Cooling centers open as heat, humidity and storms loom; city monitoring forecast ahead of Lollapalooza

Heat, humidity and severe storms are expected in the Chicago area this week, prompting the city to open cooling centers and closely monitor weather conditions ahead of Lollapalooza weekend.

Through Friday, 256 cooling centers will be open across the city to provide vulnerable residents with relief from the heat. A map of hours and locations, which include public libraries and community service centers, can be found here .

The heat index is anticipated to exceed 100 degrees at times on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. An extreme heat warning will be issued if the heat index is expected to exceed 105-110 degrees for at least two consecutive days.

Thunderstorms are also in the forecast Tuesday through Friday. Some storms may be severe, causing damaging winds and heavy downpours that could lead to flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

The Midwest has increasingly seen rising temperatures and more humidity, both caused by climate change, create favorable conditions for more intense and frequent storms.

Illinois has already endured at least 100 tornados this year, double the annual average. Just two weeks ago, at least 28 tornadoes swept across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana during a severe thunderstorm system.

City officials are closely working with the National Weather Service in Chicago to monitor this week’s conditions, according to the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

City officials are also in communication with Lollapalooza organizers as they prepare to open the gates to the four-day music festival in Grant Park at 11 a.m. Thursday.

Chicago Tribune’s Adriana Pérez contributed.