The Associated Press
The National Weather Service says it’s been four years since Wisconsin has had the potential for the oppressive heat and humidity expected Thursday and Friday.
The weather service issued an excessive heat warning for much of the state because heat indices are expected to climb into the triple digits. The last time such a warning was issued was in July 2012.
Temperatures in Shawano are forecast to reach highs of 96 on Thursday and 93 on Friday.
The state Public Service Commission issued a reminder Wednesday that Wisconsin law prevents a utility from disconnecting service to an occupied dwelling when heat advisories are in effect.
The utility is also required to try to reconnect service to an occupied dwelling that has been disconnected for nonpayment when the resident says there’s a potential health threat.
High temperatures and humidity will bake much of the central U.S. this week, making it feel as hot as 115 degrees in some places and leading some cities to open cooling stations and take other precautions.
The high pressure system, sometimes called a “heat dome,” will push conditions to their hottest point so far this summer, though record hot temperatures aren’t expected, according to the National Weather Service.
Authorities from Minnesota to Louisiana are warning people to take precautions and check on the elderly and other vulnerable neighbors and relatives.
The temperature in the South Dakota capital of Pierre reached 105 degrees Wednesday afternoon. Temperatures were forecast to reach the 90s for most areas of the central U.S. starting Wednesday and lasting into the weekend in some places. High humidity will make it feel anywhere from 105 to 115 degrees.
Excessive heat warnings put out by the weather service were in effect for parts of Minnesota, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Thunderstorms and a cold front descending south across Lake Michigan could provide some relief Friday for parts of the Great Lakes region.