Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee County and southern Wisconsin under an excessive heat warning again today

Published

3 months ago

August 27, 2024

Milwaukee County and southern Wisconsin under an excessive heat warning again today

Milwaukee County is entering its second day of extreme heat, which has brought school closures and uncomfortable temperatures in the 90s.

Yesterday, Milwaukee recorded a peak temperature of 94 degrees, according to the State Climatology Office, with heat indices making things feel 100 degrees or warmer in some areas. This nearly broke the Aug. 26 daily temperature record of 96 degrees, and today is expected to be even hotter.

Milwaukee County, along with all of southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, is under an excessive heat warning Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the National Weather Service states. Early afternoon temperatures are expected to reach 88 degrees today in Milwaukee near Lake Michigan, with a heat index of around 99 degrees in the forecast between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Things heat up as you move away from the lake ― south-central communities including Janesville, Lake Geneva, Watertown and Waukesha are expected to see heat indices between 105 and 107 degrees, NWS says.

NWS issues an excessive heat warning when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105 degrees or higher for at least two days and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75 degrees.

Luckily, things are expected to cool down to near-normal across the state by Wednesday after a cold front comes through late Tuesday into Wednesday, local NWS meteorologist Benjamin Sheppard said. Daytime highs in the low 80s are expected in Milwaukee tomorrow.

“The winds behind that front in the middle of the day Wednesday are expected to … turn northeast,” Sheppard said. “So, the wind is essentially moving from Lake Michigan over Milwaukee, and that’s going to make it feel a lot cooler and be a lot cooler.”

More: Milwaukee County is under a heat advisory today. What does that mean?

Why is it so hot in Wisconsin today?

There is currently a pattern in the jetstream known as a “ridge,” Sheppard explained. A ridge is an elongated area of relatively high atmospheric pressure that brings hot, humid weather.

The ridge is currently positioned directly over Wisconsin. “Essentially what that does is it allows for really warm, really humid air from the South to sit in place in our region, and allows the sun to cook those temperatures up to a really uncomfortable level,” Sheppard said.

Will it storm in Milwaukee today?

Storms are possible in the Milwaukee area today, with chances increasing throughout the afternoon, NWS says. There is a chance of rain and thunder all day long, but it’s most likely between 5 and 10 p.m., with precipitation peaking near 50% at 7 p.m.

“One or two broken lines of thunderstorms may pass through the region this afternoon (and) evening, with a threat for damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and possibly hail,” NWS shared in a social media post.

What does ‘heat index’ mean?

Heat index is a measurement of what the temperature feels like to the human body. It takes into account relative humidity combined with the air temperature.

When the heat index is between 80 and 90 degrees, fatigue is possible the longer you’re outside and/or with physical activity.
When the heat index is between 90 and 103 degrees, there’s a greater chance for heat stroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion the longer you’re outside and/or with physical activity.
A heat index of 103 to 124 degrees enters the “danger zone,” the National Weather Service says. Heat cramps or heat exhaustion is likely and heat stroke is possible the longer you’re outside and/or with physical activity.
A heat index of more than 125 degrees, rare in Wisconsin, is in the extreme danger category. Heat stroke is highly likely when you’re exposed.

Hot weather safety tips

Hot weather can cause heat-related illness and even death. The Milwaukee Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these hot weather safety tips:

Slow down and limit physical activity.
Spend time in air-conditioned spaces such as shopping malls, movie theaters or libraries.
Don’t leave kids or pets in a parked car. Temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
Take cool baths or showers. Use wet towels on your skin to cool down.
Don’t rely on fans as primary cooling devices.
Drink plenty of water.
Avoid consuming caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can increase heat effects.

Wisconsin weather warnings

Wisconsin weather radar

Source link

Click to comment

Milwaukee, WI

What are the road conditions in and around Milwaukee Thursday morning?

Published

5 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

What are the road conditions in and around Milwaukee Thursday morning?

As Milwaukee sees its first snowfall of the season Thursday morning, you should brace for some tricky road conditions on your morning commute.

Two to four inches of wet, heavy snow is possible in the Milwaukee area, making for a “messy morning commute,” the National Weather Service Milwaukee wrote on X. Motorists should drive slowly and with caution throughout the morning, NWS said.

Here’s what to plan ahead for if you’re commuting in Milwaukee on Thursday.

What are the road conditions in and around Milwaukee this morning?

As of 8:15 a.m. Thursday, all of Milwaukee and its surrounding areas — including Interstates 41, 43 and 94 — were seeing “slippery stretches,” according to 511 Wisconsin. Several highways are also seeing one or more lanes blocked due to crashes or stalled vehicles.

If you’re traveling on I-94 this morning, NWS wrote on X that conditions south of the I-94 corridor, especially between Milwaukee and Madison, would “quickly deteriorate” as snow continues.

