FOND DU LAC – As a heat wave continues, rain is threatening to dampen Fourth of July activities later this week.
According to the National Weather Service, Fond du Lac County is under an Extreme Heat Warning until 7 p.m. Wednesday, with daytime heat index values up to 106 degrees and overnight heat index values in the upper 70s.
Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
The NWS recommends limiting any strenuous activities to the early morning or the evening and staying hydrated throughout the day. It also says to stay in an air-conditioned room if possible, but at least stay out of the sun and take extra precautions when outside.
Cooling sites available throughout Fond du Lac County
The Fond du Lac County Health Department has listed several places available to cool off inside.
Fond du Lac has the Fond du Lac Public Library, 32 Sheboygan St., which is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. The library is closed July 3-5, but for the rest of the summer, weekend hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Other local spots are the ADVOCAP Opportunity Center at the back door of the ADVOCAP building, 19 W. First St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, as well as the Holy Family Warming Shelter, 73 E. First St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays this summer.
Other local libraries available as cooling sites include the following:
Storms are possible throughout the week
According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook from the NWS, the area has increasing chances of thunderstorms starting Tuesday night.
The overnight chance of thunderstorms is 30%, increasing to 40% Wednesday and 60% Wednesday night. The forecast for Thursday and Friday also includes thunderstorms.
Fourth of July forecast may include more rain
As of June 30, the Fond du Lac area faces a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms on July 4, especially in the afternoon. The chance goes up to 50% into the evening.
So far, the day’s high temperature is expected to be 86 degrees, and the overnight low is forecasted at 65 degrees.
Daphne Lemke is the Streetwise reporter for the Fond du Lac Reporter. Contact her at dlemke@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Storms may follow extreme heat in Fond du Lac ahead of July 4 weekend
Reporting by Daphne Lemke, Fond du Lac Reporter / Fond du Lac Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Daphne Lemke, Fond du Lac Reporter | USA TODAY Network
