Dangerous Heat and Humidity Expected to Hit Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Oppressive heat indices will be felt statewide this weekend, why it matters to your health no matter the age.

The state is about to take a spike into some uncomfortable summery conditions this weekend. Temperatures are forecasted to smack the low 90s with dew points surging to the mid to upper 70s. However, it’s going to “feel like” the triple digits!

But what does this mean? How bad will it really feel? Well take a look at the dew point instead of the temperature as a guide. The higher the number, the more humid it will be.

Typically, in summer things start to get sticky when the dew points reach the low 60s. It becomes even more muggy when dew points tap the upper 60s. And humid conditions are hard to ignore when the dew point temperature reaches the low 70s. However, oppressive conditions and dangerous heat incidences are felt when dew points spike into the mid and upper 70s. This is when we are sizzling!

So what exactly is a heat index and why does it even matter? Well it all comes down to our sweat and how our bodies cool down. For example on a day when the dew point is low, our sweat evaporates quickly and we stay quite comfortable.

But on the other hand if the humidity is high, then the air around us is basically full of water moisture. Then it’s essentially harder to evaporate the sweat that’s just dripping off of our bodies. This is what causes us to feel hot and uncomfortable, as our internal body temps rise.

Becoming unhealthy rapidly, if our bodies hit a dangerously high temperature we enter hyperthermia, also known as heat-stroke. This is exactly why heat advisories and warnings are issued.

Young children are particularly vulnerable, as their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults.

“A car can become dangerously hot in just minutes, even with a window slightly open.” explains Amanda Tabin, a Safe Kids & Injury Prevention Coordinator with Aspirus Hospital. “Heatstroke can occur anywhere, at any time. No family should have to experience such a preventable tragedy.”

Heat related illnesses sneak up on us and health officials say, “heat kills, it’s a silent killer.”

Especially when hot weather and high humidity hit at the same time, people of all ages are at risk. 41 people died in Wisconsin from heat-related deaths just last year, and the U.S. set a record, killing people in places that usually can handle the heat. 

Farm workers face some of the biggest risks from exposure to the elements. 33,000 American workers suffered heat-related illness and injuries between 2011 and 2022.

“They are continuously left out of having protections and conversations of what are their needs and how can we better serve them to make sure that we are better protecting their lives because farm work is some of the most dangerous work on the planet.” explains Samantha Guerrero, a community organizer who says farm workers need help. “There are a lot of farm workers who are in danger of loosing their lives in theses extreme temperatures and so far we have seen no urgencies to enact or create any protections.”

The Biden administration is even now proposing mandatory rest breaks, shade, and clean drinking water for workers. As almost 500 people have died across the US from heat exposure since 2011.

So be sure to relax this weekend and spend more time inside. For example, mow the lawn early in the morning or later at night when the temperatures are cooler. Be sure to check in on elderly neighbors, family and friends to make sure that they are doing ok.

Safety Tips

• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
• Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
• Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
• Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.
• Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

Stay cool and stay informed.

Civic Media and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot are certified NOAA WeatherReady Ambassadors.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

• What to look for:
  • Heavy Sweating
  • Cold, pale, and clammy skin
  • Fast, weak pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Fainting
• What to do:
  • Move to a cool place
  • Loosen your clothes
  • Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
  • Sip water

HEAT STROKE

• What to look for:
  • High body temperature (103°F or higher)
  • Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
  • Fast, strong pulse
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Losing consciousness (passing out)
• What to do:
  • Call 911 right away
  • Move the person to a cooler place
  • Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
  • Do not give the person anything to drink

HEAT CRAMPS

• What to look for:
  • Heavy sweating during intense exercise
  • Muscle pain or spasms
• What to do:
  • Stop physical activity and move to a cool place
  • Drink water or a sports drink

HEAT RASH

• What to look for:
  • Red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples (usually on the neck, chest, groin, or in elbow creases)
• What to do:
  • Stay in a cool, dry place
  • Keep the rash dry
  • Use powder (like baby powder) to soothe the rash