Humidity, triple-digit heat index readings on tap for Chicago

Humidity, triple-digit heat index readings on tap for Chicago
Tourists and residents enjoy Tuesday's hot weather on Chicago's Navy Pier. WBEZ/Elliott Ramos
Humidity, triple-digit heat index readings on tap for Chicago
Tourists and residents enjoy Tuesday's hot weather on Chicago's Navy Pier. WBEZ/Elliott Ramos

Humidity, triple-digit heat index readings on tap for Chicago

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The Chicago region on Tuesday could get hit with the hottest weather it has seen so far this year.

National Weather Service Senior Forecaster Mark Ratzer said it will be even warmer and muggier than it was on Monday.

“The sun’ll be beating down on us. We’re looking at air temperatures, probably somewhere between 96 and 98 degrees. And the actual heat index - what it will feel like to the body - will be probably about 101, 102 degrees,” Ratzer said.

Ratzer said the hot, humid weather will stick around northern Illinois through Wednesday. Meanwhile, the City of Chicago says it will have six cooling centers open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The city says residents can call 311 to find the closest location, or they can cool off in libraries, police stations or other public buildings.

The Weather Service predicts a cool front will move into the area Wednesday night, with temperatures dipping into the upper 60s, and a chance of showers and thunderstorms.