The start of this week is bringing intense heat to Milwaukee and southern Wisconsin. Residents should prepare for high temperatures and humidity, creating potentially dangerous conditions.
Milwaukee County is currently under a heat advisory, while many inland counties in southern Wisconsin are under an excessive heat warning. Expect daytime temperatures in the low to mid-90s throughout the region. The humidity will make it feel even hotter, with heat indices reaching or exceeding 100 degrees.
This heatwave is expected to persist into Tuesday, with a large portion of southern Wisconsin currently under an excessive heat watch.
“Tomorrow could be as warm, or even warmer than today,” warns Benjamin Sheppard, a meteorologist at the Milwaukee-Sullivan National Weather Service. He notes that cloud cover could potentially lower temperatures, but if skies remain clear, “we could have similar heat indices, up to 110 (degrees).”
Here’s a detailed look at just how hot it will get in Milwaukee and Wisconsin this week.
Current Heat Situation in Milwaukee
Today, Milwaukee is forecast to reach highs near 90 degrees. The hottest part of the day will be between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The city is under an excessive heat watch from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. During this time, the heat index could climb as high as 94 degrees, making it feel extremely uncomfortable.
Aerial view of Milwaukee during summer, representing typical conditions before a heatwave.
Areas further inland from Lake Michigan will experience even hotter conditions. Walworth and Jefferson counties, along with counties further west like Dane County, are under an excessive heat warning from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. today. These areas can expect temperatures in the mid-90s, with heat indices potentially reaching a dangerous 105 to 106 degrees in communities such as Madison, Lake Geneva, and Janesville.
Excessive Heat Warning for Southern Wisconsin
For Tuesday, most of southern Wisconsin remains under an excessive heat watch. This watch may be upgraded to a heat advisory or excessive heat warning depending on cloud cover. Currently, Milwaukee is forecasted to reach a high of 91 degrees, but the heat index is expected to exceed 100 degrees between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Inland areas will again be significantly hotter. Heat indices in south-central Wisconsin could soar to a dangerous 110 degrees.
These next two days have the potential to be the hottest of the year for Milwaukee and could even break daytime temperature records. Milwaukee’s record high for August 26th is 96 degrees (set in 1953), and for August 27th, it’s 99 degrees (set in 1973), according to NWS records. Madison faces an even greater chance of breaking records, as their record highs for August 26th and 27th are both 95 degrees – which is the forecasted high for Tuesday.
Fortunately, relief is in sight. Temperatures are expected to return to near-normal across the state by Wednesday. A cold front is expected to move through late Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing daytime highs down to the low 80s in Milwaukee.
“The winds behind that front in the middle of the day Wednesday are expected to … turn northeast,” Sheppard explained. “So, the wind is essentially moving from Lake Michigan over Milwaukee, and that’s going to make it feel a lot cooler and be a lot cooler.”
Why This Extreme Heat? The Ridge Explained
The current heatwave is due to a “ridge” in the jet stream. A ridge is an extended area of high atmospheric pressure that traps hot, humid air.
This ridge is currently positioned directly over Wisconsin. “Essentially what that does is it allows for really warm, really humid air from the South to sit in place in our region, and allows the sun to cook those temperatures up to a really uncomfortable level,” Sheppard clarified. This weather pattern is responsible for the intense heat being felt across the region.
Will There Be Storms in Wisconsin This Week?
There is a possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms on Monday and Tuesday nights across southern Wisconsin. However, the exact locations are still uncertain. If storms do develop in southern Wisconsin on Tuesday evening, they could bring hail and strong winds, according to Sheppard.
Current forecasts indicate about a 30% chance of rain and thunderstorms in Milwaukee at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, increasing to 45% by 7 p.m. Residents should stay updated on local weather forecasts for any changes in storm predictions.
Stay Safe in the Heat: Essential Tips
Extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses and even fatalities. The Milwaukee Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following safety measures during hot weather:
- Reduce Activity: Slow down and limit strenuous physical activity, especially during peak heat hours.
- Seek Air Conditioning: Spend time in air-conditioned places such as shopping malls, movie theaters, libraries, or designated cooling centers.
- Never Leave People or Pets in Hot Cars: Car interiors can reach deadly temperatures within minutes, even on moderately hot days.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to stay cooler.
- Cool Down Your Body: Take cool baths or showers. Use wet towels or cloths on your skin to help lower your body temperature.
- Fans Are Not Enough: Don’t rely on fans as your primary cooling method during extreme heat. Fans can provide comfort, but are ineffective in preventing heatstroke in very hot weather.
- Hydrate Properly: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks.
- Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Stay away from caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as they can worsen the effects of heat.
Stay informed about the heatwave and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family. Check local weather forecasts regularly for updates and stay safe during this period of extreme heat.
