By Itzel Chavero
The beginning of the school year arrived for all Chicago students and with it, the first heatwave of the summer.
Temperatures reached a high of 98 degrees with extreme hot weather and humidity from August 26 to 27 just in time for the return of a new academic year at Dominican.
The hottest weather of the summer began on August 26, the first day back to school.
According to NBC 5 meteorologists, Monday had a high of 96 degrees with “feels-like temperatures closer to 100-105 degrees.”
Students began the 2024-25 school year with an unbearable heat that forced many to dress accordingly to the very hot temperatures.
Many students were seen wearing summer gear including shorts, hats, t-shirts. Some had open shoes big cold-water bottles to maintain hydrated for their first day of school.
“It’s so hot outside that even with switching through classes to another building is dreadful because that means I have to feel the sun right on my face,” said senior Cecilia Sandoval. “That’s why I wore shorts and brought the biggest water bottle I own.”
Aside from the hot air outside on the first day, school parking on campus seemed to add to the inconvenience. Many students were stuck trying to find space in the garage and parking lot.
“On top of the heat, looking for parking on the first day was a nightmare,” said Sandoval. “I spent almost 30 minutes stuck in the lot looking for parking and my car’s air conditioner [wasn’t] working.”
In a social media post on X, the National Weather Service Chicago stated: “This is the hottest air we’ve experienced so far this summer.”
Weather officials recommend it is essential to be hydrated, stay in air-conditioned rooms and limit any outside activities outside in the sun.
Senior Ennya Chavez expressed her satisfaction with the air condition at Dominican.
“I’m just glad as soon as we step in Lewis or Parmer, it’s instantly cold. I couldn’t imagine if we didn’t have [any] air conditioner” she said. “This is the weather that we would’ve been looking for in the beginning of summer [and] not in the beginning of school.”
With the major heat temperatures, it is important to highlight that even the healthiest people, especially anyone working or exercising outside, can be in danger due to the weather.
It is crucial students are aware of the health risks faced by remaining outside in extreme hot weathers and take the adequate precautions for future heatwaves.
ichavero@my.dom.edu
