Chicago weather: Extreme Heat Warning in effect for parts of area; CPS adjusts outdoor activities

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago area is dealing with another day of hot weather Thursday.

An Extreme Heat Warning was in effect for southern Cook County until 7 p.m., with the south suburbs and northwest Indiana under a Heat Advisory until 9 p.m.

Meanwhile Thursday, more than 1,000 customers in northwest Indiana were dealing with the heat without any power. NIPSCO reported several power outages, mostly in Gary, but the utility company has not said why the power went out.

It comes just weeks after many people in northwest Indiana got their power restored after devastating storms in August.

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ABC7 Chicago AccuWeather meteorologists said temperatures will be in the 90s with heat index values over 100. A lake breeze was expected to bring some relief Thursday afternoon.

Chicago Public Schools said it was holding all outdoor activities inside. Thursday.

All outdoor athletics games are postponed and all practices will either be canceled or moved indoors.

Some storms are possible, as well, with heavy rain expected.

Heat issues on Wednesday led to malfunctions on the DuSable Lake Shore Drive Bridge and the Torrence Avenue Bridge on the city’s Far South Side.

Chicago’s hot and humid weather did not stop people from heading outdoors, as crowds gathered for a Ye, formerly know as Kanye West, concert at Soldier Field and preparations continued for a busy festival weekend across the Chicago area.

Fans lined up at Soldier Field for hours in the heat ahead of YE’s homecoming concert, waiting to purchase merchandise or tickets.

Julian Alvarado, a fan attending the event, said the wait was worth enduring despite the temperatures.

“It’s insane I got here really early like 8 a.m., been here for more than four hours now going into it. It’s not too bad it was worse earlier had to get into the shade but yeah no rain.”

Some visitors said they were unfazed by the weather.

Jordan and Joseph, who were visiting for the concert said, “We’re great worst comes to worst shirt comes off.”

Others said the conditions felt mild compared with where they were from.

Zena Penn, who was visiting from South Carolina said, “I do understand why Chicagoans would be frightened over a heat wave advisory. We saw it and we kind of laughed, because this is nothing compared to South Carolina this actually feels very nice. But I just hope everyone stays hydrated.”

Elsewhere, crews were preparing for the North Coast Music Festival in Bridgeview, which is expected to draw thousands of attendees over the next three days. Organizers said they have measures in place to help festivalgoers cope with the heat, including 25 water stations.

Isaiah, representing the festival, said attendees will have access to free water.

“The fans are able to fill their water packs, water bottles for free through there and then we have a water and ice team that completely surveys the grounds and hand out free water bottles to people all over the site.”

Along the lakefront, residents took advantage of the sunny weather by exercising and spending time outdoors despite the high temperatures.

Bryant Tucker, a Chicago resident, said he was making the most of the warm conditions while they last.

“It could but this is Chicago so anything could happen with El Niño La Niña and all these other situations who knows how the weather is gonna be this time next week so just taking the opportunity to get some good steps in.”

With concerts, festivals and outdoor recreation drawing large crowds, organizers and attendees alike emphasized the importance of staying hydrated as hot weather continued across the region.

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As temperatures remained high across Chicago Thursday evening, many residents found ways to stay cool while making the most of the final weeks of summer.

A lake breeze, a setting sun and a little cool jazz helped take the edge off another steamy day as crowds gathered for the Chicago Jazz Festival at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

“The weather broke just in time for us to have a fabulous jazz fest,” said Ernie Brown, who was attending the festival.

For some, it was the first chance in days to comfortably spend time outdoors.

“Monday, Tuesday I did not go out. Wednesday, I just took the bus to my pilates class and back. So this is beautiful perfect,” Lydia Tang said.

The festival offered a welcome reprieve from days of dangerous heat and humidity, as Chicagoans continued trying to balance summer activities with the hot weather.

“I’m just enjoying the beautiful weather, even though it’s been hot I still take advantage of it just take it in moderation,” said Karen Franklin of Lakeview.

At Montrose Beach, dog owners and their pets took advantage of the sunshine while finding ways to stay cool.

“I am here almost everyday but when it was the triple digits I didn’t want to risk it for me or my dog,” Franklin said.

Dog owners spent time on the beach before rinsing down their pets at wash stations to help them cool off.

“Especially now its really hot and they over heat easily so its good to cool him down,” said Javier Cornell, who was visiting from Columbus, Ohio.

Another day of 90-degree heat is expected Friday. Organizers of this weekend’s North Coast Music Festival said they have prepared 25 water stations to help keep attendees hydrated with thousands expected to attend.

Still, many Chicagoans said they are determined to enjoy the warm weather while it lasts.

“We got to take advantage of it, right? While we can. That is the Chicago motto. Take advantage of it while you can because you know what? In two months it’s not going to be so pleasant,” Brown said.

Storm chances are expected to increase Friday heading into the weekend, with temperatures also expected to ease.

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