City Officials Warn Residents About Heat Wave

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- The temperatures are expected to be in the mid-nineties for the next couple of days, and that has city officials concerned. 

Dr. Bechara Choucair, commissioner of the city's Department of Public Health, says this could be a killer two-day heat wave.

"I want to state in the clearest terms possible that extreme heat and humidity are more than just an inconvenience. They are dangerous and, in some cases, can be deadly," Choucair said at a Monday news conference.

Evelyn Diaz, acting commissioner of the Department of Family and Support Services, hopes Chicagoans will look out for one another.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Mike Krauser reports

"We're asking Chicagoans to check on their older neighbors, particularly those with disabilities or who may be isolated from friends and family," she said.  

CBS 2 Meteorologist Mary Kay Kleist predicts Tuesday will feel like 96 to 101 degrees.

You can request a well-being check by calling 3-1-1. 

There are cooling centers throughout the city, and all police and fire stations and libraries can be used to cool off.

"Heat stroke" symptoms include an extremely high body temperature (103 degrees or above); dizziness and nausea; a throbbing headache and rapid pulse; and red, hot skin.

To keep cool, city officials recommend residents:

--Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day.

--Avoid going out in the heat during the hottest part of the day.

--Take an occasional cool bath or shower to cool your skin and remove heat from your body.

--Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and wear a hat to protect your head.