Heat in Peoria, Illinois

The excessive heat wave began on the 20th of July and continued for most of the area through the 26th. Temperatures were in the lower to middle 90s with heat index values in the 105 to 110 degree range each day. Northern sections of the area did cool down some by the 25th as a front moved through the area...so the heat advisory was cancelled in those areas. During this time period four heat related deaths were reported in Central Illinois. In Atlanta (Logan County), two young boys (2 1/2 and 1 1/2 years old) wandered away on the afternoon of the 20th and were found about an hour later in their parents car. Both were reported dead shortly thereafter. In West Peoria (Peoria County), an elderly woman was found in her apartment on the 24th. All of the windows were closed and the air conditioner was broken. In Springfield (Sangamon County), a 62 year old woman was found in her home on the 25th. Again all of the windows were closed and there were no fans or air conditioning.