South Bend, Indiana – A prolonged stretch of dangerous summer heat is set to grip northern Indiana, southwest Michigan and northwest Ohio beginning this afternoon, with little relief expected through Thursday evening. Afternoon temperatures in the 90s combined with oppressive humidity will push heat index values up to 105 degrees, while warm nights will allow heat stress to build with each passing day.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, an Extreme Heat Warning is in effect from 2 p.m. EDT (1 p.m. CDT) Monday through 8 p.m. EDT (7 p.m. CDT) Thursday. The warning covers much of northern Indiana, including South Bend, Elkhart, Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Huntington, Wabash, Marion, La Porte, Plymouth, Rochester and Logansport. It also includes St. Joseph, Cass, Branch and Berrien counties in southwest Michigan, along with Williams, Defiance, Henry, Fulton, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert and Allen counties in northwest Ohio.
Daily high temperatures will climb into the 90s, while heat index values are expected to reach 105 degrees. Overnight lows will only fall into the mid-70s, providing limited cooling and increasing the cumulative risk of heat-related illnesses over the four-day event.
The greatest risk will be for older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers and anyone without access to reliable air conditioning. Consecutive days of extreme heat can also strain the body’s ability to recover, making prolonged outdoor exposure increasingly dangerous.
Residents should drink plenty of water, stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the afternoon. If working outdoors, wear lightweight clothing and take frequent breaks in shaded or cooled areas. Check on relatives and neighbors who may need assistance, and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, where temperatures can become fatal within minutes.
The Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through Thursday evening, and additional heat-related alerts could be issued if conditions persist. Continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency management officials throughout the week.
