Dangerous Heat: Cool Off At A Northern Illinois Cooling Center

A general weather rule of thumb for Northern Illinois would be that when the temperature hits 80 degrees before 8am, we're in for an extremely hot day.

Well, we hit the 80 degree mark this morning at 7:45am, and the National Weather Service has issued an "Excessive Heat Warning" that went into effect at 4:00 this morning and stays with us until 10:00 tonight.

Our entire area is looking at a potential daytime high of 96 degrees with a heat index that may reach 115 degrees. Think of it as summer's answer to the wind-chill, just as unpleasant and dangerous as severely cold weather can be when we get hit with it in January.

Let's talk about getting you, or someone you know who really needs it, cooled off during these temperature extremes.

In All Seriousness, This Kind Of Heat Can Quickly Become Deadly, So Share The Information With Someone Who Might Need It

In 2021, a record-breaking heatwave in the Pacific Northwest killed over 200 people in the U.S. and nearly 300 in Canada, so we know that providing relief from crazy hot conditions can and does save lives.

To prevent fatality numbers like that from happening here, cooling centers open up when there's a warning or excessive heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

Here Are The Cooling Centers Currently Operating In Winnebago And Boone Counties

Like I said, even if you don't need a cooling center, there are plenty of people who do, so sharing information is key here.

From The City of Rockford:

Winnebago County Sites

• The Carpenter’s Place, 1149 Railroad Ave. Rockford, 8:15 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State Rockford, 8 to 5 p.m., seven days a week; Open 24 hours for persons needing overnight shelter.
• City of Rockford Health and Human Services Department, 612 N. Church St. Rockford, 8 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Loves Park City Hall (gymnasium), 100 Heart Blvd. Loves Park, 8 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Brooke Road United Methodist Church 1404 Brooke Road, Monday-Thursday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Boone County Sites

• Belvidere Public Safety Building, 615 N. Main St. Belvidere, 8 to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

Area State Authorized Sites

• Belvidere Oasis/Illinois Tollway, East of Belvidere Toll Plaza on I-90, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.