Extreme Heat Throughout the Week Can Be Very Dangerous
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2025
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 /
Extreme Heat Throughout the Week Can Be Very Dangerous
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urges Residents to Take Precautions as Extreme Heat Poses Serious Health Risks This Week
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously high temperatures and humidity for central Illinois over the week. Heat index values could reach 105 to 112 degrees, with the most intense heat expected Wednesday and Thursday and continuing into the weekend. Little overnight relief is expected, as temperatures are only expected to fall into the mid-70s. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) urges everyone to watch for signs of heat-related illness and take precautions to keep themselves, their families, and the community safe.
Heat-related illness can take many forms, ranging from mild heat exhaustion to the more serious and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. These illnesses occur when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. As the body’s temperature rises rapidly, it loses the ability to cool itself through perspiration. A body temperature of 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes can result in death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include:
- Body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
- Red, hot, and dry skin with no signs of perspiration
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness or confusion
- Nausea
Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked car—even for a few minutes or with the windows partially open. The vehicle’s metal exterior conducts and traps intense heat, causing the interior temperature to rise rapidly. This can lead to brain damage or death in a very short time. Heat-related illnesses are more prevalent among children, adults over 65, and pets due to factors such as difficulty adjusting to temperature changes, retaining more body heat, dehydration from exertion, and limited access to fluids.
Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness
- Stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least 48 to 64 ounces of cool, non-caffeinated, non- alcoholic beverages daily. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and can increase the risk of dehydration. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty–drink regularly throughout the day.
- Limit activity during peak heat. Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. If outdoor activity is necessary, take frequent breaks in the shade or a cool environment.
- Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. Breathable fabrics and light colors help your body stay cooler.
- Cool down when overheated. Take a cool shower or sponge bath if you begin to feel too warm.
- Seek air-conditioned spaces. If you feel overly warm, move to an air-conditioned environment. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider visiting a mall, library, grocery store, or other public space to cool off.
Cunningham Township, CUPHD, The Salvation Army of Champaign, and Friend in Me, in collaboration with City of Champaign Township and other partners, are opening a temporary 24-hour emergency shelter from Sunday, July 20, through Saturday, July 26, in response to the extreme heat.
The shelter will serve adults experiencing homelessness who are referred to by Strides Shelter. Eligible individuals must complete an intake at Strides Shelter between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. After intake, they should return for evening check-in between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to be placed on the emergency shelter waitlist.
Strides will provide transportation to The Salvation Army. Please do not drop individuals off at the shelter directly.
The following is a list of additional cooling centers available throughout the local area, courtesy of Champaign County Emergency Management Agency. Please note that some are only available during business hours.
- Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign
- Lincoln Square Mall, 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana
- Market Place Mall, 2000 N. Neil St., Champaign
- Forum Fitness Center, 200 W. Flessner Ave., Rantoul
- Rantoul Police Department, 109 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul
- Champaign Park District, Leonhard Center, 2307 Sangamon Dr., Champaign
- Champaign Park District, Martens Center, 1515 N. Market St., Champaign
- Urbana Park District, Health and Wellness Facility, 2002 E. Washington St., Urbana
- Public buildings, including libraries and municipal, state, and federal buildings, during normal business hours.
CUPHD also maintains a Google map of cooling center locations:
https://bit.ly/keepsafeChampaign
CUPHD is a kid-friendly cooling center open 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided July 25–August 11 for children 18 and under as part of the summer meals program. Television, free Wi-Fi, and books for kids are also available.
Anyone can suffer heat-related illness, and CUPHD urges everyone to take precautions in the summer heat and check on children, those 65 and over, disabled persons, and pets frequently.
For more information, please visit http://www.champaigncountyema.org/ and https://ready.illinois.gov/hazards/extremetempshot.html.
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Download 2025-07-21-extreme-heat-PR
Also see Public Health Temporary Emergency Shelter Overflow Plan