Heat Index to Reach Dangerous Levels in Dane County

Public Health Madison & Dane County is urging everyone to stay cool, hydrated, and connected as dangerous heat is expected on Wednesday. Heat indices could reach or even exceed 105° in some areas. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from 11am through 8pm Wednesday. Even after the advisory expires, heat indices are expected to stay in the mid-70s overnight into Thursday.

Extremely high temperatures coupled with high humidity can make you sick and cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Over 1,000 deaths from extreme heat events occur each year in the United States. People most at risk from getting sick from the heat are older adults, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, people without housing, and people with a chronic medical condition.

To stay safe during extreme heat, follow these tips:

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, which is usually 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 person 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, visit in person, or do a video call.

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.

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.