Excessive Heat — Monroe, Wisconsin

2011-07-17 to 2011-07-20 · Monroe, Wisconsin

Event narrative

A lady with undelying medical conditions passed away from effects caused by the excessive heat on the 23rd. The lady did not have air conditioning in her home. At least six other people were treated for heat related illnesses. For an extended period between the 17th and 20th, afternoon heat indices routinely topped out between 105 and 110 with overnight low temperatures remaining above 75 degrees. The highest recorded heat index was 108 on the 18th at Sparta. Dew points hit 80 degrees for a short period on the 18th.

Wider weather episode

Warm and humid air invaded western Wisconsin on July 17th and remained in place for the next three days. Two people perished as a result of the excessive heat and at least eight other were treated for heat related illnesses. During this stretch, afternoon heat indices routinely topped out between 110 and 120. Little relief occurred at night, as overnight lows remained in the 70s. Most of the counties across western Wisconsin opened cooling centers.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 326727. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.