‘Oppressive’ Heat Predicted for Friday

It’s going to be steamy on Friday, with heat indexes around 105 in DuPage County, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures in the mid-90s, combined with dew points in the 70s, “will generate heat index readings of 100 degrees or better in many spots,” the NWS says.

A heat advisory is in effect from noon to midnight on Friday.

“The combination of heat and humidity will create oppressive conditions which may cause heat-related illnesses to develop with prolonged exposure,” the NWS says.

The remainder of the weekend should be warm and rain-free.

• Friday night—low 75
• Saturday—high 89 with a 30 percent chance of an isolated thunderstorm
• Saturday night—low 67
• Sunday—high 83
• Sunday night—low 65
• Monday—high 84
• Monday night—low 67

For those planning on being outdoors, the DuPage County Health Department has some helpful summer-sun safety tips. 

While overexposure to UV radiation can cause temporary, painful sunburn, it can also lead to more serious, long-term, health problems such as skin cancer, premature aging, cataracts, eye damage and immune system suppression. Children are particularly at risk.  

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy time in the sun while also protecting yourself from UV overexposure.

• Generously apply sunscreen: about one ounce to cover all exposed skin 20 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should have a sun protection factor of at least 15 and provide protection from both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses when possible.
• Seek shade when possible and remember that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use extra caution near water or sand, which reflect the damaging rays of the sun and can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Check the UV Index, which provides information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent sun overexposure. The UV Index forecast is issued daily by the National Weather Service and EPA.