Heat — Juneau, Wisconsin

2012-07-02 to 2012-07-06 · Juneau, Wisconsin

Event narrative

One person died from heat related causes during the evening of July 9th. The person lived in a house which did not have air conditioning and was taking a medication that did not allow the body to sweat. An average of 3 to 4 people a day were treated for heat related illnesses. Heat index values were in the 100 to 110 range during the afternoon hours, but Volk Field recorded a peak heat index of 113 on July 5th.

Wider weather episode

Five people died from the effects of a long duration heatwave that gripped western Wisconsin from July 2nd through July 7th. Two of the deaths occurred in La Crosse County with one each in Juneau, Richland and Vernon Counties. Numerous people were also treated for heat related illnesses. The highest apparent temperatures during the heatwave ranged from 100 to 110 each day. Two record daily high temperatures were set at La Crosse (La Crosse County). Other impacts from the heat included stimulating algae growth on area waterways which depleted oxygen levels leading to fish kills. Milk production was down during the heat as well, as cows starting drinking more water and ate less feed leading to the drop. Campgrounds also reported a downturn in business as potential campers remained at home and numerous roads buckled and had to be repaired.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 397595. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.