Chicago weather: Tuesday marks hottest day of 2026 so far; Air Quality Alert in effect
Potentially thick wildfire smoke could drift into the area this week.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The forecast for the Chicago area is again heating up Tuesday with an Air Quality Alert also in effect.
ABC7 AccuWeather Meteorologist said Tuesday is Chicago's hottest day of the year so far, with the temperature at O'Hare reaching 96 degrees.
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ABC7 AccuWeather Meteorologist Tracy Butler said the heat index is around 98-103 degrees Tuesday. Temperatures will be lower along the immediate lakefront, and the dew points will not be as high as they were leading up to July 4.
An Air Quality Alert is also in effect for much of the area through Wednesday night. The air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Wildfire smoke could potentially drift into the area on Wednesday night into Thursday, and it could stick around into the weekend. There are some projections that could be rather thick, Mowry said.
Elevated ozone levels, heat pose health risks
Dr. Juanita Mora of the American Lung Association warned that elevated ozone levels, combined with the heat, can pose health risks.
"That ozone becomes like a sunburn into the lungs, and when that occurs people can start wheezing, having coughing, having respiratory problems, along from the heat, and all the dehydration that can occur," Mora said.
The hot weather will continue on Wednesday, with highs in the mid-90s and a heat index over 100 degrees.
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications is encouraging residents to be prepared for extreme heat.
Cooling centers are expected to be open.
When the temperatures climb to extreme levels, it is important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors and vulnerable populations. Chicago residents can call 311 for well-being checks.
Chicago-area residents beat the heat at pools
The hot weather drove residents to area pools on Tuesday.
At Pioneer Park in Arlington Heights, one of four outdoor public pools open this summer, visitors took precautions to protect themselves from the sun.
"We definitely have our mineral-based zinc oxide sunscreen on, at least 50. And we have hats and towels, and we're taking breaks," said Hannah Metthopoulos, who was visiting the pool with her nieces.
Carrie Fullerton, executive director of the Arlington Heights Park District, said staffing is increased on especially hot days.
"We add an extra lifeguard to every shift on days like today to ensure that there are additional rotations and that we're keeping a good watch on these kids," Fullerton said.
Fans brave heat and poor air quality for Noah Kahan concert at Wrigley Field
Meanwhile, fans waited for hours outside Wrigley Field on what was, so far, the hottest day of the year as Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist Noah Kahan brought his Great Divide Tour to Chicago.
"We're just going to get some, you know, sodas, water, whatever it takes. We'll stand out in the heat as long as we're listening to his music, I think, we'll be OK," said Northbrook resident Jenna Kamensky.
With gates opening shortly before the show, concertgoers gathered outside the stadium in high temperatures that fostered a sense of community among those waiting in line.
Joey Martini, who spent hours waiting with fellow fans, said the experience helped strangers connect.
"Now, I feel like I've known them forever. We've just been camping here," Martini said.
Fans found creative ways to cope with the heat, including sharing ice and helping one another stay cool.
"See, this is why I'm doing it. For the people," Martini said.
He said the effort grew out of the collective experience of enduring the weather together.
"Someone got ice, and then I was, like, 'Ok, I'll go get some ice. I'll bring some ice back.' Yeah, we're all hot. We're all sweating. We're all here for the same reasons," Martini said.
Some fans arrived early with lawn chairs, water, and umbrellas as they waited for tickets and prepared for the concert.
"I've been out here since about six AM," said Zachary Rappel.
Rappel said the long wait and difficult conditions created a shared bond among those in line.
"It feels like a sense of community and a sense that it's a little bit of shared suffering, too. We're all here for a goal. We're here to get some tickets. And, we're going to bear the heat to do it," he said.
At Wrigley Field, signage near entrances warned attendees about the heat and encouraged them to stay hydrated and take breaks if needed as concertgoers prepared for the evening performance.
"I've seen so many stories of people, like, passing out at concerts and being taken out, so hopefully, we're hydrated and we make it through," said Eadie Poulsen, who is visiting from Eugene, Oregon.
