Triple-digit heat expected to continue in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Scorching summer heat that has seared Illinois with triple-digit temperatures is expected to continue.

The National Weather Service has forecasted highs of more than 100 degrees in parts of central and southeastern Illinois through the end of the week. Highs in Chicago on Thursday are forecasted between 100 and 104 with heat indexes at between 110 and 115. The National Weather Service describes conditions as "intensely hot and humid."

The Fourth of July holiday saw record-breaking weather in at least one Illinois city. The National Weather Service says Rockford reached 102 degrees on Wednesday, breaking the city's previous record of 101 in 1911. Chicago's reading of 102 degrees at O'Hare International Airport matched its record temperature of 102 also set in 1911.