Summer’s arrival is fast approaching, and Wisconsinites are being urged to prepare for rising temperatures. In anticipation, Gov. Tony Evers has designated June 3 as Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin, a reminder of the steps needed to stay safe during extreme heat.
Greg Engle, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator, emphasized the importance of early preparation, stating, “Extreme heat is something people should prepare for before hotter temperatures arrive. Now is the time to have a plan, check on loved ones, and ensure you know what you need and what to do to stay safe and cool this summer.”
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WI DHS) reported 10 heat-related deaths last year, alongside 1,004 emergency department visits for heat-related issues from May through September. State health officer and Division of Public Health administrator, Paula Tran, highlighted that “every heat-related death or heat-related illness is preventable” and stressed the need for simple precautions like hydration and seeking cool spaces.
Heat affects vulnerable groups more severely, including older adults, young children, those experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, and individuals without reliable air conditioning. Heat Awareness Day serves as a reminder to protect these at-risk populations.
ReadyWisconsin and WI DHS have several recommendations for staying safe during heat waves:
- Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day. Use 2-1-1 to locate nearby cooling centers.
- Without air conditioning, consider cooling yourself with showers, cold water foot baths, or wet cloths. Keep windows covered to block direct sunlight.
- Maintain hydration with plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and high-sugar drinks. Do not wait to feel thirsty to drink.
- Never leave children or pets in parked cars. Temperatures can rise by nearly 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
- Ensure pets have limited outdoor time and access to fresh water.
- Seek immediate medical help for heat stroke symptoms such as confusion, rapid heartbeat, and body temperatures above 104°F.
- Regularly check on loved ones and neighbors during prolonged heat events to ensure their safety and hydration.
The National Weather Service (NWS) provides alerts to inform the public of intense heat conditions:
- Extreme Heat Warning: Issued when heat index temperatures are forecasted to be 105°F or higher, and not dropping below 75°F, or sustained 100-104°F indices for several days.
- Extreme Heat Watches: Indicate potential extreme heat conditions within one to three days.
- Heat Advisory: Activated when heat indices are expected to reach 100°F or more, or 95-99°F over several days.
The National Weather Service also uses HeatRisk, an experimental tool assessing the risk of heat-related impacts over a 24-hour period. Previously available in the Western U.S. since 2014, it expanded nationwide in 2024, aiding decision makers and vulnerable populations.
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