As temperatures heat up in the Fox Cities, local agencies are warning residents that heat can be dangerous and offering places to take shelter. Meanwhile, organizers are going ahead with a large Fourth of July festival as planned − but keeping an eye on the weather.
An extreme heat warning is in effect until 7 p.m. June 30 for Outagamie, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, Calumet, Portage, Wood, Shawano and Marathon counties. In Appleton, the heat index is expected to rise well over 100 degrees 12 to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. The Appleton Health Department encouraged people Monday to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors and check in on family, friends and neighbors.
For those without access to a cool place to stay, public libraries in Appleton, Kimberly, Menasha, Neenah and Little Chute have all been designated as cooling centers:
In Appleton, people can also cool off at Pillars Day Resource Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 129 S. Mason St., as well as the transit center on 100 E. Washington St. Outagamie County also suggests going to the Fox River Mall at 4301 W. Wisconsin Ave., which is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Less heat, more thunderstorms expected for CommunityFest
The weather, a combination of heat and thunderstorms throughout the week, comes as organizers gear up for CommunityFest in Neenah and Menasha July 3-4. The event, held throughout the two cities, is one of the biggest events of the year.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, the triple-digit heat indexes are forecast to recede by the end of the week. But instead, there’s a 50-50 chance of thunderstorms for Fourth of July weekend.
Neenah Parks and Recreation director Michael Kading said that any decisions about programming changes due to the weather would be made closer to the day and announced on social media. And, as far as beating the heat goes, he advises people to “come prepared and bring some extra water.” They’ll also have emergency medical staff available.
“I’m looking for some prayers to say, ‘Let’s not have rain,'” he added.
Benita Mathew of the Green Bay Press-Gazette contributed to this report.
Rebecca Loroff is an education reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. Contact her at rloroff@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Looking to cool down during heat wave in Fox Cities? Here are some tips
Reporting by Rebecca Loroff, Appleton Post-Crescent / Appleton Post-Crescent
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Rebecca Loroff, Appleton Post-Crescent | USA TODAY Network
