More Record Heat for Chicago, Midwest Next Week

By Anthony Sagliani, Meteorologist

September 7,2013; 10:37AM,EDT

 

 

As an intense wheel of heat spins across the central and southern Plains, a cold front slowly dropping down from Canada will push the highest temperatures into the Midwest early next week.
After a very warm day on Saturday, Chicago will cool down into the 70s for Sunday, but the respite from summerlike warmth will be short-lived.
Extreme temperatures on Saturday into Sunday from Goodland, Kan., into McCook, Neb., will make a surge into the Midwest on Monday into Tuesday.

On Monday, highs will hit the lower to middle 90s from Omaha, Neb., into Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Saint Louis, Mo.
On Tuesday, the heat makes its way into Chicago, with high temperatures nearing the record of 95 degrees, set on Sept. 10, 1983.
Interestingly, one has to go back to Sept. 26, 1998 to find the last time a record high was observed in Chicago for the month of September.
The extreme heat will also have some impact on Sunday's NFL games, namely in Saint Louis where the Rams play the Arizona Cardinals.
This game will start around 4:25 p.m. as high temperatures peak around 90 degrees with stifling humidity.

If you will be heading to this game, or have any other outdoor plans this weekend into the start of next week, here are a few helpful ideas for staying safe in the heat from Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital:
- Stay Hydrated. The most important tip is to remember to drink plenty of water. Sports drinks can also restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance.
- Avoid Midday Rays. Stay indoors if possible during peak temperatures, which are typically between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Dress Appropriately. Wear loose clothing that allows your body to breath, such as cotton and protect your head and face from the sun by wearing a hat with a brim.
- Limit Intense Activity. Refrain from intensive outdoor activity in high humidity, which can hinder sweat from evaporating quickly and prevent the body from releasing heat effectively.

A strong cold front will cut its way through the sweltering heat on Wednesday, triggering showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Much cooler and more refreshing air will arrive late next week into the weekend.