CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) -
We haven't broken a record — yet, but it has been exceptionally hot Thursday. As of 2:30 p.m. the temperature at Midway Airport and Northerly Island had reached 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
O'Hare International Airport, where the city's official temperature is recorded, has reached 100 degrees, the weather service said. The record high temperature for June 28 in Chicago is 101 degrees, set in 1971.
The weather service has issued a heat advisory that remains in effect until 8 p.m.
The weather service said that while there is still time to reach the century mark, a cold front is beginning to sag south into northern Illinois and a lake breeze is expected to push inland from Lake Michigan. Both are expected to drive temperatures down several degrees later this afternoon.
The city, state and many suburban municipalities have been telling residents how best to stay cool and safe.
"I want to state in the clearest terms that extreme heat and humidity are not just an inconvenience, they are dangerous and can be deadly," Dr. Julie Morita, Chicago Department of Public Health deputy commissioner, said Wednesday.
City officials put an emphasis on staying cool and keeping an eye out for those particularly vulnerable to extreme heat: the elderly and disabled.
Morita suggested residents avoid being out in the heat during the hottest part of the day; drink lots of water; stay away from alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks; take an occasional cool bath or shower — or cool off with a wet cloth or sponge.
Mike Guerra, a spokesman for ComEd, said the utility agency is well prepared for the heat, with 300 additional crews available for "extended and overnight hours as needed."
Metra is advising customers that they may encounter delays of 10 to 15 minutes on the commuter trains over the next few days because of the heat. With warmer temperatures, Metra explains, it is necessary to operate the trains at reduced speeds to compensate for heat-related stresses on the track, switches and signals.
Because of the heat, Chicago Public Schools canceled summer school Thursday at 12 schools that do not have air conditioning. Classes are expected to resume Friday.
