Chicago weather: Heat index begins to rise across area, storms possible overnight

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A lot of people across the Chicago area are doing what they can to keep cool Saturday while enjoying the summer day.

The hot weather meant a day at the splash pad for some families.

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The Chicago area is in the grips of a heat wave. The area could see three consecutive days of heat and humidity topping out at in the 90s.

Chicagoans know how to make the most of the summer days. It was a hot one across the city, but that didn't stop people from enjoying festivals and all sorts of family fun in downtown.

Neighborhood streets packed with action at West Fest as people kept themselves cool with ice cold drinks while also dancing through this heat wave.

"Love it ... love it ... variety of people, so much fun," Winnetka resident Tobi Heekin said. "Feels comfortable. It's just really a great night."

The festival offered all sorts of local goods, showcasing the best art, food and music in Chicago.

Some said the atmosphere is the best way to brave through these hot days of summer.

"It's nice getting to walk around and see all the people doing things they love," Lexi Serediuk said.

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Chicago's parks and beaches were also filled with energy Saturday, with families enjoying the sunshine and letting the kids get active.

"It's toasty but we try to manage the heat by coming to some of the splash pads in the area," Bronzeville resident Cory Harris said. 'We also hit up 31st Street Beach."

Some South Side neighborhood residents did not let the summer heat stop their fun. The 93rd and Eberhart block club made sure able to stay cool during Saturday's block party. Kids enjoyed a bouncy house and other fun while homeowners and resident got a chance to get to know each other again.

While for some the weekend has been about enjoying the weather and staying cool, for others it's about embracing the moment with the help of some good music.

Jackson Park was filled with fans of DJ and house music at the Chosen Fruit music concert did not disappoint once again.

The hot temperatures are here to stay for a couple days with the heat index possibly reaching triple digits. Some said that's no problem.

"100 degrees is far better than 40 below, just saying," Michele Robinson said.

Plenty of visitors were taking in the city for the first time this weekend. One man from Virginia, Matt Preston, told ABC7 the weather was actually nice compared to his hometown.

"It's warm but it's not as humid as it is in Virginia, so I would be soaked right now all the way through," Preston said.

AC units will be put to work across the area for the next couple of days. The city is also prepared with several cooling centers open throughout the weekend.

READ MORE | How to stay cool in Chicago area amid heat wave, and heat sickness symptoms to know