By Dot "Doppler" Hollis, Williamson County Bureau
MARION, Ill. — No storms threaten Williamson County, but heat is building. The National Weather Service forecasts a dangerous heat wave for midweek.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 65 and light northeast winds.
Tomorrow: Sunny and warm, with a high near 87. Pleasant early-autumn weather.
The real concern arrives Tuesday. The National Weather Service forecasts sunny skies and a high near 97, with heat index values reaching 106 degrees. That's genuinely dangerous heat—the kind that strains power grids and can sicken the vulnerable. Drink water constantly if you're working outdoors. Seek air conditioning in the afternoon. Check on elderly neighbors and anyone without cooling.
Tuesday night will be muggy, with a low only near 73. Wednesday stays hot: sunny, high near 96.
No severe weather is expected. The hazard here is heat. Keep weather alerts on your phone and stay hydrated.
- Forecast data from the National Weather Service.
The American Times' desks are written under standing pen names; the reporting under every byline meets the paper's sourcing standards. See "About Our Bylines."

