La Crosse, WI

Weather Forecast Office

NWS La Crosse Heat Preparedness

Heat Waves Can Kill!

Excessive heat can lead to serious illness and death unless precautions are exercised to prevent these dangers. When heat is forecast, especially if it is a prolonged heat spell, do not take risks and follow these safety tips to stay safe.

Between 2000-2020, there were 11 fatalities in our area from excessive heat. Outside of flooding, heat is one of our biggest threats.

Remember, those most at risk of heat related illness or death include small children, the elderly, and those who work outside.

Definitions
Heat Index
Forecasts
Medical
Safety
Graphics
Links

Watch, Warning, and Advisory Definitions:

Heat Advisories

Issued when daytime heat index values of 100°F or higher are expected. If heat index values are in the in 95° to 99°F range for four (4) or more days, an advisory might also be considered. (Note: if advisory criteria is met for 4 days or more, Excessive Heat Warnings should be considered.)

A heat advisory means that people can be affected by heat if precautions are not taken. The issuance of a heat advisory is important to raise public awareness that these precautions need to be taken. Heat advisories are also used to trigger other actions like the opening of cooling centers and changing outdoor work requirements, etc.

Excessive Heat Warnings

Criteria for an Excessive Heat Warning is a heat index of 105° F or greater and a minimum heat index of 75°F or greater for at least 48 hours. Excessive Heat Warnings may also be issued when advisory criteria is met for four (4) or more consecutive days.

A heat warning means that some people can be seriously affected by heat if precautions are not taken.

In addition to raising public awareness, the issuance of a heat warning will alert hospitals and officials to take certain actions to prepare and respond to an increase in emergency calls, and activate programs to check on elderly and the home-bound. In some cases cooling centers can be open or designated and donation programs activated for fans and air conditioners.

Excessive Heat Watches

Issued when Heat Warning criteria is possible (50-79%) 1 to 2 days in advance.

Heat Index:

The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity (or the dew point) is factored in with the actual air temperature. It is also known as the "apparent temperature" or "real feel". The heat index is often used to make decisions on advisories or warnings as an impact to health.

Here is a graphic showing the highest Heat Index over the next 24 hours.

You can view current conditions here (heat index values are calculated at 95°F or higher).

Heat Index Chart

HEAT INDEX using Temp and Dew Point

HEAT INDEX using Temp and RH

Heat Index Climatology (for upper Midwest)

Heat Index Forecasts (Days 3 thru 7):

Day 3 Heat Index	Day 4 Heat Index	Day 5 Heat Index	Day 6 Heat Index	Day 7 Heat Index

Day 3 Prob >95F	Day 4 Prob >95F	Day 5 Prob >95F	Day 6 Prob >95F	Day 7 Prob >95F

Day 3 Prob >100F	Day 4 Prob >100F	Day 5 Prob >100F	Day 6 Prob >100F	Day 7 Prob >100F

Medical:

Seek out medical attention for any heat-related symptoms.

Heat Cramps:

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. This can be an early sign that trouble is developing. Heavy sweating is another symptom.
First aid might include applying firm pressure to the cramping muscle or gently massaging the spasm.
Drink sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.

Heat Exhaustion:

Heat exhaustion can lead to cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating, headaches, nausea or dizziness from a loss of body fluids.
First aid might include moving the person to a cooler environment, loosen clothing, apply cool (or wet) cloths to the body, and offer sips of water. Vomiting should prompt immediate medical attention.

Heat Stroke:

Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition where a person's body temperature control system stops. This might include signs of hot, red skin, changes in consciousness, vomiting and a high body temperature.
Call 9-1-1 or a local emergency number immediately.
Do NOT give fluids. Move victim to cooler location and try to cool the body down with cool or wet cloths.

Safety Rules:

BEFORE the heat strikes:

Listen to weather forecasts and upcoming temperature changes.
Determine locations where you can seek air conditioning or relief from the heat.
Ensure animals are prepared with shade and plenty of water.

DURING a heat wave:

Monitor temperatures and heat indicies.
Never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle - NEVER!
Take frequent breaks from the heat. Seek out air conditioning or a cooling shelter.
Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Postpone outdoor games and activities.
Check on family members, pets, and animals.

Hydrate. Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when you're working or exercising outside.
Educate yourself. Keep up with the latest temperature and heat index forecasts and current readings (take actions to stay cool and safe when the temperatures hits 85 degrees or the heat index hits 90 degrees). Know the warning signs of a heat illness, and how you can stay cool.
Act quickly when a heat illness is suspected. Seek medical attention immediately for any of these warning signs: cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting.
Take it easy. Anyone working or exercising outdoors should avoid overexertion, especially between the hours of 11 am and 6 pm. Take hourly breaks in the shade or in air conditioning.

Graphics:


"Heat Safety Wherever You Are"	"Look Before You Look"	"Safe In The Heat"	Heat Index Chart

Links:

"Where's Baby? Look before you lock." campaign
NWS Heat Safety Information
Heat Index information
Maximum Heat Index Maps (from Weather Prediction Center)
National Integrated Heat Health Information System
Ready.gov Heat Safety Toolkit
Red Cross Heat Information
Iowa HSEM Heat Safety (Courtesy of Ready Iowa)
Minnesota HSEM Heat Waves
Wisconsin Heat Awareness (Courtesy of ReadyWisconsin)
Latest Drought Status

Please acknowledge the NWS as the source of information accessed from this site.