The problem is a heat dome.
We're powerless to do anything about it.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
A strong heat dome is trapping the state in a dangerous stretch of 90-degree weather that's expected to drag into the week.
It could be the longest stretch of 90-degree weather since 2006. The cause is a slow-moving, eastern-bound ridge of high pressure over the middle of the country, according to Mike Westendorf, director of innovative weather at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Once established, it's difficult for anything to move it.
Westendorf said it doesn't help that the jet stream, which usually pushes weather systems along, is at its weakest point and has been pushed to the north, where it can't move the stagnant heat.
"This dome is awfully strong," Westendorf said.
High temperatures are expected to remain in the 90s before possibly cooling to the 80s on the weekend.
The dangerous heat threatens the health of the elderly, children and people on cardiovascular and behavioral medications, said Paul Biedrzycki, Milwaukee's director of Disease Control & Environmental Health. He advised that people avoid physical activities during the hottest time of day, seek cool spaces, avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, and drink plenty of water.
Stephanie Sue Stein, director of the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, urged people to be mindful of the elderly and help them find a way to cool off, remembering the 154 people who died during the state's 1995 heat wave.
"You can't be in a sweltering hot home or apartment for 24 hours and survive this," she said. "Older people are extremely vulnerable in this heat."
Stein also invited the elderly to go to senior centers during the heat waves.
...Milwaukee County Parks aquatic centers, outdoor pools and wading and splash areas have extended hours to 8 p.m. until Thursday. All Milwaukee public libraries also have extended hours to 8 p.m., except for Tippecanoe Library, which is closed because it is undergoing repairs this week.
Milwaukee County beaches also are open and are safe for swimming, but bacteria levels have been elevated by the heat and a health advisory has been issued for Bradford, McKinley and South Shore beaches, Biedrzycki said.
Other places offering relief include Waukesha County's six beaches, which will open one hour early Tuesday and Wednesday, or the park system's ice arenas. In Menomonee Falls, open swim nights have been added on Tuesday and Wednesday at North Pool, along with extended open swim hours. The Community Education and Recreation Department extended the hours at the senior center in Menomonee Falls.
The Pauline Haass Public Library in Sussex is open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. It also extended its summer hours to the weekend. All library services will be available during extended hours.
Racine is encouraging senior citizens to stop by community centers to cool off.
What's this?
Milwaukee County beaches also are open and are safe for swimming, but bacteria levels have been elevated by the heat and a health advisory has been issued for Bradford, McKinley and South Shore beaches, Biedrzycki said.
In other words, those beaches are open. Just be aware that there's a health advisory in place because of elevated bacteria levels.
Terrific.
Not exactly safe for swimming.
Find an alternative.
Check the data for Wisconsin beach health.
Yuck!
Dealing with the sweltering heat is bad enough. Now tack on a bout with E. coli. That's hell.
Heat dome, go away!
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