With heat index values surpassing 100 degrees and expected to persist, an extreme heat warning remains in effect through 12 a.m. on Thursday.
As the brutal temperatures continue, some residents are making sure their air conditioning is ready to roll.
But it’s hard to keep cool in this kind of heat if your air conditioner isn’t working properly.
While some residents have been able to stay indoors, those in essential jobs, such as HVAC technicians, have had to venture outdoors.
Among them is Sam Franke, a Four Seasons Heat and Air Conditioning technician who was working near the lakefront.
He said preparation is essential.
“Plenty of ice water in the car,” Franke said. “I bring my lunch with me, and I keep a Coke or Dr. Pepper in the car, because when you’re on the roof and you start to get lightheaded…up for 10 minutes, you’re going to feel it.”
For those troubleshooting air conditioning issues, he said you’ll want to check your filters and make sure batteries are in your thermostat. To help stay cool, he recommended closing your blinds and turning off the lights.
Pools around the region were packed with people having a little fun in the sun and enjoying a lot of relief from the heat.
In north suburban Wheeling, video shared with NBC Chicago showed police redirecting drivers who were asked to avoid certain areas after pavement buckled in the high temperatures.
Police and fire officials reported that southbound Elmhurst Road at Vera Lane was closed due to pavement buckling.
Relief is available for elderly residents looking to escape the heat.
Starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, My block, My Hood, My City will have 200 volunteers at 540 W. 35th St., passing out water and fans to those in need.
