The Crown Fountain in Millennium Park is pictured in a file photo. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
Heatwave 2023 is one for the record books. On Thursday, Chicago notched its first official 100-degree day since 2012 and tied a daily high set nearly 80 years ago, according to the National Weather Service.
The heat index — or “feels like” temperature — soared even higher, courtesy of oppressive humidity.
Due to the excessive heat, the Chicago Park District moved several events indoors and canceled others. Decisions were still pending on Movies in the Parks, the district said, with updates to be posted on Facebook. A handful of pools, along with hundreds of splash pads, remained open to help people cool off.
Despite the stress on the power grid, ComEd had few outages to report.
A cold front, expected to blow through the region Thursday evening, will bring much needed relief to the area.
#Chicago-O'Hare has just hit 100°F. This is the first time since 7/6/2012 that Chicago has officially observed a 100°F temperature. This also ties Chicago's daily high temperature record for this date set in 1947. #ilwx
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) August 24, 2023
Chicago's heat index is 120°!!!
Weather records began in November 1870 and the previous hottest was 118° #Ilwx #Heatwave pic.twitter.com/bFlJk4L7WZ
— Bill Karins (@BillKarins) August 24, 2023
Our OEMC team was back at it again this morning - passing out thousands of water bottles across the city! The heat and humidity are still here so make sure you're taking all the proper precautions to stay safe! pic.twitter.com/OjBWQ5X8JL
— Chicago OEMC (@ChicagoOEMC) August 24, 2023
200+ Water Spray Features & Splash Pads are ON. A complete list of all features is available at https://t.co/8RGYdOoq52. #StayCoolChicago pic.twitter.com/BmyxLBB5n4
— Chicago ParkDistrict (@ChicagoParks) August 24, 2023
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
