Lake County is roasting under its first major heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to remain high — even by the lake — for several days until a potential storm breaks it later this week.
According to the National Weather Service, Chicagoland is under an extreme heat warning until midnight Thursday, experiencing “dangerously hot conditions” with heat index values around 105 degrees each afternoon, along with high humidity.
Cooling centers have opened up around the county, offering air-conditioned oases during dangerously high temperatures that can land many people in the hospital.
Victoria Weston, medical director for the Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care Centers and associate chief medical officer, said it’s the time of year for heat-related illnesses. Medical personnel were “anticipating and preparing” for this heatwave, since it’s the first for the year.
She advised residents to be mindful, dressing for the heat, staying out of the sun, and keeping an eye on potential heat exhaustion or heat stroke symptoms.
Such symptoms can vary depending on exposure and preexisting health, but people may find they are lightheaded, thirsty, dizzy, excessively sweaty or nauseous, she said.
Other serious symptoms include high body temperatures, red, hot and dry skin with no sweat, a rapid pulse, and confusion, Lake County officials said. In such cases, people are advised to contact emergency services.
“Listen to your body. If you’re not feeling well, if you’re feeling overheated, try to get yourself inside and in the air conditioning,” Weston said. “Keep an eye on your symptoms, don’t spend too much time outdoors, get inside and cool off when you can.”
Those caring for older adults or young children need to be especially mindful, since they may not be able to communicate when they’re feeling overheated, she said. Pregnant women and patients with preexisting heart, lung or kidney issues should also take “extra precautions.”
But if someone is experiencing symptoms, “we’d rather see you and just make sure you’re okay,” Weston said.
Waukegan Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Burleson said part of the issue with this heatwave is the sustained heat over multiple days, meaning the body can’t cool down properly and rehydrate. He advised people to make sure to find times to cool down.
He advised people to check on older or ill family members who are “less able to handle the heat” and visit nearby cooling centers available during heatwaves.
Burleson warned that being near the lake is unlikely to help break the heat, although going to the beach to get in the water will still be a good time, he said. With the heat, he advised finding indoor activities, wearing sunscreen and staying safe.
While heat exhaustion can be treated by moving to a cool area and slowly rehydrating, anyone experiencing intense or persistent symptoms should contact emergency services, he warned, since heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency.
“As the heat goes on, people become less and less capable of handling the heat because it’s accumulating in them,” Burleson said.
County officials warned against leaving any people or pets in closed cars, which become deadly greenhouses that reach dangerous temperatures rapidly. Children, whose body temperatures warm “at a rate three to five times faster than an adult,” are especially at risk.
Outdoor pets will need plenty of cool water and shade, officials said. Anyone travelling for the upcoming holidays should also plan for the weather.
