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MADISON, Wis. – With the officials start of summer just weeks away, it is important to prepare now before temperatures rise. To help Wisconsinites prepare, Gov. Tony Evers is declaring June 3 as Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin.
“Extreme heat is something people should prepare for before hotter temperatures arrive,” said Greg Engle, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator. “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.”
Last year, there were 10 heat-related deaths, according to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WI DHS). Preliminary data also shows there were 1,004 heat-related emergency department visits in the state from May 1 to September 30.
“Every heat-related death or heat-related illness is preventable. Taking simple precautions before and during heat events, such as staying hydrated, seeking cool spaces, and learning the signs of heat-illness, can help all of us stay safe during the summer,” said Paula Tran, state health officer and Division of Public Health administrator. “Heat doesn’t affect everyone equally. Older adults, young children, people experiencing homelessness, outdoor workers, and those without reliable air conditioning face disproportionate risk. Heat Awareness Day is a call to ensure no one is left behind when temperatures rise.”
ReadyWisconsin and WI DHS recommend following these tips to beat the heat and stay safe during heat waves:
- Remain inside air-conditioned buildings as much as possible during the hottest parts of the day. Call 2-1-1 to find an accessible cooling location near you.
- If you don’t have air conditioning or a basement, take a cool shower, soak your feet in cold water, or place a cool, wet cloth on your forehead. Keep your windows covered to avoid direct sunlight.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, caffeinated or high-sugar drinks. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- Never leave a child or pet unattended inside a parked car. On an 80°F day, temperatures in a vehicle parked in direct sunlight can climb almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
- Limit your pet’s time outdoors and make sure they have access to fresh drinking water.
- Seek medical attention right away if you develop heat stroke symptoms such as confusion, rapid breathing and heartbeat, body temperature above 104°F, or nausea and vomiting.
- Check in with loved ones and neighbors during heat waves, especially if they last a few days. Check for signs of heat illness and make sure they are cool and hydrated.
During periods of intense heat, each National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office issues different types of watches, warnings and advisories for heat-related alerts as conditions warrant.
- Extreme Heat Warning: An extreme heat warning is issued when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105°F or higher and not to go below 75°F for a Heat Index the morning prior or after. Check in with loved ones and neighbors during heat waves, especially if they last a few days. If the maximum heat index will be between 100-104°F for four days in a row, a warning will be issued.
- Extreme Heat Watches: Heat watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event within the next one to three days.
- Heat Advisory: A heat advisory is issued when the heat index temperature is expected to be 100°F or higher. If the maximum heat index will be between 95-99°F for four days in a row, then an advisory will also be issued.
The National Weather Service also uses HeatRisk. This experimental tool is supplemental to official NWS heat watches, warnings and advisories to provide guidance to decision makers and those who are sensitive to heat. It provides a forecast of the potential level of risk for heat-related impacts to occur over a 24-hour period. HeatRisk has been available in the Western United States since 2014 and was expanded across the contiguous United States in 2024.