Heat Wave to Stick Around All Week

“It’s so hot I could…”

Do you know how to finish that sentence? If not, you’ll have plenty of time to figure out some sort of response, as it will be very hot this whole week in southern Wisconsin.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory Monday that is in effect until 10 p.m. However, this will likely be a repeating theme, as humid air will hang around the area all week pushing temperatures into the 90s. Highs on Monday are expected to reach between 87 and 95 degrees with a heat index value of 100 to 105 degrees.

Throughout the entire week, heat index values will hover between 100 degrees and 110 degrees. In the evenings, temperatures are expected to drop to about 70 degrees, but the muggy conditions will stick around.

A bit of relief may be on the way Tuesday for eastern Wisconsin as a weak cool front will keep heat indexes to a chilly 90 degrees. Brief thunderstorms may also provide some relief, but they will be “spotty and short lived” according to the weather service.

The hot and humid weather conditions are conducive to poor air quality, which will linger for about a week. Here are a few places to escape the heat this week. 

• If you're looking for places to cool off, a great one is the . It's 1-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7-9 p.m. Monday and Friday.
• The is a nice spot to escape the heat for a while and enjoy a good flick. Check out their website for up to date movie times.
• The is another cool spot to escape the muggy weather. The air conditioning is running here, and you may actually have to curl up with a book. The library is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday 9am to 5pm Friday and Saturday. 
• If the hot weather has you frustrated, take it out on some pins at and keep your cool at the same time. Open bowling hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. 
• At , open bowling runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. holds open bowling from open to close seven days a week. 
• Make a splash in the clear waters at , and improve your tan on the beach while you're there. Park hours are from sunrise to 10 p.m. 

Menomonee Falls Fire Chief Jeffrey Hevey said it’s very important for residents to take care of themselves as well as their neighbors during this week of scorching weather.

“People need to understand that staying hydrated is extremely important,” Hevey said. “If you’re thirsty, you’re already behind the curve at staying hydrated.”

Hevey said that people taking antihistamines and diuretics medications are more likely to become dehydrated and overheated. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can all result from over exposure to heat and dehydration. Of the three, Hevey said heat stroke is the worst, and takes advanced life support measures to bring temperatures down.

Hevey said residents also need to keep an eye on their neighbors too — especially those with elderly folks living next door.

“Neighbors should keep an eye on their neighbors — especially those with older neighbors. They may be on fixed income and that’s how they survive. These are typically the people that will dial back their air conditioning,” Hevey said. “Try to find a place to take them to a store or church or other spot that is cool for a while.”

Hevey encouraged residents who are concerned about a neighbor, but aren't comfortable approaching them on their own, to call 911 as well. He said a resident can request a welfare check on a home, and a crew member will stop by to check in on the neighbor. 

"If you have that worried feeling in your gut or are concerned, just make the call," Hevey said. 

Hevey added that no one should be left behind in a vehicle in conditions like this, even with the window open.

“Don’t leave anybody in a car — dogs, babies or children. Even with the window open the temperature inside of the vehicle will reach 100 degrees within minutes,” Hevey said.

If you exhibit any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, Hevey said dial 911 and get treatment right away. Some symptoms include:

• Heat cramps: cramps or muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs
• Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness dizziness, headache, nausea, fainting
• Heat Stroke: extremely high body temperature, red, hot, dry skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness

“If anybody has any problems whatsoever, dial 911. Let us check you out and we can take care of you,” Hevey said. “If someone is suffering from any heat ailments we can set up an IV and get fluids in them.”