In affected areas, drivers should plan for slushy snow accumulation and low visibility on the roads, NWS said.

Accidents reported in Milwaukee on Thursday morning

As of 8:15 a.m. Thursday, several crashes or incidents have been reported in Milwaukee that could affect traffic, 511 Wisconsin reported:

7:49 a.m. – I-794 West 1.3 miles beyond the ramp from Carferry Road. The center lane is blocked due to a crash.
7:44 a.m. – I-43 South at ramp from Wisconsin Avenue. The left shoulder is blocked due to a crash.
7:50 a.m. – Ramp from I-94 East to I-43/94 South. Shoulders are closed due to a disabled vehicle.
7:51 a.m. – I-794 West at Michigan Street. The right shoulder is blocked due to a disabled vehicle.
7:52 a.m. – I-43 South at I-794 East. The center lane is blocked due to a crash.
7:57 a.m. – I-43/94 North at Ramp from 6th and Mineral Street. The center lane is blocked due to a disabled vehicle.

Accidents reported in Milwaukee suburbs on Thursday morning

7:15 a.m. – Disabled vehicle on ramp from Burleigh Street to I-41/US 45 North.
7:22 a.m. – I-94 West 1.3 miles beyond the ramp from Highway 100. The right shoulder is blocked due to a crash.
7:23 a.m. – I-43 North at Hampton Avenue East. The left shoulder is blocked due to a crash.
7:37 a.m. – I-94 West at ramp from Moreland Boulevard East. The right shoulder is blocked due to a crash.
7:42 a.m. – Highway 38 South at Air Cargo Way (by the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport). The right lane is closed due to a crash.
7:52 a.m. – I-41/894 South 0.3 miles beyond the ramp from National Avenue. The right shoulder is blocked due to a disabled vehicle.
7:54 a.m. – Ramp from I-94 West to I-41/US 45 North. The right shoulder is blocked due to a disabled vehicle.
8:05 a.m. – I-41/US 45 North at North Avenue. The 3 right lanes are blocked due to a disabled vehicle.

To look up road conditions on your morning commute, check out 511 Wisconsin’s live map.

Source link

Milwaukee, WI

Family: Missing Milwaukee girl found safe, gas station taped off

Published

13 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Family: Missing Milwaukee girl found safe, gas station taped off

Winter Weather Advisory

from THU 6:00 AM CST until THU 12:00 PM CST, Racine County, Sheboygan County, Dodge County, Ozaukee County, Washington County, Milwaukee County, Fond Du Lac County, Jefferson County, Waukesha County, Kenosha County, Walworth County

Source link

Milwaukee, WI

Mother of Riverwest hit-and-run victim looking for accountability

Published

21 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Press Room

Mother of Riverwest hit-and-run victim looking for accountability

MILWAUKEE — Monday night was terrifying for Ashley Kirkwood. She received a call from her daughter that no parent ever wants to hear.

Kennedy Kirkwood, 16, was crossing Locust on Holton in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood when she was hit by a black SUV turning onto Locust.

The car slowed down but then drove off without checking on Kennedy. The teenager was left alone, injured, and in the rain.

“It’s just heartbreaking that we’ve become a culture of, ‘Okay, we’re just going to leave a person like that,’” Kirkwood said.

Brendyn Jones/TMJ4

Ashley spoke with TMJ4 about the incident, saying watching the video was difficult for her.

“As parents, that’s something you always worry about,” Kirkwood told TMJ4.

Watch: Mother of Riverwest hit-and-run victim looking for accountability

Family speaks out after 16-year-old injured in hit-and-run near Holton and Locust

She works on the other side of the city and couldn’t be there immediately, so she turned to social media.

Kirkwood posted about the incident on the Riverwest Facebook page.

“Thankfully, within minutes, Riverwest responded,” Kirkwood said. “Over 100 comments, and they were right out here.”

Helpful neighbors stayed with Kennedy until authorities arrived to take her to Children’s Hospital. Kirkwood said she’s grateful to the Riverwest community for their support.

Kennedy is safe at home, but now Kirkwood is looking for answers.

She told TMJ4 she spoke to authorities the night of the incident and called them back after obtaining video of the accident. As of Wednesday afternoon, she had not heard back from police about any updates on the incident.

“I understand that she wasn’t injured to the point where it’s something we’re seeing every day, but we need to take this seriously, and people need to be held accountable,” Kirkwood said.

Kirkwood plans to reach out to Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and Mayor Cavalier Johnson about the situation.

Milwaukee police say they are looking for the driver of a black SUV. Anyone with information is urged to call authorities at (414) 935-7252.

Kirkwood told TMJ4 she understands things happen, but choosing to leave the scene is unacceptable.

“This was a human being, and we left her out in the rain after running her over,” Kirkwood said.

Talk to us:

Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.

It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.

Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.

Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip

Source link