Chicago weather: Heat, humidity hangs over city, suburbs

CHICAGO (WLS) -- As temperatures reached 90 degrees at O'Hare Airport on Tuesday afternoon, the heat index was more than 100 degrees in some parts of the Chicago area.

After a very wet June, and a pretty cool spring, folks are trying to spend as much time as possible under the hot summer sun before it's too late.

"Gorgeous, gorgeous. Love to be out here to see everybody run around. The beach is full on a Tuesday, I love it," said Jeff Dolan.

"You get to hang out in the water and just play and have fun," said Kellen Dolan.

The hot sun means dollar signs for the folks at Nichols Farm and Orchard in McHenry County. They've had it rough the last few months.

"June at the farmers market was tough. On a rainy day, not many people are coming out, only our faithful are making their way out on a rainy day. If it rains during lunch hour, we're bringing it all home," said Steve Freeman, Nichols Farm and Orchard.

Now, the hot weather is helping produce grow and customers buy.

PHOTOS: Black rhino cools off in pool

There was some respite from the hot weather for Layla, a 4-year-old black rhino, who cooled off in her pool at the Brookfield Zoo.

Back in the city, folks flocked to North Avenue Beach, where siblings Brian and Faith Little just want to enjoy their summer break before school starts next month.

"It's gonna be sad to see summer go because I'm going to college soon," Brian Little said.

"It lasts so long in Chicago with the bad weather, so it's just a relief that summer is finally here. We want to spend some of the best weather days here at the beach," Faith Little said.

Even those that are not crazy about the heat and humidity know we better enjoy it while it lasts.

A cold front will move through the Chicago area on Tuesday night, bringing the chance for isolated thunderstorms. While the heat will linger through the rest of the week and the upcoming weekend, the humidity will be much lower on Wednesday.