Chicago Heatwave

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Chicago sees record heat, while suburbs see heat indices above 120 degrees

Aug 24, 2023

The National Weather Service has released reports on the heat that impacted the Chicago area on Wednesday, and the city of Chicago appears to have set a new record.

According to NWS data, a temperature of 98 degrees was measured at O’Hare International Airport, which would make it the hottest Aug. 23 on record in the city of Chicago.

. This hour, #Chicago-O'Hare has been as warm as 96°. Dew point was at 80° but has dropped to 77°. While temp. was at 96° with dew point of 80°, heat index was up at 116°, tying July 14, 1995 for 2nd highest heat index on record for the city of Chicago's climate site. #ILwx (1/2)
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) August 23, 2023

The previous record of 97 degrees had stood since 1947, according to officials.

O’Hare also measured a heat index of 116 degrees, the second-warmest heat index ever recorded at the airport.

Other parts of the Chicago area saw breathtaking heat as well, including in Morris, located in Grundy County. There, the air temperature only hit 95 degrees, but the heat index measured at 124 degrees, according to officials.

Dixon’s airport also registered a staggering heat index of 121 degrees, while Joliet’s airport measured a heat index of 119.

Wednesday’s heat won’t be a one-off event, either, as Thursday will likely see similar high temperatures and heat indices, with an excessive heat warning remaining in effect.