STEVENS POINT − With heat index values expected to reach dangerous levels June 21-23 across central Wisconsin, the National Weather Service is urging people to take precautions, and local municipalities are providing tips and offering cooling shelters for those who need to cool off from the heat this weekend.
This blog will be updated with additional information from the National Weather Service and local municipalities throughout the weekend.
Heat index in Stevens Point will hit 93 degrees Monday before cold front arrives
It will be another warm night Sunday with temperatures only falling into the 70s, followed by a hot day on Monday with temperatures returning to 90 degrees across central Wisconsin.
Heat index values will peak in the 90s to around 100 degrees early to mid-afternoon Monday before a cold front comes through central Wisconsin.
In Stevens Point, temperatures are expected to reach 87 degrees by 1 p.m., before dropping to 78 degrees by 4 p.m. as storms move through the area. Heat index values should reach 93 degrees by 1 p.m., before dropping to 78 degrees by 4 p.m., according to the National Weather Service Green Bay.
A broken line of thunderstorms is expected along the cold front, according to the weather service. It will move into northcentral Wisconsin as early as 11 a.m. and move from west to east from noon to 8 p.m. Central Wisconsin, including Stevens Point, is at a slight risk of severe weather, according to the weather service, which could bring hail up to 1 inch and winds up to 60 mph in some areas.
― Jamie Rokus, Stevens Point Journal
Stevens Point saw heat index of 104 degrees Saturday
Hot temperatures and high humidity brought dangerous heat index values across central Wisconsin Saturday, June 21 and relief is not expected until late Monday, June 23.
The following maximum heat index values were reported in central Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service Green Bay:
Central Wisconsin remains under a heat advisory until 7 p.m. Monday with heat index values of 100-105 expected Sunday, June 22 and 95-100 Monday, June 23. The highest heat index values will occur from central Wisconsin to northeast Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service Green Bay.
― Jamie Rokus, Stevens Point Journal
Cooling stations available in Portage County
The following locations have been designated by the Portage County Department of Health andHuman Services as community cooling shelters for use during extremely warm weather, according to a news release from Portage County Sheriff Mike Lukas.
― Jamie Rokus, Stevens Point Journal
Sheriff’s Office offers tips to stay safe during heat wave
With heat index values expected to reach into the triple-digits this weekend, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office offered the following tips to help people stay safe during the extreme conditions:
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 911, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
― Karen Madden, Stevens Point Journal
Heat advisory issued until 7 p.m. June 23
With heat index values expected to reach values of 95-105 degrees during the afternoon hours on June 21 and 22 and 90-95 degrees June 23 across central Wisconsin, the National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a heat advisory until 7 p.m. June 23 for central and northcentral Wisconsin, including Marathon, Portage, Wood, Lincoln, Waupaca and Waushara counties. A separate heat advisory has been issued for Adams, Clark, Taylor and Juneau counties.
The highest heat indexes will occur from central Wisconsin to northeast Wisconsin, according to the advisory. Low temperatures in the mid- to upper 70s Saturday and Sunday night will provide minimal relief from the heat and humidity.
The National Weather Service urges people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions when outside, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening, according to the weather service.
― Jamie Rokus, Stevens Point Journal
This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Heat advisory issued for Stevens Point area: It will be hot again Monday ahead of cold front
Reporting by Jamie Rokus and Karen Madden, Stevens Point Journal / Stevens Point Journal
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