🫠 Extreme heat continues

Chicago’s First Heat Wave of the Year

Chicago is set to continue dangerously hot conditions until at least Wednesday with a heat dome over the Midwest. But a chance of thunderstorms could bring cooler temperatures into the Fourth of July weekend. Brett Borchardt, senior meteorologist with the Chicago office of the National Weather Service, called the humid, hot climate “air you can wear.”

Daytime highs in and around the city will continue in the 90s, but it will feel like it’s in the 100s. Chicagoans will experience little to no relief — don’t expect a cooling effect from the lake, and overnight temperatures are projected to be around 75 degrees.

Corn sweats? Increased humidity is coming from the state’s 11 million acres of cornfields. In a process called evapotranspiration, the corn literally sweats about 4,000 gallons of water every day. That humidity from the corn raises humidity levels all over the state and in Chicago.

Looking to cool off? The city’s Department of Family and Support Services offers six cooling centers that will be open today through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Twenty senior centers also act as cooling centers, 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Tip! Consider Public Libraries, Park District field houses, City Colleges, and police stations to find air conditioning, but check hours of operation.
• Find your closest location: Last year, a Tribune analysis showed gaps in the city’s cooling network.

First dip of the year? The Park District’s 70+ indoor and outdoor pools will be open. Chicago’s 22 lakefront beaches are open for swimming from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Don’t forget to hydrate and wear plenty of sunscreen.

How to keep pets safe: Veterinarians advise not to exercise your pet between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Adding ice cubes to water for medium- and large-sized dogs is also recommended.

How to Beat the Extreme Heat. Plus, ‘The Bear’ Finale

Extreme heat warnings, corn sweat, and potential thunderstorms could make this the most volatile weather week of the summer so far. On today’s podcast, we discuss the latest, including going to Indiana for fireworks and the final season of “The Bear.”

Are you staying in and bingeing “The Bear” or hitting the lake? I think I might do both! Reply to this email and tell us how you are staying cool during this heat wave.

Illinois’ Drop in Opioid Deaths

Opioid overdose deaths decreased by 36% between 2023 and 2024, according to a new report. Experts attribute the drop to increased education and availability of opioid-reversal drugs, but say more can be done on long-term treatment. [Sun-Times]

• Listen: How to use Narcan [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Illinois Farm Bankruptcies Rise for Third Year

Family farm bankruptcies in the state increased 55%, compared to 46% nationwide. Farmers point to rising land rent, record farm debt, and an unstable export market. [Capitol News]

The Onion Relaunches InfoWars

The Chicago-based satirical newspaper is launching InfoWars Thursday, seven months after it bought the website founded by right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. The Onion’s plan for InfoWars is to “satirize more modern modes of media.” [Sun-Times]

Piping Plovers Get Names

The new chicks that hatched at Montrose Beach earlier this month have now been named after local musicians. Buddy, after Buddy Guy, Frankie after Frankie Knuckles, Mavis after Mavis Staples, and Tweedy after Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. [CBS]