Downstate Illinois and Indiana are in the grip of one of the hottest air masses in years and there’s no relief in sight until the middle of next week. It’s the same intensely hot air mass expected to sweep into Chicago Sunday and Monday. Even as clusters of downpour-generating thunderstorms whacked Chicago’s northwest and southeast suburbs Thursday, afternoon heat indexes soared above 100° for a second day as close as Kankakee (102°) and Bloomington (112°). Dewpoints, a measure of atmospheric moisture—considered uncomfortable at 70°—surged to 80° downstate. The atmosphere rarely holds more moisture in the Midwest.
Thursday’s powerful storms drenched Lafayette, Indiana with 1.59” while 0.60” fell at Valparaiso. By contrast, South Bend received only 0.20”, underscoring the selective nature of summer rainfall.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
