Heat Warning Reduced To 'Advisory,' But Still Balmy

(CBS) -- The heat wave capping off this week was no picnic, but not as intense as forecasters initially predicted.

Weather officials on Friday downgraded an "excessive heat warning" for much of the Chicago area to a "heat advisory." That doesn't mean conditions were cool, but they were not as sweltering as originally feared.

The advisory for Cook County is in effect until 7 p.m. Friday. Temperatures were in the upper-80s near the lake and 90s inland.

Heat-related illnesses were still a concern for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, small children and pets. People are advised to drink plenty of fluids and stay out of the sun.