Triple Digit Temps Prompt Severe Weather Warning

It's hot, and it will keep getting hotter. 

The National Weather Service is predicting temperature highs of 100 to 105 degrees for July 5 and 6. The heat index will peak between 107 and 113 degrees on Thursday and Friday afternoons. An excessive heat warning remains in effect. 

Temperatures have been hovering around triple digits all week and that could mean problems for those without air conditioning. The NWS reports that the prolonged heat can be extremely taxing on the elderly.

Local officials are urging neighbors to check on those you think might be at risk due to the heat.

Tom Skilling reports that yesterday was the hottest July 4 in more than a century. In his WGN weather blog he writes of the historic nature of this week's temperatures: 

"The rarity of Chicago temperatures at that level can't be overstated. Of 51,465 daily temperatures which have been archived over the 142 years of official weather observations in Chicago, only 19 of them have reached or exceeded that level."

The Illinois EPA has also issued an Air Quality Alert for Cook County. This is the fifth alert of the year. 

Temperatures might break slightly on Saturday when they creep down to 95 degrees. 

Know heat disorder symptoms (and how to treat them):

• SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.

• HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.

• HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

• HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106 degrees or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First aid: Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.
• IF ANYONE IS OVERCOME BY HEAT, they should be moved to a cool and shaded area. If someone falls to heat stroke, call 911.

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