Heat Records Set in Whitefish Bay

Temperatures didn't stop creeping upwards on Tuesday, eventually reaching numbers big enough in Whitefish Bay to break the highest record set in 1931.

The July 17 record for both communities is 98 degrees, according to WUnderground.com. On Tuesday, Whitefish Bay reached 100 degrees.

But breaking records isn't the only thing this heat is doing.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Monday said the hot weather is the confirmed cause of at least eight deaths statewide, but could possibly be responsible for up to 19 fatalities, according to a press release from the department.

And according to a Department of Natural Resources newsletter, "fire danger levels as of July 17 were at extreme in 25 southern counties and very high or high in another 25 central counties." DNR officials are responding to 10 to 15 fires a day, according to the newsletter.

Interestingly enough, Fox 6's Vince Condella pointed out that, 110 years ago on this date, William Carrier submitted his plans for what eventually became the first modern air conditioner.

In recognizing the dangers created by the heat and drought-like conditions, the DNR has created a page on its website dedicated to "coping with the 2012 drought." Visit that page here.