Hot and humid weather expected this weekend in Wausau, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield

Erik Pfantz, USA TODAY NETWORK - Wisconsin
Updated ·2 min read

High heat and humidity predicted for this weekend will lead to an elevated risk for heat-related illnesses across central Wisconsin.

Air temperatures are anticipated to reach the upper 80s and lower 90s during the day Saturday and Sunday and only fall to the upper 60s and low 70s overnight, according to Rebecca Kruk, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Upper 80-degree temperatures could continue into Monday.

Warm overnight temperatures mean little recovery time for people planning to spend a lot of time outside this weekend, Kruk said. The dew point will also be right around the predicted overnight temperatures, causing humid conditions and greater risk for heat-related illnesses to occur.

The heat index is expected to increase from Saturday to Sunday and could exceed the predicted air temperature. People are advised by the National Weather Service to take “extreme caution” when heat index values are above 90 degrees. Effects like heat stroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are possible either with prolonged exposure or physical activity in high temperatures.

Temperatures will steadily increase into the weekend across central Wisconsin, setting up some much hotter and humid summer conditions, according to the National Weather Service Green Bay. A few spots in central Wisconsin may even see the lower 90s, the weather service said.
Temperatures will steadily increase into the weekend across central Wisconsin, setting up some much hotter and humid summer conditions, according to the National Weather Service Green Bay. A few spots in central Wisconsin may even see the lower 90s, the weather service said.

Is the heat an effect of Tropical Depression Beryl?

No. As the storm moves northeast across the United States, some parts of southeastern Wisconsin may see some rain from the storm, which began as a hurricane in the Caribbean Sea last week and made landfall in Texas early Monday. Central Wisconsin will get some cloud cover Wednesday as the center storm passes through Illinois and Indiana.

The heat predicted for this weekend is following a southwest flow and will pass over the Plains states before reaching central Wisconsin in the upcoming days.

Preventing heat-related illness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following tips for staying safe during extreme heat:

  • Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks − these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.

  • Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible.

  • Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

  • Do not leave kids or anyone else in cars.

  • Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.

  • Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.

More Central Wisconsin weather news: Officials confirm tornado touched down Friday in Taylor County

Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA-TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Hot and humid weather expected in central Wisconsin this weekend