Dangerous Heat for the Weekend

Multiple heat headlines have been issued ahead of the dangerous heat and humidity this weekend. A Heat Advisory goes into effect Friday morning for Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll, Whiteside, Green, Rock, and Walworth counties until Saturday evening. An Excessive Heat watch has been issued for Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, and McHenry counties from 11am Friday through 7pm Saturday.

Temperatures will be climbing into the mid 90's for most of the area, but with dew points in the mid 70's peak heat index values will climb between 100°-110° for both Friday and Saturday. Not only that, but overnight lows will remain in the low to mid 70's. With warm nights forecast, it doesn't give our bodies a chance to cool down, which only compounds the impacts of the heat.

Remember to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. Take breaks from the heat and get in the air conditioning if you can. Cool showers help, but fans won't help much with highs in the mid 90's. Make sure to keep an eye on your pets too, watch out for hot pavement, make sure to keep them supplied with lots of fresh water and make sure they have plenty of shade. Check on neighbors and the elderly during this time, and try not to expert yourself too much outside.

A cold front arrives Sunday with a chance for scattered showers and storms, but highs will remain in the upper 80's.