Millions of residents across the Southwest are on high alert as a massive heat wave threatens triple-digit temperatures through the weekend. Officials are opening cooling centers and urging caution, while tragic heat-related deaths underscore the urgency of the warnings.

In the aftermath of the deadly 1995 heat wave, Chicago transformed its emergency response approach, leading to the creation of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications. Here’s how the city has evolved and why the OEMC remains critical today.

As soaring temperatures continue to bake the Chicago area, local towns are stepping up by providing cooling centers for residents in need. Public health officials urge caution as the early-summer heatwave persists.