Chicago Weather Alert: Record-setting 120° heat index
CHICAGO (CBS) -- If you think it's never felt this hot in Chicago before, you're right.
CBS 2 Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon reports, As of 3 p.m., the heat index had hit 120°, the hottest "feels like" temperature in recorded history in Chicago.
The actual temperature hit 100° at O'Hare by 3 p.m., making it the hottest day in the city in more than a decade, since July 6, 2012, when it reached 103°. It also tied the record temperature for Aug. 24 in Chicago, set in 1947.
This comes after Chicago set an Aug. 23 record on Wednesday, when the temperature reached 98°, topping the old {Aug. 23 record of 97° in 1947. The heat index topped out at 116° on Wednesday, tied for the second highest on record for the city, a mark not seen since 1995.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m. for Lake (IL) and McHenry County.
A front will move into the area shortly and could be the focus for strong to severe thunderstorms. Damaging winds and large hail are the primary concerns.
An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect until 8 p.m.
According to CBS 2 Meteorologist Mary Kay Kleist, you can expect 110-115 degrees heat index values.
A cold front across southern Wisconsin is headed our way this evening. The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch along parts of the Illinois-Wisconsin state line through 10 p.m., including Lake, McHenry, and Boone counties in Illinois.
Damaging winds and hail are possible with any stronger storms that may form. Winds quickly turn northeasterly behind the front later this evening, ushering in a cooler and more stable air mass.
The weekend will feature fair skies and cooler-than-average temperatures. The average high is 82 degrees. Lake Michigan's water temp is 76 degrees.
TONIGHT: EVENING STORM CHANCE. THEN BREEZY & COOLER. LOW 71.
FRIDAY: PARTLY SUNNY. HIGH 83.
SATURDAY: PARTLY SUNNY. HIGH 76.
SUNDAY: PARTLY SUNNY. HIGH 75.