Extreme heat and humidity associated with heat waves kill over 100 people a year in the United States.

Although mostly known for its cold and snowy winters the badger state of Wisconsin is not immune from the tragedies caused by heat waves.

Probably the most memorable heat wave in recent history occurred in 1995 when two major heat waves affected most of Wisconsin. That summer 151 people died of heat and humidity along with approximately 400 heat-related illnesses.

The 1995 summer heat waves hold the record as the No. 1 weather-related killer in Wisconsin since it became a state in 1848. Most deaths occurred in the major urban cities in southeast Wisconsin, as in every state hit by the heat wave that year the elderly and young age groups were hit the hardest.

Again in 1999, three separate heat waves hit Wisconsin in July, claiming 20 lives. Twelve of these deaths were directly related to the extreme heat and humidity. For the other eight deaths, heat was found to be the secondary cause of death.

In a normal year, an average of 193 people die from the heat in the United States -- more than any other natural disaster. ( More Information On Heat Waves )

Listen To Warnings

With these tragic death tolls the weather service has found ways to effectively warn the public of the combined dangers of heat and humidity associated with heat waves.

The weather service uses the "heat index" as an estimate of how hot it really feels when the relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature.

The Milwaukee/Sullivan National Weather Service office will issue an excessive heat warning when it expects the daytime heat index values to equal or exceed 105 degrees for three hours or more while nighttime heat index values equal or exceed 80 degrees for any 24 hour period.

The Milwaukee/Sullivan NWS office services 20 counties in south-central and southeast wisconsin. Other NWS offices that service Wisconsin may use different threshold values for warnings.

Remember that if heat index values reach 105 degrees or more Sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion is likely with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

Seniors, Children At Risk

Keep in mind that elderly persons, small children, people on medication and persons with weight or alcohol problems are especially susceptible to heat.

This is especially true during a heat wave where a moderate climate prevails, such as Wisconsin. It is a good idea to periodically check in with the elderly and others susceptible and help them obtain relief from the oppressive heat and humidity.

What Can You Do?

What you can do? Slow down and reduce outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Dress for summer, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Do not get too much sun. It makes it even harder for your skin to cool you off. Drink plenty of water and stay away from all alcoholic drinks, which will make the heat's effect on your body even worse.

Spend your time indoors. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. You can also try to go to a public building where air conditioning is available or sit in a bathtub filled with cool water.

As with any severe weather, stay tuned to NOAA weather radio or your local TV or radio stations for the latest forecast and heat index values.

For additional severe weather information, visit the NWS's Web site.

SOURCE: NWS