Heat Wave Forecast for Northern Illinois This Week

Written by Korrina Grom

"We're having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave."

Those Irving Berlin lyrics will ring true this week as a heat wave descends upon Illinois. 

Some days this week could see highs in the low- to mid-90s, with forecast heat index values of 100 degrees or more. Overnight lows in the mid-70s won't provide much relief. 

We'll start the week with a forecast high of 88 degrees on Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago. Mostly sunny skies are expected on Tuesday, with a high near 88 and a heat index of 95 degrees in Huntley. 

The sunshine will continue on Wednesday and Thursday with a high near 90 on Wednesday and 91 on Thursday. Heat index values could hover around 100 degrees for the Chicago area from Wednesday through Friday afternoon. 

The forecast high for Friday is 90 degrees.

A cold front is expected to move across the Great Lakes sometime Friday, according to the Storm Prediction Center, which will bring a chance for severe storms. The cold front will also result in highs of just 81 degrees both Saturday and Sunday. 

In the meantime, though, it's going to be hot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips on how to stay safe in the heat:

• Drink more fluids, specifically those that don't contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar. 

• Stay indoors, in an air-conditioned place, if possible. 

• Take a cool shower or bath.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.

• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours, and cut down on exercise, if possible.