As students in the Chicago Public Schools return to classes on Monday, temperatures are projected to soar, with the heat index expected to exceed 100 degrees.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning from Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening, citing “dangerously hot and humid conditions.” In response, the city is opening cooling centers and advising residents to stay indoors whenever possible.
CPS announced on Sunday that all outdoor activities have been canceled or relocated indoors. The district reassured parents that all classrooms are equipped with air conditioning, which will be maintained at comfortable levels. They have also established protocols for handling any air conditioning failures.
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) expressed concerns over the heat conditions, highlighting ongoing negotiations with CPS for improved cooling systems in older school buildings. Although disappointed that the issue was not resolved before the school year began, the union expressed confidence that CPS would manage the heat wave effectively.
On Monday, the heat index could rise to 107 degrees, with expectations of 110 degrees on Tuesday. Overnight lows are likely to remain in the mid- to upper 70s, with the lowest temperature on Monday predicted to stay around 79 degrees.
This extreme heat scenario coincides with an Air Pollution Action Day declared by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for the Chicago area, due to elevated ozone levels linked to emissions from vehicles, industrial sources, and wildfires burning in Canada.
Meteorologist Casey Sullivan noted that poor air quality and heat waves often occur together, as particles remain suspended in stagnant warm air. He also added that climate change is increasing humidity levels in the Chicago area, contributing to higher perceived temperatures and warmer nights. Historical data indicates a 15% increase in average precipitation in Illinois since 1895, along with a rise of 1.5 degrees in average summer temperatures over the past sixty years.
Prolonged heat can pose serious health risks, particularly if it persists beyond a single day. Nighttime temperatures that remain elevated limit the body’s ability to cool down, according to the National Weather Service.
Heat impacts various neighborhoods differently, with densely populated areas retaining more heat than those near natural, open spaces, such as the lakefront. A recent city-sponsored study found temperature differences of up to 22 degrees across neighborhoods at the same time of day, not accounting for humidity, which increases the heat index.
The air quality on Sunday and Monday is deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups, including individuals with asthma, children, and the elderly, prompting the Illinois EPA to advise against extended outdoor activities for these demographics.
During the heat wave, both the National Weather Service and the city recommend residents stay hydrated and seek out air conditioning. It is crucial to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles as the interior can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes.
While Chicago schools will limit outdoor activities, parents are encouraged to dress their children in loose-fitting clothing and send them to school with full water bottles. Public cooling centers, including libraries, park district facilities, and community colleges, will be available for residents seeking relief from the heat.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected late Tuesday afternoon and evening, which may help lower temperatures mid-week, although some storms could bring damaging winds and isolated hail.