Chicago’s first heat wave of the year could arrive in the coming days with temperatures beginning to rise as crowds gather for Pride festivities, followed by hot conditions that will likely continue through next week and into the Fourth of July holiday.
"Dangerously" high temperatures are forecast in the 90s, with heat indices potentially surpassing 100 degrees, from Monday through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
The high on Sunday, when Chicago’s 55th annual Pride Parade is scheduled, is forecast to reach 87 degrees with muggy conditions, according to the weather service.
The hottest temperatures are expected Monday through Wednesday, with hot and humid conditions and little to no cooling from Lake Michigan, weather officials said. Storms are possible Thursday and Friday and could bring some relief, but without them, heat incedes could climb as high as 105 degrees.
Whether the heat wave extends into July 4 depends on if storms that could cool the area develop next Friday, said NWS meteorologist Zachary Yack.
“If we don’t get the storms, then there’s a chance it could linger into next weekend. That’s the tricky and hard part to answer right now,” Yack said.
High air pressure entering the Midwest and eastern half of the U.S. is expected to “stay parked there” and create what’s referred to as a “heat dome” over the area, Yack said.
“When you have that, plus the summertime sunning, it all leads to just hot temperatures, humidity and, of course, those heat indices of more concerning and dangerous levels for those who are sensitive to heat,” Yack said.
Officials with the NWS and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications are urging residents to begin planning for the hot weather ahead of time.
Aside from a few spotty showers well south of I-80, mainly dry conditions are expected early next week. The focus will turn to the hot and humid conditions developing with peak heat indices over 100 degrees for much of next week. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/89JRgT533G
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) June 27, 2026
“If you’re going to be out and about next week, it’s best to make sure you have ways to stay hydrated, stay cool, so things like have water, cool drinks,” Yack said. “If you’re somebody who works outside, make sure you’re planning to wear lighter clothing. Prep that kind of stuff ahead of time.”
“During the heat wave, check on neighbors, friends, especially those who maybe have medical issues that the heat makes worse,” he said. “If you know a friend who doesn’t have air conditioning, reach out to them, make sure they’re doing OK.”
The city’s Department of Family and Support Services plans to open the following six cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday:
- Auburn Gresham Center, 1140 W. 79th St.
- Garfield Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
- King Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove
- North Area Center, 845 W. Wilson Ave.
- South Chicago Center, 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
- Trina Davila Center, 4312 W. North Ave.
Residents are also welcome to cool off at any of the Chicago Public Library locations, Chicago Park District fieldhouses, City Colleges of Chicago main campus locations and any of the Chicago Police Department’s 22 district stations, where people may also be connected to a shelter.
Well-being checks can be requested by calling 311 or visiting 311.chicago.gov.
