Chicago Summer Heat Wave Bringing Near-Record Highs That Have Forced Some Schools To Close

The dog days of summer stretch on as the Chicago area braces for near-record heat starting Tuesday and stretching throughout the week.

Temperatures are expected to reach a near-record high in the mid-90s Tuesday with high humidity pushing the heat index to between 98 and 103 degrees. NBC Chicago reports Tuesday is expected to be the hottest day of the week if not the hottest this summer.

The record high for this time of year was a sweltering 97 degrees set in 1973, according to the National Weather Service.

With no real relief in sight until Labor Day -- when temps will fall to a still-steamy lower 80s -- some area schools are closing on account of the heat.

Josephinum Academy, a Catholic school in Wicker Park, will have a half-day Tuesday "due to high heat index," according to its website.

For the time being, Chicago Public Schools have not moved to cancel classes or modify the schedule. A CPS spokesman told HuffPost Chicago a statement from central office about protocol during this heat advisory was forthcoming.

In the suburbs, two schools in Grayslake -- Meadowview and Woodview -- were shuttered as neither building has air conditioning. The Tribune reports several other schools in West Aurora, Waukegan Lockport also plan to close for the afternoon.

A risk of severe storms Tuesday night are in the forecast according to the Chicago Weather Center, which could produce heavy downpours and even hail.

In the city, residents can visit cooling centers at Department of Human Services locations.