Chicago Urges Heat and Storm Preparedness

The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications urged residents to prepare for extreme heat and possible severe weather impacts as hot and humid conditions were expected across the city.

Daily temperatures were forecast to reach the low to mid-90s, with peak heat indices near 100 degrees in areas away from the lake. OEMC said public safety remains a top priority as the agency continues working with the National Weather Service in Chicago to track changing conditions.

The city said it will coordinate response efforts if weather conditions worsen, with a focus on supporting residents and vulnerable populations.

Residents were encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App for safety information, emergency alerts, preparedness guidance, cooling center locations, current forecasts, radar and other updates. Additional advisory information is available through NotifyChicago.org and OEMC’s social media channels.

Cooling centers operated by the Department of Family and Support Services are activated during extreme heat periods when temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher. The centers are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while senior centers operate on separate schedules.

The city said residents can also seek relief at public libraries, City Colleges of Chicago main campuses, Chicago Park District fieldhouses, pools and splash pads, as well as police district stations, which remain open 24 hours a day. Nearby cooling center locations can be found through city data portals or by calling 3-1-1.

Officials also advised residents to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and vulnerable individuals during high temperatures. Well-being check requests can be submitted through the CHI311 app or by calling 3-1-1.

Residents seeking shelter placement can also contact 3-1-1. During periods when some services are closed, DFSS Homeless Outreach teams conduct proactive outreach to unhoused individuals.

The city also reminded residents that some residential buildings are required under local ordinance to provide air conditioning or access to an indoor cooling area when the heat index exceeds 80 degrees.

ComEd encouraged customers to use energy efficiency resources and report power outages immediately through the company’s available reporting channels.

OEMC said its broader role includes strengthening community resilience through public education, protecting life and property through incident management, maintaining an all-hazard alert and warning system, coordinating emergency operations across the city and working with federal partners, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.