Milwaukee, Wis. – A dangerous midsummer heat wave is spreading across the Great Lakes, bringing several days of oppressive temperatures and increasing health risks from Wisconsin to Ohio as daytime highs climb into the 90s and heat index values approach or exceed 100 degrees through midweek.
According to the NOAA Weather Prediction Center, widespread Major (Level 3 of 4) HeatRisk is forecast across much of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes through Wednesday. The prolonged stretch of above-average temperatures, combined with warm overnight lows that provide little relief, will increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially for people without reliable access to air conditioning.
Cities including Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Chicago, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland and Columbus are expected to experience multiple days of dangerous afternoon heat. While some lakeshore communities may receive modest cooling from Lake Michigan or Lake Erie breezes, inland locations are likely to experience the most intense conditions during the afternoon and early evening hours.
Forecasters say some areas across the broader north-central United States could challenge daily temperature records, with widespread highs between 95 and 105 degrees in the hardest-hit regions. Although the most extreme temperatures are expected farther west, the Great Lakes region will continue to face elevated heat stress through the middle of the week.
Residents should limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, stay well hydrated and seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. Check on older adults, young children and neighbors who may be vulnerable to extreme heat, and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.
The Weather Prediction Center expects dangerous heat to persist through Wednesday across much of the Great Lakes before gradually shifting later in the week. Additional heat advisories and warnings are likely as local National Weather Service offices refine the forecast.
