Extreme Heat
Due to climate change, Wisconsin is projected to triple the number of extreme heat days from about 10 days a year in 2020 to about 30 days a year by 2050.
When extreme weather is in the forecast, we share information to support people staying safe and healthy.
Stay Safe and Cool During Summer Weather
Stay cool
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings. If you need a cool place to stay, public places such as local senior and community centers, libraries, and malls are good options. Call ahead to confirm their hours.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Never sit in a parked car or leave a child or pet in a parked car.
Stay hydrated
- Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
- Avoid alcohol and liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
- Make sure your family and pets are drinking enough water.
Stay connected
- Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.
- Regularly check on friends, loved-ones, and neighbors. Call, text, drop by in person, or do a video call.
Keep an eye on your health
Stay aware about your own situation as well as what’s going on around you. If you start feeling overheated, weak, dizzy, nauseated, or have muscle cramps, you could be experiencing heat illness. Move to air conditioning, drink water, get under a fan, and put on cool washcloths. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve, go to the emergency room. This infographic explains the differences between heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Never leave people or pets in cars
If you see a parked car with a child left alone, call 9-1-1 and stay with the car. If you see a pet left alone, also call 9-1-1 and don’t leave until help arrives.
