This week, Central Illinois will see oppressive heat and humidity due to a powerful ridge of high pressure. Toward the end of the week, a stalling cold front should provide some slight respite, but heat index readings will probably stay around 100° for a few days.
Important lessons learned
- The hottest days are Wednesday and Thursday.
- Expected heat indices range from 110 to 115°.
- The primary cause of weather-related deaths is heat.
Although the workweek has begun quite coolly, Central Illinois will experience significantly hotter temperatures by the middle of the week due to a warm front. The heat index is predicted to be around 100° on Tuesday, with highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s.
On Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures will rise into the mid-90s as high pressure intensifies. It is anticipated that dew point temperatures will rise into the upper 70s and lower 80s, pushing the heat index to 110°.
According to our Heat Stress Index, much of Central Illinois will experience dangerously high temperatures and humidity. Because of this, Central Illinois is under an Extreme Heat Watch through Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service.
On Friday and Saturday, the area will have somewhat lower temperatures and a danger of storms due to a stalling cold front. When there are no storms, heat index values are likely to peak at about 100° since dew points will unfortunately continue to be high.
The effects of corn sweat
Higher dew points are typically associated with moisture from the Gulf of America and Mexico. Our cornfields, however, contribute to raising those readings even further at this time of year, frequently above 80°.
The process by which plants draw moisture from the earth and release it into the atmosphere as water vapor is known as transpiration.
An acre of maize can emit 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water into the atmosphere every day during the sweltering summer months. Because of this, the local dew points rise, raising the heat index.
There is a lot of moisture in the ground that this corn will use because a large portion of Central Illinois had some good rain in the last few days.
Therefore, you may anticipate that the additional humidity will seem extremely oppressive if you are surrounded by corn fields this week.
Heat: The silent killer
Heat-related sickness is the largest cause of weather-related deaths, accounting for an average of 238 deaths year based on a 30-year average (1995–2024). That is higher than the usual number of fatalities from hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods put together.
High temperatures and high humidity (dew points often above 65°) make it harder for the body to cool down since perspiration doesn’t drain from the skin as effectively.
This facilitates the body’s tendency to overheat, which can result in nausea, vomiting, or unconsciousness.
Read Also: Tornado Briefly Touches Down in Indiana During Sunday’s Severe Weather
How to get ready?
While it’s not necessary to stay indoors, here are some safety tips to follow if you intend to spend the day outside in the sun.
- Steer clear of alcoholic beverages and consume lots of water and electrolyte-rich liquids.
- Every two hours, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Put on light-colored, loose-fitting, and lightweight apparel.
- Take regular rests in the air conditioning or in the shade.
- Heat stroke can happen even in moderate heat, so avoid exerting yourself too much and drink plenty of water.
- Never leave pets or people in a car.
- Help individuals who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, such as elderly people, pregnant women, and children.
