CHICAGO (WLS) — Extreme heat is impacting the Chicago area on Monday afternoon after storms popped up in the morning hours.
The National Weather Service has announced a Heat Advisory effective from noon until 8 p.m. on Monday for several counties, including Boone, Cook, DeKalb, Will, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake (IL), Livingston, McHenry, Ogle, Winnebago, Newton, Jasper, Lake (IN), and Porter. Additionally, a previously issued Severe Thunderstorm Warning for some areas has been lifted.
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Afternoon temperatures rose to the low to mid-90s, but the heat index is expected to reach between 105 and 109 degrees, according to ABC7 Chicago AccuWeather Meteorologist Mark McGinnis.
But the heat is not stopping from coming to enjoy Monday night’s Summer Series concert at Millennium Park.
And heat or not, Lollapalooza kicks off on Thursday, and the work to get everything set up in time needs to be completed.
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Crews have been working nonstop all over Grant Park, setting up stages, food tents and outside vendors.
It is a beehive of activity. ABC7 spoke to one of the folks getting it all done about what it is like to work in these conditions.
“Our priority is ensuring everyone’s safety. We might take a 15-minute break every half hour, which might be more than necessary. However, we have ample cold water, plenty of shade, hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses available,” said Thomas Hickman.
ABC7 also spoke to a pulmonary specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital earlier Monday.
Dr. Justin Fiala said people need to be attentive to how their body is reacting, especially if they are spending a significant period of time outdoors.
“If the heart rate is racing. If there is a pounding headache. Flushed skin, but dry skin, so you’re not sweating as much, as you ought to be those are signs that maybe you should reassess. Take a break from whatever you’re doing,” Fiala said.
Fiala said it is the humidity that the body struggles with the most. But the good news is that the Chicago area should catch a break from the sweltering conditions by the end of Tuesday. In the meantime, it is important to hydrate.
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