After a calm and comfortable start to the week, Chicagoland is on a fast track to a potentially dangerous heat wave.
Tuesday will feature a mix of sun and clouds. Afternoon highs will peak in the lower 90s away from the lake, but a breeze will moderate the heat a bit for areas near Lake Michigan.
Following a seasonable Monday and early Tuesday, southerly winds will take over and push a big swath of heat that’s currently to the south up into the area.
The heat and humidity will begin to build during the latter part of Tuesday and is expected to spike on Wednesday and Thursday.
Dewpoint forecast
With the onset of a more southerly wind flow, area dew points will be on the rise as the day progresses Tuesday. By early evening, dew points are likely to approach, if not reach, the lower 70s — a level considered muggy and comparable to the Gulf of Mexico.
Beach forecast
A gorgeous day for the beach with temperatures in the lower to middle 80s and only a modest chop on the lake with wave heights in the 1-3 foot range. Area swim risk is considered low.
Sunburn forecast
Strong mid-summer sun means you can get a sunburn in less than 20 minutes at peak 1 p.m. time and 47 minutes at 4 p.m.
Looking Ahead
High temps are projected to reach the mid- to upper 90s during the middle of the week, with the humidity pushing heat index values to 100 or 110 degrees.
High dew points will also keep things sweltering during the overnight hours.
An Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for parts of northwestern, western and southern Chicagoland, including portions of Cook County. The alert goes into effect Wednesday morning and continues through Thursday evening.
Current Conditions
Next Few Hours
The Bigger Picture
As for the end of the week and into the coming weekend, the forecast shows some cooling, but high temps are projected to remain around 90. Additionally, showers and storms are in the early forecast for the upcoming weekend.
Climate and Environment news: WGN Weather Center blog
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