Heat Advisory In Effect For Chicago Area
(CBS) -- A heat advisory is in effect for the Chicago area until 8 p.m. Saturday evening.
Saturday's high is 95 degrees with heat indices up to 110 degrees. The National Weather Service says the combination of excessive heat and humidity will create oppressive conditions and prolonged exposure could lead to the development of heat-related illness.
Mayor Emanuel is asking Chicagoans to check on neighbors, especially the elderly.
"This is the first time this summer the truth is that Chicago has experienced some real warmth in the weather so we have extended the hours at three of our cooling centers to make sure that those who are vulnerable in the sense they don't have air conditioning, they are on in there years, that they have a place to go where they can actually be comfortable," Emanuel said.
For information on cooling centers in Chicago, click here. For cooling centers in Illinois, click here.
The Chicago Fire Department is also concerned.
"We do worry about open hydrants," said fire spokesman Larry Langford. "When it gets hot, it seems to be some kind of tradition to open a hydrant up and it is a dangerous tradition. We don't like it."
Open hydrants can cause a drop in pressure and Langoford says it also dangerous because the spray can hide kids and several years a go a child playing in the spray from a hydrant and was hit by a car and killed.
Pet owners are urged to take the heat conditions into account. For more information about keeping your pets safe, click here.
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In addition to the heat, there is also the possibility of severe weather. The NWS issued a Tornado Watch for the Chicago area until 10 p.m.
There is a 50 percent chance for rain in the late afternoon and evening hours Saturday and there is a slight chance for severe weather.
On Sunday The expected high temperature is 88 degrees with a 40 percent chance for rain.
The Rock N Roll Marathon Series is in Chicago this weekend and race organizers and runners are preparing for the heat.
At the 5K Saturday morning, water stations lined the race route and organizers said extensive medical staff were on hand. The Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon will take place Sunday morning.
