Chicago area will bake through Monday afternoon

CHICAGO (Fox 32 News) - Cook County will remain under an excessive heat warning through Monday evening.

Sunday's high topped out at 93 at O'Hare. Scattered thunderstorms are expected in Chicago in the late afternoon Monday, and temperatures should drop into the 70s by Monday night.

Sunday's heat drove people to fill Chicago's beaches.

“It finally feels good. I think if you're in the house right now, you're just boring,” said Darla Blakely, at the beach with her friends.

Kabobs were being grilled to perfection at the annual “Real Men Cook” event in Bronzeville where afternoon temperatures hit, what felt like, their peak.

“We think food is the foundation of health, so we're here trying to be an example for the community and really just cook a lot of healthy stuff,” said Dr. Ed McDonald, serving food alongside peers from the University of Chicago.

To Ayinde Cartman, who organized the event, the Father’s Day event was especially significant as he wore the apron donned by his late father as he served food to fathers and sons at the same event before his death.              

“My father passed when I was 16 years old, so to have him present on my body is exactly the way I want to be able to show love to him,” Cartman said.

The non-profit group of the same name was co-founded by Yvette Moyo.

“We decided we could take Father’s day and claim it with the face of the African-American male on Father's Day,” said Moyo.

Officials warn to stay inside with excessive heat and use air conditioning.

The city has opened cooling centers. Call 311 for a complete listing on their locations.