Park Forest officials urge residents to exercise extreme caution during outdoor activities amid a late-season heat wave.
The Village of Park Forest and surrounding communities are under an Excessive Heat Warning. Meteorologists predict temperatures will soar into the 90s this week, if not topping the century mark. A combination of high air temperatures and relative humidity levels will create a heat index—feel like temperatures—that will top 110 degrees on Tuesday.
Assistant Director of Recreation Parks & Community Health Margaret Lewis said residents should take this heat wave seriously.
"You must stay hydrated and limit your time outdoors," Lewis said. Also, I'm encouraging residents to please check on their older neighbors. Lastly, don't forget about the kids—while they may want to run around outside, I wouldn't advise that. Don't forget about your pets, too—cover your dog's paws and limit their exposure."
Lewis said the Village is being proactive by having several cooling centers open. During regular business hours, people can stop by Village Hall or the Park Forest Library. Additionally, the Park Forest Police Department is a cooling place all day and night. Lewis noted extreme heat could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
"Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both heat-related illnesses that can worsen when the body can't compensate for an increased core temperature," Lewis said. "The main difference between the two is that heat exhaustion occurs when the body's core temperature is elevated but below 104 degrees, while heat stroke occurs when the body's core temperature is above 104 degrees."
Though extreme weather is forecasted over the next several days, meteorologists forecast temperatures will fall below normal after Labor Day, with daytime highs around 70 degrees.