Last updated on July 6, 2026 at 03:17 p.m.

The National Weather Service announced Monday that a heat advisory is in effect across the central and eastern United States through Thursday. The weather service’s Weather Prediction Center projects a moderate heat risk until June 5, with severe thunderstorms possible in the Midwest until next Monday.

The weather service advises residents to take shelter during severe weather events and stay hydrated as a precaution against extreme heat. 

Champaign County is expected to see afternoon heat indices upwards of 110 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows around 75 degrees Fahrenheit after nightfall, according to a press release from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department. 

Heat-related illnesses can occur when nighttime temperatures limit the body’s ability to regulate internal temperatures, according to the weather service. Groups which are vulnerable to heat-related illness include those currently pregnant, newborns and young children, the elderly, those with chronic illness and workers without adequate means to cool off. 

Illinois’ first heat wave of the summer comes as a result of climatic instability meeting a heat dome over the Midwest. Such weather phenomena are known to produce damaging winds, hail and heavy rainfall, according to the weather service.

The CUPHD maintains a live map of cooling centers and shelters from extreme heat local to Champaign, Urbana and Rantoul. Additional cooling shelter locations can be found on the state government’s website, Keep Cool Illinois. 

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