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A so-called “heat dome”, with an intensity that is setting
records dating back to the 1950s, has settled over Illinois.
“What that does is it funnels in very warm air as well as
humidity from the south and southwest so it helps to raise our
temperatures up to very high levels, mid to upper 90s and in
some places maybe reaching 100 degrees,” Trent Ford, Illinois
state climatologist, told The Center Square.
Cooling centers are opening in Chicago, Quincy, Decatur and
Springfield among other communities.
Ford said it was anticipated the remnants of Hurricane Hillary
would affect the Midwest and bring relief, but now that is
doubtful.
“That tropical storm we were originally forecasting to break
through and maybe swing up and then around the Midwest looks
like it's not going to happen now because that high pressure has
been pretty strong,” Ford said.
Some Illinois schools have delayed the start of the school year
or have switched to remote learning during the hot spell. Sports
activities are being canceled as well.
Ford said adding to the uncomfortable humid conditions is the
state’s massive corn crop and a phenomenon called “corn sweat”
as the plants release moisture into the air.
“That water can add up pretty significantly,” Ford said. “A
well-fed, healthy, active growing corn crop can transpire
perhaps up to three-tenths to maybe four-tenths of an inch of
water per day.”
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is encouraging
Illinois residents to take steps to protect themselves.
According to a news release, the agency said it is important to
take steps to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
With dangerously high temperatures and humidity in the forecast,
I urge everyone to take precautions and protect themselves and
their families from overheating and heat related illnesses. This
is especially important for very young children, people who are
pregnant and those who are older or have chronic health
conditions,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.
Temperatures are expected to return closer to normal Saturday.
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