The National Weather Service said Chicago will face another “Ring of Fire” storm this week, although it may not be as severe as the more than two dozen tornadoes it spawned earlier this month.
The heat index is also expected to exceed 100 degrees later this week.
National Weather Service senior meteorologist Brett Borchardt said this week's storms have a similar “ring of fire” pattern, where storms form around a heat dome. On July 15, a similar pattern produced a storm complex known as a derecho, which resulted in 31 tornadoes moving through the Chicago area.
However, Borchardt warned that this week's storm may not be as severe. He said damaging winds are the main concern, although tornadoes are also possible.
“Right now we're not seeing any indication that the storm will be as severe as it was a few weeks ago,” Borchardt said. “But it's still a pattern and you have to stay up to date with the latest forecasts.”
Hot and stormy weather will continue across the region. Wednesday and Thursday will be the hottest and wettest days, with strong to severe storms possible. Stay up to date with the latest weather forecast! #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/diyMHQm7dR
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 29, 2024
Borchardt said Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be the hottest days of the week, with temperatures in the mid-90s, but humidity will push the heat index as high as 105 degrees in some parts of the region. He said it was like “air you could wear.”
In response to the expected high temperatures, the city's cooling centers will be open this week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the Garfield Center will be open 24 hours a day. Here are the locations:
- Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th St.
- Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
- King Center – 4314 S. Cottage Grove
- Northside Center – 845 W. Wilson Ave.
- South Chicago Center – 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
- Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave.
City officials have also previously advised people to take advantage of other city facilities to stay cool, such as the Chicago Public Library, Chicago Park District ballparks and Chicago Police Department regional stations. Residents can find the nearest cooling center by visiting the website or calling 311.
This week’s heat index is no joke! Chicago's cooling centers will be open throughout the week – to find the nearest location, you just call 3-1-1. pic.twitter.com/vvFYpt8D6c
— Chicago OEMC (@ChicagoOEMC) July 29, 2024
Borchardt said if thunderstorms continue throughout the day Wednesday and Thursday (if there's a chance), they could bring cooler temperatures. High temperatures “trigger” the atmosphere for storms, while humidity increases the risk of damaging winds.
“Keep informed of the weather forecast, limit time in the sun and stay hydrated, but also keep an eye on the sky,” Borchardt said. “Sometimes, when it's this hot outside, storms can develop quickly, so if you hear thunder or see clouds starting to tower over you, be prepared to move indoors.”
