Heat Index Near 105 In Wisconsin Wednesday, Storms Return Thursday

MILWAUKEE, WI — The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for all of southeast Wisconsin on Wednesday, with the heat index expected to top out near 105 degrees in parts of the region, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Racine.

The advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses," the NWS warned. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, and check up on relatives and neighbors."

Localized areas in Dane and Rock counties may see even higher heat index values around 106 degrees, forecasters said. Temperatures will remain warm overnight with lows in the mid-70s.

Beach Hazards

A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect for Sheboygan County until 10 p.m. Wednesday, when high swim risk is expected due to waves around 4 feet and strong currents.

Milwaukee and Ozaukee County beaches face a moderate swim risk, with south winds up to 20 mph contributing to breaking waves and rip currents.

"Stay out of the water and away from dangerous areas like piers and breakwalls," the NWS advised.

Storms Thursday And Into The Weekend

Relief from the heat will come on Thursday, but it may arrive with thunder.

A round of storms is expected to develop in the afternoon and evening, with the chance of locally heavy rain.

Rain and storm chances continue Friday into early next week, with temperatures trending slightly cooler.

Here's the full NWS forecast from the Milwaukee Airport:

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Heat index values as high as 96. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1am and 4am, then a chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 86.

Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 69.

Monday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.