- Credibility:
DOWNTOWN — It could hit nearly 100 degrees in the city this weekend — and while some are excited about warm weather, it could prove dangerous, an expert warned.
Friday will be the coolest day of the weekend with temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s, said Kevin Birk, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. After that, the city will get hit with “real warmth and dangerous heat,” Birk said.
Saturday is expected to have a high of 94 degrees, while Sunday could hit 97, Birk said. But the days will be sunny and each day could feel as hot as 100-105 degrees.
“Kinda looking at some dangerous heat for that area,” Birk said.
Several outdoor festivals are planned for the weekend, including Pride Fest in Boystown and Taste of Randolph in the West Loop.
There are naturally shaded spots around Pride Fest, and vendors will be selling water and misters, said Jen Gordon, a spokeswoman for the Northalsted Business Alliance. Pride Fest attendees can also bring their own water, and they will also be able to pop into the Center on Halsted to cool down with air conditioning, Gordon said.
Birk said people should try to stay out of the sun as much as possible, though, and should limit their time outside to about one hour — or less, if they’re working outside.
“Definitely try to have people stay out of the sun as much as possible because if you’re out in the sun in this heat that makes it even worse,” Birk said. “People should be mindful of it. You’re going to want to reduce your sun exposure in this extreme heat and basically drink plenty of fluids and limit your time outside if possible.”
