Kankakee, Illinois – Kankakee County residents are urged to seek air-conditioned shelter as dangerous heat and humidity blanket the region through Thursday night, with a heat index projected to exceed 105°F and overnight lows remaining above 75°F.
According to the Kankakee County Emergency Management Agency, these extreme temperatures pose significant health risks—especially to children, seniors, and residents without access to cooling. Storms may offer relief late Thursday into Friday as a cold front moves through.
More than a dozen public cooling centers are now open across the county, including locations in Kankakee, Manteno, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Momence, and Pembroke Township. Hours vary by site, and some centers—such as the River Valley Metro system—offer free local transportation when wind chills or heat index cross critical thresholds. Most public libraries will remain open during heat emergencies, with some operating extended hours.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and check in on vulnerable neighbors. Emergency closings and updates will be posted to the Kankakee County Health Department and library Facebook pages.
⚠️ Cooling shelters will remain available until the threat passes, with additional alerts possible as conditions evolve.
