MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A wave of sweltering summer heat has prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) Milwaukee/Sullivan to issue a Heat Advisory for southern Wisconsin, including the Lake Michigan shoreline, through Thursday evening.
This advisory warns of heat indices between 100°F and 105°F, raising serious health and infrastructure concerns across the region.
The advisory, which began midday Wednesday, is expected to remain in effect for nearly 24 hours and impacts key urban centers such as Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha, Janesville, and Waukesha.
Temperatures combined with oppressive humidity will lead to feels-like temperatures peaking between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday, particularly along the I-94 corridor and surrounding counties.
Health Risks and Public Safety Measures
Officials are urging residents to take extra precautions to stay safe during this prolonged heat event. The NWS and local health departments advise:
- Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, especially during peak afternoon hours
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Checking on elderly neighbors, the sick, and those without access to air conditioning
- Never leaving children or pets in parked cars, even for a short time
Cooling centers have been opened across multiple counties, offering air-conditioned relief for those in need.
Additionally, city and county emergency management teams are on alert as the extreme heat could place strain on local power grids and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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Storms May Bring Limited Relief by Late Thursday
While Thursday afternoon may bring some relief in the form of increasing clouds and scattered thunderstorms, heat indices are expected to remain dangerously high in southeast Wisconsin until evening.
Any cooling from rain or storms will likely be localized and temporary, with broader relief arriving overnight into Friday.
This stretch of hot, humid weather marks one of the most intense heat events of the summer for the region—comparable to extremes last recorded in July 2022.
If oppressive conditions continue beyond Thursday night, additional advisories or warnings may be issued.
