Science & Nature
Even Chicago’s Bridges Can’t Take the Heat as High Temps and Stifling Humidity Makes It Feel Like 100+
Water pumped by a Chicago Fire Department boat flows down onto the DuSable Lake Shore Drive bridge over the Chicago River on Wednesday. Sept. 2, 2026. The double-leaf, double-deck, fixed counterweight bridge became stuck earlier in the day. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune via AP)
Meteorological fall is off to a blistering start.
Stifling humidity on top of temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s will make it feel like 100+ degrees outside on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Even Chicago’s bridges are feeling the heat.
The Chicago Department of Transportation reported that the DuSable Lake Shore Drive bridge “experienced a heat-related issue preventing it from fully closing.”
The bridge was stuck in the “up” position for hours, according to WBBM News Radio, but crews were eventually able to resolve the issue and by late afternoon traffic was moving as normal.
Video: The DuSable Lake Shore Drive bridge was stuck for several hours Sept. 2, 2026, due to heat. (Courtesy of Derrick Young)
Wednesday is expected to be a repeat of Tuesday, when the heat index reached 106 degrees at Chicago’s Midway Airport and 103 degrees at O’Hare Airport.
South of I-80, it could feel more like 110 degrees, the weather service said.
The hot and humid conditions could linger through Thursday, with the chance of storms increasing as the weekend approaches.
People are encouraged to stay hydrated, seek air conditioning, wear light-colored and loose clothing, and shift outdoor activities indoors if possible.
In Chicago, hundreds of splash pads are still open in the city's parks, as are 20 pools. People can also seek relief at the city’s cooling centers.
Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]
