City Issues Heat Advisory For Thursday

The city of Evanston has issued a heat advisory for Thursday, when temperatures are expected to spike near 100 degrees.

According to the National Weather Service, the high in Evanston could be 99 degrees tomorrow, with heat index values as high as 104 degrees. The heat advisory goes into effect at noon and lasts until 8 p.m., according to a press release from the city.

“With temperatures and heat indices rising, the Evanston Health Department urges all residents to take preventive actions throughout the summer to avoid heat-related illness, such as heat stroke,” Evanston Health Department Director Evonda Thomas said in the release.

While heat illness can strike anyone, infants, the elderly, people with a mental illness and anyone who is physically ill—particularly with heart disease or high blood pressure—is at increased risk, Thomas said. 

Residents without air conditioning may also visit one of several designated cooling centers in the city:

• Chandler-Newberger Center at 1028 Central St., open until 7 p.m.
• at 2024 McCormick Blvd., open until 5 p.m.
• at 1655 Foster St., open until 9 p.m.
• at 927 Noyes St., open until 7 p.m.
• at 300 Dodge Ave., open until 9 p.m.
• at 1701 Main St., open until midnight.

The city offered the following tips for staying safe during the heat:

• Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, as they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. During a heat emergency, information about local cooling shelters will be posted online or can be found by calling 3-1-1.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.