Take caution with extreme heat in forecast
Published on July 21, 2025
With temperatures and humidity predicted to push the heat index dangerously high this week, the Village is opening an emergency cooling center and advising residents to protect themselves and loved ones from the sometimes severe consequences of extreme heat.
An heat advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for Oak Park and the surrounding area from Wednesday morning through Thursday evening, with heat index values expected to rise above 100. Residents are encouraged to check on relatives, friends and neighbors who may be vulnerable to heat-related illnesses or not have access to air conditioning.
Cooling center information
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 611 Randolph St., will serve as an emergency cooling center(PDF, 159KB) from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. The cooling center is typically activated when outdoor temperatures reach 95 degrees with a heat index of 103 or higher for longer than four hours.
All three branches of Oak Park Public Library serve as cooling centers during regular business hours - click here for hours and locations.
The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security also provides an updated list of cooling centers for residents who do not have access to air conditioning - click here to view. For a list of cooling centers in Chicago, click here.
Stay safe in the heat
Residents looking for ways to help neighbors and outdoor workers during this excessive heat event can consider putting out a hydration station for postal workers and others who will be outside.
While everyone is susceptible to heat-related illnesses, infants and young children, the elderly, people with mental illness and the physically ill, particularly those with heart disease or high blood pressure, are at greater risk.
To avoid overheating, Oak Park health officials recommend trying to stay out of the sun, wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, drinking water often and avoiding strenuous outdoors activities.
Learn more about staying safe as temperatures soar at www.ready.gov/heat. For the latest updates from the National Weather Service, visit www.weather.gov/lot.
For more information, contact the Oak Park Neighborhood Services Department at echo@oak-park.us or 708.358.5460.