With today officially marking the first day of summer, extreme heat and humidity are expected to sweep through Central Illinois and the Midwest.
The National Weather Service office in Lincoln has issued a heat advisory for McLean County beginning at noon Saturday, and lasting until 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Starting Saturday, high temperatures are expected to stay in the mid-90s, accompanied by strong winds. Gusts could reach 30 mph on Saturday, according to the weather service.
Heat index values are projected to spike to 105 degrees, which is considered within the “danger” range. In these conditions, heat exhaustion and heat-related illnesses are likely.
The National Weather Service recommends the following safety tips during heat advisories:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
- Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m..
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a short period.
These warnings don’t just apply to Illinois and the Midwest. As of Friday morning, more than 42 million Americans were under extreme heat watches, 37 million were under heat advisories, and over 20 million were under extreme heat warnings.
Record high minimum temperatures can be expected Friday night, according to the NWS.
The next several days are expected to remain dry. The next threat for showers and thunderstorms is Tuesday afternoon.