MADISON, WI — The National Weather Service extended an extreme heat warning through Wednesday evening for southern and central Wisconsin, with dangerous conditions expected to linger into Thursday and Friday. Forecasters said heat index values Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday afternoon were near 103 degrees, and overnight heat could stay in the upper 70s to upper 80s in the middle to upper 90s.
Officials said the warning could be extended again depending on how thunderstorms develop later in the week. For now, the main concern is prolonged heat with little overnight relief.
Why the heat is dangerous
The weather service warned that people should drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, and spend time in air-conditioned spaces. It also advised checking on relatives and neighbors, especially anyone without reliable cooling.
Strenuous outdoor activity should be limited to early morning or evening hours. The warning also urges people to wear light, loose-fitting clothing and take extra breaks if they must be outside.
Temperatures stayed elevated
Madison reached 89 degrees on Monday, with an overnight low of 75, according to the weather service. Tuesday and Wednesday were expected to approach 103 degrees when humidity is factored in, making the heat index especially hazardous.
The extended warning covers the middle of the week, when highs are expected to stay in the upper 80s and low 90s across much of the region. The combination of heat and humidity is what is driving the alert.
Storms may bring relief
Forecasts call for a chance of showers and storms Thursday and Friday, which could help ease the heat but also make conditions unsettled. The weather service said the timing and strength of those storms will matter in whether the warning continues beyond Wednesday evening.
For now, residents are being told to plan for another day of intense heat before any meaningful cooldown arrives. More widespread relief is not expected until later in the week.
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