Chicago sweats it out as heat index expected to reach 102 degrees

Chicagoans are stepping up to help one another during another heat wave in the city.

Temperatures are expected to reach 93 degrees Wednesday with a heat index of 102, according to the National Weather Service. An extreme heat warning is in effect through much of Thursday, when temperatures are forecast at a high of 97 with a heat index of 107.

Some showers are possible Wednesday, but showers and storms are more likely Thursday afternoon and evening, when the heat wave is expected to break.

Sweat-soaked and smiling, more than 20 volunteers gathered near St. Sabina Catholic Church Wednesday afternoon to pass out free water bottles to neighbors and commuters on the corner of 79th Street and Racine Avenue in Auburn Gresham. More than 1,200 bottles of water were donated by various grocery stores and residents, said Fr. Michael Pfleger, who was also passing out water.

“For some people, water is a luxury,” he said.

Staying hydrated is key to avoiding heat-related illnesses, according to Brett Borchardt, senior meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s office in Romeoville. He suggested staying in air-conditioned rooms if possible, and staying out of direct sunlight if you have to be outside.

“You want to stay hydrated through this whole heat wave, even if you’re not thirsty,” Borchardt said.

As volunteers filled crates, coolers and trash cans with ice-cold water, Pfleger recalled the 1995 heat wave that killed 739 people and said there are lessons to be learned from it.

“It wasn’t just extreme heat, it was because we didn’t look after each other,” he said.

Temperatures are expected to stay high overnight Wednesday, Borchardt said. In the Loop and other areas downtown Chicago, the temperatures are forecast to stay above 80 degrees, and Borchardt said staying in the air conditioning and checking on loved ones is especially important.

Lynette Amos, 75, was walking to a nearby Walgreens when she took a bottle of water from a volunteer.

“It’s a blessing is all I can say,” she said. “I’m thankful to Father Pfleger for coming out for low-income folks and Blacks. I pray all the time for our people and this area.”

Volunteers approached cars, CTA buses and school buses stopped at red lights to relieved faces.

“It’s hot, you can see it in their faces,” said volunteer Carl Bailey. “They’re appreciative, that’s what makes it easier.”

Nursing student Dexter Kimbrough said he decided to volunteer because he’s been looking for ways to connect with and serve his community in Auburn Gresham.

“It makes it all worthwhile just to see people smile,” he said between trips onto a CTA bus to pass out bottles.

On the North Side, Chanica Davis took shelter from the heat at the water splash pad of Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt Ave.

The Rogers Park resident brought her two kids, and the two kids she nannies, to the park she frequents to cool down on hot days.

While the splash pad took a five-minute break, Davis bought the kids lemon, cookies and cream-flavored popsicles from an ice cream vendor roaming the park.

“The heat is on,” Davis said to her 3-year-old daughter.