Chicago officials have opened six cooling centers across the city as an extreme heat warning takes hold through Wednesday evening, with heat index values expected to reach 105 degrees each afternoon.
The National Weather Service warning covers all of Chicago and Cook County. Temperatures will remain in the mid to upper 90s with oppressive humidity, creating dangerous conditions for elderly residents and those with chronic health conditions. Peak heat indices could reach near 110 degrees Tuesday.
The six cooling centers are open to all residents at no cost:
— Auburn Gresham Center, 1140 W. 79th St.
— Garfield Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
— King Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
— North Area Center, 845 W. Wilson Ave.
— South Chicago Center, 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
— Trina Davila Center, 4312 W. North Ave.
Chicago Police Department district stations are also available 24 hours for relief from the heat. Residents can call 311 or visit 311.chicago.gov to find the nearest cooling center and hours of operation, or to request a wellbeing check for a neighbor through the CHI311 app.
The city’s Department of Family and Support Services and the Chicago Department of Public Health are coordinating the response. DFSS Homeless Outreach and Prevention teams and street outreach partners will be in the field offering unhoused Chicagoans transportation to cooling centers, water, hygiene supplies, food gift cards and bus cards.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and multiple city agencies held a press conference Monday morning to outline the city’s heat response.
The warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. Wednesday. Residents are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, stay out of the sun and check on elderly neighbors and those with functional needs. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.