ILLINOIS — Health officials and meteorologists are warning Illinois residents to take immediate precautions this weekend as the National Weather Service (NWS) issues Extreme Heat Watches and Heat Advisories across much of the state.
With heat indexes expected to exceed 105°F, especially in the Metro East and west-central regions, weather authorities are urging people to limit outdoor activity and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions through Monday.
“Saturday will only be hotter as heights rise aloft and low-level warm air and moisture continue to filter into the area,” said NWS meteorologists in St. Louis, who are monitoring southern and central Illinois.
Danger Zone: Where Illinois Will Feel the Worst of the Heat
Forecasters say the heat will intensify Saturday and continue into early next week:
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Saturday: 101°F to 104°F
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Sunday: 100°F to 103°F
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Monday: 98°F to 101°F
Cities like Jacksonville and Alton are expected to see sustained heat indexes above 100°F, driven by hot, humid conditions and a lack of cloud cover. The NWS Lincoln office confirmed that full sunshine and dewpoints in the 70s will contribute to the dangerous “feels like” temperatures.
Urban Heat Effects Making It Worse
Large metro areas, including Chicago, could feel the brunt of the heat due to urban heat island effects. These occur when concrete, asphalt, and rooftops trap and re-radiate heat, creating significantly higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas.
As the U.S. EPA explains, heat islands can elevate nighttime temperatures and increase public health risks—particularly for seniors and people with respiratory issues.
What You Should Do: NWS Safety Advisory
With Extreme Heat Watches already in place, the NWS encourages all Illinoisans to:
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Avoid outdoor work or workouts between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
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Drink water frequently and stay in air-conditioned spaces
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Check on elderly neighbors, pets, and children regularly
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Never leave anyone — human or animal — in a parked vehicle
An Extreme Heat Watch means dangerous heat is likely, while an advisory means it’s already present or imminent. Community leaders are also reminding people that many cooling centers remain open statewide.
Read More: Illinois Legal Aid Faces $18M Cut Under Trump Budget Proposal, Threatening Services for Thousands
This Comes After Tornadoes Just Days Ago
This heatwave follows a bout of severe storms and confirmed EF1 tornadoes in Jacksonville, which knocked out power for hundreds earlier this week. As of Friday, all known outages have been resolved.
How are you preparing for this extreme heat wave in your part of Illinois? Tell us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
