• Editor’s Note: The headline and lead of an earlier version of this article incorrectly said the heat wave would hit Thursday and Friday. The article has been corrected to say Friday and Saturday.

The National Weather Service Chicago is warning Kane County of “limited excessive heat risk” on Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11, 2016.

There’s also a chance of thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening, some of which could produce strong winds and large hail, the NWS reports. The thunderstorm risk continues on Friday and Saturday, the NWS says.

Heat indices of 95 and 100 degrees are likely Friday and Saturday afternoons for us folks at good old Latitude 41.9°N and Longitude 88.25°W — elevation 758 feet.

As of Wednesday afternoon, no heat advisories are in effect, but combining the anticipated plus-90-degree temperatures in the forecast with the acclimatization that generally goes with the first heat wave of the season, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Historically, heat waves have had a devastating effect on people. In 1995, more than 700 deaths in the Chicago area were attributed to heat, making it the deadliest weather event in Chicago history. We also know that in August 2003, a record heat wave in Europe claimed an estimated 50,000 lives. If hearing statistics like these doesn’t make you want to do some research into something like HVAC Escondido services, then I don’t know what will. Keeping cool should become your priority during a heatwave. It’s always best to be prepared.

Heat-related illnesses can range from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to the more serious heat stroke.

One great resource is the Kane County Health Department website, which includes this page on heat information. A sampling of information from that page is provided below.

7 Tips for Managing Hot Days

1. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to your body.

2. Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. Do not take salt tablets unless under medical supervision.

3. Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella.

4. Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches.

5. Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car.

6. Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.

7. During a heat event — check on your relatives, neighbors, and loved ones who are elderly or chronically ill to make sure they are managing.

Helpful Links

• Heat FAQs
• Extreme Heat Tips
• Hot Weather Emergencies
• Preparing Kane Heat Wave Flyer
• Kane County Cooling Centers

Four National Weather Service Alert Terms to Know

Using a combination of temperature and humidity over a certain number of days the Excessive Heat Outlook is designed to provide an indication of areas where people and animals may need to take precautions against the heat during the months of May to November.

Issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 12 to 48 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. A Watch provides enough lead time so that those who need to prepare can do so.

Issued within 12 hours of the onset of a heat index of at least 105 degrees F, but less than 115 degrees F, for less than three hours per day, or nighttime lows above 80 degrees for two consecutive days.

Issued within 12 hours of the onset of a heat index of at least 105 degrees for more than three hours per day for two consecutive days, or heat index more than 115 degrees F for any period of time.

Read More

• What To Do When Excessive Heat Hits Kane County
• As Temperatures Climb, Here’s Where to Find Heat Alerts
• Get Ready for Summer — May 23 is National Heat Awareness Day