Crime & Safety
Dangerous Temperatures for Next Couple Days; Drought Deepens
Thunderstorms are possible on Tuesday and Wednesday, but the overall forecast is for more very hot, very dry weather.
The dangerously high temperatures and drought continue today and Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service report for St. Charles, the temperature today is supposed to get up to 96, and there's a Hazardous Weather Outlook in effect. Heat indexes will be up near 100, and there's an air-quality alert for Northwest Indiana.
Tomorrow is actually worse, with heat indexes climbing between 100 and 105 degrees.
Find out what's happening in St. Charleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The has some good advice on how to keep cool and safe.
The Centers for Disease Control also provided tips on staying cool:
Find out what's happening in St. Charleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Go to a public air-conditioned environment, such as libraries, malls or other public buildings.
- Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to your body.
- Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. Do not take salt tablets unless under medical supervision.
- Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella.
- Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure, such as beaches.
- Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.
Meanwhile, one of the driest summers in years is causing havok with crops, back yards and fire safety.
The Chicago Tribune reports today that the drought has been decimating corn and soybean crops—but more so in southern Illinois.
The Chicago Board of Trade says corn futures prices have risen nearly 45 percent in the past month and a half. U.S. corn futures were way up this morning. The Chicago Board of Trade futures for September delivery are up 3.8 percent at $7.69 a bushel, according to a story by Agriculture.com.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of Illinois is in some level of drought conditions. Geneva and the Chicago area are listed as experiencing "moderate drought" conditions.
Some rain is the in the forecast—including the potential for thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday. But the seven-day forecast from the NSW-Chicago shows nothing but dry and hot weather after that through the weekend.
Cooling centers are available for the elderly, families with small children, and other vulnerable residents and are open during normal business hours as follows:
- , 1 South 6th Avenue (630) 584-0076
- , Route 64 & Kirk Road
