Central Wisconsin will see the heat index, or “feels-like” temperature, reaching into the triple-digits and a chance for thunderstorms leading into the Fourth of July weekend.
The peak of the heat will be June 29, June 30 and July 1 as heat indices, or the combination of air temperature and humidity, is expected to near or enter the low 100 degrees, Tim Uhlmann, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Green Bay, told a USA TODAY NETWORK reporter.
Temperatures are expected to decrease slightly, which will bring the expected heat indices to the low 90 degrees, by the Fourth of July weekend, Uhlmann said. Overnight temperatures are expected to exceed 75 degrees through the week, which may contribute to heat fatigue leading into the weekend, particularly for those who may be camping outdoors, Uhlmann said.
Good pool, beach and BBQ weather for July 4 weekend
High temperatures are expected to be in the mid- to upper-80s on Friday and Saturday and temperatures closer to the mid-80s are expected for Sunday, Uhlmann said.
“Heat indices will be in the low-90s so it will be pretty good pool, beach, BBQ kind of weather; very summer,” Uhlmann said of the expected holiday weekend weather.
What about a chance for storms?
The combination of heat and humidity each day will also bring potential for periods of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening, though it is too early to predict timing of storms into the weekend, Uhlmann said.
A few rounds of storms are expected through the week and each one will effect the next, which makes it difficult to predict what people should expect for weekend events and fireworks shows planned for July 3, 4 and 5 in central Wisconsin communities, Uhlmann said.
If you will be outdoors in upcoming days, Uhlmann suggests staying hydrated by keeping water on hand, consuming electrolytes to replace nutrients lost with sweat, and protecting yourself from direct sun exposure with either shade or hats.
Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Triple-digit heat, possible storms for central WI ahead of July 4
Reporting by Erik Pfantz, Stevens Point Journal / Stevens Point Journal
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By Erik Pfantz, Stevens Point Journal | USA TODAY Network
