Blistering heat returns to Chicago area for second time in three weeks

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For the second time in three weeks, the Chicago area is bracing for sweltering temperatures all week long during what forecasters describe as the "hottest window of the year."

Though the warmth will continue through Friday — peaking Tuesday and Wednesday — it won't be as severe as the most recent heat wave, forecasters noted.

No rain is in the forecast - only sunshine.

Parts of the Chicago area farther away from the lake expected to see temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s with heat indices hovering near 100 degrees throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service.

The wave of hot temperatures comes during what forecasters describe as the "hottest window of the year" for Chicago, which typically lasts from July 6 to July 24.

A big area of high pressure over much of the United States and southern parts of Canada is the behind the higher temperatures.

"It's a pretty strong one, even for this time of year," weather service meteorologist Mike Bardou said of the pressure system.

This week's heat wave isn’t expected to be as hot as the stretch of extreme humidity from late June and early July.

Heat indices peaked https://chicago.suntimes.com/weather/2026/07/01/workers-brave-extreme-temperatures-as-heat-wave-stretches-on-in-chicago" target="_blank" >around 105 degrees during the city's first heat wave of the year.

"It doesn't look to be as similar a magnitude," Bardou said. "[There is] a little bit less moisture in the air, a little bit less humidity, a little less lower dew points ... so the heat index would probably be a little bit cooler."

Still, Bardou urges caution when navigating this week's heat.

"Stay hydrated.

Take breaks.

Find some cooling relief as much as you can," Bardou said. "It's going to be hot and it's somewhat typical for this time of year, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions."