatures and low humidity because after today, dangerous levels spill back into the Stateline. 

Dangerous enough for the National Weather Service to place all of northern Illinois under an Extreme Heat Watch. This will begin Wednesday morning and stretch into Thursday evening. 

 

For our area, an Extreme Heat Watch is issued when these conditions MAY occur. The forecast heat index is 110° or higher AND the minimum heat index is 75° or higher for AT LEAST 48 hours. A warning is issued when those conditions are expected.

 

 

Dew points Tuesday will fall in the 68° to 72° range, placing heat indices in the 90°-95° range. 

Its not until Wednesday where the worst heat and humidity will be felt. Dew points will end up in the mid to upper 70s, leaving heat indices dangerously high between 110° to 115°. Thursday, dew points will end up slightly lower, though still high enough to continue practicing heat safety.

Steps to beat the heat include drinking plenty of fluids, taking breaks in an air-conditioned room or in the shade, and checking on relatives and neighbors. If you HAVE to be outside, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and try to limit strenuous activities to the early morning or evening hours.