Excessive Heat in Columbia, Wisconsin

Maximum daily heat index values ranged from 106 to 109 over the four days of July 17th through July 20th. A 65-year-old male, residing near Fall River, died from the heat. The county medical examiner said the man had underlying medical conditions, that combined with the heat, contributed to his death.

A dome of hot and humid air over the southern and central Plains built northward into the Upper Midwest from July 17th through July 21st. High temperatures climbed into the lower to middle 90s, which combined with muggy dew points in the middle 70s to lower 80s produce heat index values between 100 and 110 for four straight days. Three people were confirmed to have died due to the excessive heat: one each in the couinties of Columbia, Marquette, and Sauk. Based on news reports, it is estimated that about 25 people in Dane County received medical treatment for the heat, and 5 people each in the counties of Rock, Columbia, and Sauk. There may have been people in other counties that received medical treatment, but this could not be verified.