Heat And Humidity Overtaking WI Thursday May Ease Closer To The Lake

WISCONSIN — A hot and humid Thursday could bring a heat index across much of Wisconsin to near 100, though, areas closer to Lake Michigan are expected to be cooler, according to The National Weather Service.

For southern Wisconsin, a hot day is expected Thursday with heat indices from 95 to 102 with the highest heat expected in the west such as near Lone Rock with a high of 97 forecast, the NWS said. Actual temperatures are expected to reach a high of 90 in Waukesha and 84 in Milwaukee. By the evening, an increasing risk of storms from the north could push in, according to the NWS.

The heat and humidity may continue into Friday.

Much of southwest and south-central Wisconsin including Sauk, Iowa, Dane, Lafayette and Green counties has a heat advisory in effect Thursday from noon until 8 p.m., and although the advisory doesn't extend into Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, forecasters are advising people to expect heat and humidity through Friday.

Extreme heat is one of the leading killers related to weather in the United States, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters offered these tips to stay safe in the weather:

• Never leave children, pets or people who have limited mobility alone in vehicles.
• Take breaks in the shade or inside when working outside and stay hydrated.
• Check on other people during extreme heat.

Here is your NWS forecast for the greater Milwaukee area into the weekend:

Thursday: A high around 89 with light wind and then a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms overnight.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, otherwise a partly sunny and hot day with a high near 92. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm are likely overnight.

Saturday: A mostly sunny day with a high near 81 then a mostly clear night.

Sunday: A sunny day with a high near 80 and a mostly clear night.