Wisconsin extreme heat: Feels-like temperature could top 110°F
MILWAUKEE - Southeast Wisconsin has been upgraded to an excessive heat warning on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. through 9 p.m.
Hot surface temperatures and high relative humidity values will make it fee like 104-110 degrees Wednesday. The question remains on how humid it will be. If dew points are in the low 70s, that will push the feels-like temperature or the heat index to around 104 degrees in Milwaukee Wednesday afternoon. The higher the dew point, the higher the heat index. We are not the only ones going to experience these conditions.
Hot and humid weather is going to take over the Midwest and southern portions of the United States the week of Aug. 21.
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The most intense heat will remain just off to the west of southeast Wisconsin, but we will experience the hottest day of the year! High temps are going to rise into the mid to upper 90s on Wednesday. The hottest high temperature Milwaukee so far this summer was 91 degrees on June 30, July 5, July 14, and July 25.
There is potential for more triple digit heat indices Wednesday night into Thursday. This is why the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch for Thursday, Aug. 24.
It is possible that a northeasterly wind on Thursday, in addition to a surface boundary, could keep lakeshore areas much cooler, which would lower the heat index on Thursday. When heat indices are this high, it is important to take proper precautions if spending time outside to prevent negative health impacts. Heat exhaustion and heat strokes will be a concern if you aren't cautious.
To reduce your risk for heath impacts you can: limit time outdoors, take a break from being outside and enter an air-conditioned facility, drink plenty of water, wear a hat and light colored clothing to keep you cooler, have a portable fan. No only will it be hot for humans, but pets that go outside will be impacted as well.
With surface air temperatures in the mid-90s, this can cause concrete to be close to 130 degrees and asphalt to be close to 150 degrees. This can quickly and easily harm the paws of animals. The best time to take them outside will be in the morning and evening hours and/or put protective shoes on them.
Wednesday, Aug. 23 will be the hottest day of the week and the most concerning for dangerous heat index values. However, we are keeping a close eye on Thursday, Aug. 24 as there will be two factors that could suppress high temperatures and heat index values.
The first is a cold front that will be moving through on Thursday. If the front moves in quicker, this would limit temperatures from warming too high. If the front moves slower, then temperatures could slightly be higher.
The second is a northeasterly wind off of Lake Michigan. This will keep the heat away from lakeshore areas, and it could keep inland areas cooler too if the breeze pushes further inland.
The FOX6 Weather Experts will monitor the forecast closely – and provide important updates as needed.