Chicago weather: Extreme Heat Warning in effect for entire area
Heat index values will be between 103 and 108 degrees.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Extreme heat continues to blanket the Chicago area Tuesday.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the entire Chicago area, which will remain until midnight Friday.
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For Tuesday, high temperatures are forecast in the upper 90s with heat index values between 103-108 degrees.
Residents across the area are turning to splash pads, cooling centers and the lakefront as an oppressive heat wave continues to grip the region.
For Katherine Brooks and her son Cameron, visiting the splash pad at Central Park in Skokie offered a welcome break.
"We have a backyard and we have a splash pad there, too," Brooks said.
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The village's splash pads and water parks remain popular options for staying cool. Indoor facilities such as the Weber Leisure Center are also serving as cooling centers, allowing summer camps and other programs to continue safely despite dangerous temperatures.
"Skokie Park District cares about our campers and our program participants and so we always want to make sure they're safe in the heat, so we come indoors to make sure that no one's outside too long," said Mary Amato of the Skokie Park District.
The lakefront also drew crowds seeking relief. For Isabel Amat and Amelia Ward, getting into the water was the best way to cool off - even if the extreme heat made them hesitate.
"I think today was almost at that point. When you're on the sand, it's burning your feet," Ward said.
Meanwhile, in the first two hours of the Lincoln Square Farmer's Market opening, 600-700 people came through. It goes to show that not even the high temps are keeping people from supporting small businesses.
Some process changes had to be made, especially for the easy-to-melt things like John Bailey Honey's beeswax candles.
"My dad's hammered into me that it's rain or shine," Preston Bailey said. "We come out no matter what the weather."
The customers did, too.
"I love keeping my money in the community instead of going to a big corporation, and I can keep these people coming here and feeding me well," customer Genevieve Brehl said.
The Lincoln Square Farmer's Market opens at 7 a.m. Tuesdays.
While others embrace the hot weather, some are just trying to beat the heat before it becomes too much to bare.
"I do have asthma; so I try to become active earlier in the morning, so I can rest for the rest of the day," Jeramie Strickland said.
Strickland was one of many Chicagoans getting their walk or run in early Tuesday morning. Others gave their pets a chance to enjoy the coolness of the lake, but it's still going to be important to take precautions.
"I would say hydrate. Stay cool; trust your body. If there's any signs or any symptoms, try to stay directly out of the sun," Strickland said.
And with the region still facing prolonged heat, emergency responders warn that extended exposure could lead to more medical emergencies.
Megan Kamarchevakul, EMS field chief with the Evanston Fire Department, urged residents to stay hydrated, keep cool and pace outdoor activity.
"Certain medications and caffeine and whatnot can make situations worse," she said.
Officials also encourage residents to check on older adults, young children and neighbors who may be especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
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Doctors and city officials are reminding people to check on neighbors, stay hydrated and use cooling centers, if needed.
The best way to avoid heat-related illness and stay safe is to stay indoors and use fans and air conditioning to keep your home cool. Limit your time outdoors. Stay out of the sun. Wear loose, light clothing and drink lots of water and fluids to remain hydrated.
The city set up cooling centers across Chicago.
People can also find relief at one of the city's public libraries, Chicago Park District fieldhouses, as well as pools and splash pads.
Chicago Public Schools said their summer programming will be held inside through Wednesday.
