The Village of Park Forest is opening cooling centers as record-breaking temperatures are expected during this week's heat wave.
The Park Forest Police Department, 200 Lakewood Boulevard, and Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, will serve as cooling centers for the Village amid the heat wave. Residents can visit Village Hall during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The police station is open 24 hours a day.
Village officials warn residents to be mindful of heat-related illnesses - such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- An extremely high body temperature, such as 103 degrees or above
- Dizziness and nausea
- A throbbing headache and a pulse that is rapid and strong
- Skin that is red, hot, and dry
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating,
- Weakness or tiredness,
- Cool, pale, clammy skin; fast,
- Weak pulse
- Muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting,
Meteorologists forecast daytime temperatures will top out around 100 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday.
With the high humidity and dew points expected to be in the 70s, forecasters predict heat index values, which is what it will feel like, will soar into the triple digits - making it some of the hottest air of the season.
Some forecast models show heat index values in Park Forest could range between 110-120 degrees by the middle of the week.
At this time, The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for the Village from late Wednesday morning through Thursday evening.
An Excessive Heat Watch means conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased, but its occurrence and timing are still uncertain.
Village officials urge residents to check on the most vulnerable and limit their time outdoors during this upcoming heat wave.