ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Hot, steamy weather is settling over Illinois and forecasters say the dangerous heat index will make it feel like it’s in the triple digits.
The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities is issuing a heat advisory for the region, beginning at 1 p.m. Meteorologists say the humidity will make it feel like it’s between 98 degrees and 104 degrees outside.
Communities across the state are opening cooling centers and the Illinois Department of Public Health is urging people to stay safe as the mercury climbs.
In Champaign, 91 degrees was the high Wednesday, and that number is expected to at least remain the same the next couple of days. Thursday, it will again be 91 degrees, and on Friday, residents will see a high of 93.
Gov. Pat Quinn announced Wednesday afternoon that the state has opened more than 100 cooling centers.
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There are three cooling centers in Champaign-Urbana: the Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign; and two Department of Human Services offices: 1307 N. Mattis Avenue and 705 N. Country Fair Drive.
The National Weather Service in Romeoville blames the heat wave on a “persistent area” of high pressure that’s stalled over the region.
The hottest weather is expected Friday.
