ROCKFORD, IL — Severe heat is descending over the Rockford region and across northern Illinois, according to an extreme heat warning issued by the National Weather Service.
Meteorologists are expecting dangerously high temperatures and humidity that have the potential to cause heat-related illnesses.
A heat advisory was issued that included portions of central, east central, north central and northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana. Among the counties that are being warned of the heat wave are Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston, Iroquois, Ford, Will, Lake, Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Carroll and Whiteside counties in Illinois.
The heat advisory will remain in effect until 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 1.
Temperatures are expected to reach a high around 95 degrees each of the next few days, but with heat index values around 105 degrees expected each afternoon, the National Weather Service warns.
The National Weather Service says people should drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room if possible, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. They warn residents not to leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles because car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in minutes.
The heat wave could be followed by a series of showers and thunderstorms Thursday and potentially over the Fourth of July weekend.
Illinois weather radar
Illinois weather watches and warnings
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: What to expect as dangerous heat wave targets much of Illinois
Reporting by Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jeff Kolkey, Rockford Register Star | USA TODAY Network
