Severe storms could hit Chicago, followed by extreme heat wave

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Chicago, Cicero, and Schaumburg until 7:15 p.m. In Arlington Heights, Evanston and Schaumburg, the warning also included severe thunderstorms, wind gusts up to 70mph and hail as large as 2 inches.

As the severe weather leaves, extreme heat will follow. Temperatures in the high 90s will hit Chicago on Tuesday and Wednesday.

[ Heat wave: How you can help yourself and the people around you when it’s hot outside ]

The hot weather could set local records. Tuesday’s projected high of 98 degrees is just shy of the 99-degree record high for June 14, and Wednesday’s high of 97 degrees edges June 15′s historic high mark: 95 degrees set in 1994.

But it will feel even hotter. High levels of humidity will make the heat index — how the heat is felt by the body — warmer, elevating the index to around 105 degrees, Lincoln said.

“Ninety degrees in and of itself, although it’s warm, will certainly feel a lot worse,” he said.

The National Weather Service advises Chicagoans to limit outdoor activity, check in on neighbors and family and not leave children or pets in cars.

“It’s dangerous if people don’t use caution,” Lincoln said.

[ ‘I was scared to go to sleep’: Residents, family members describe oven-like conditions in Rogers Park building where 3 women died ]

Three Chicago women died in a Rogers Park senior housing facility during a heat wave last month. Residents had begged the property managers for days to turn off the heat and turn on the air conditioning amid record-breaking temperatures, residents and family members said.