Health experts, Wisconsin DOT warning people ahead of first summer heat wave

ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WBAY) - With an expected temperature increase this weekend, medical professionals and transportation experts are encouraging people to take the weekend slow and to limit their time outdoors.

Summer temperatures are approaching their first major peak of the year, with the heat index in several northeast Wisconsin cities expected to approach and surpass triple digits this weekend.

UW-Health officials say the best way to combat the warm weather is to stay indoors near air conditioning, but anyone who expects to spend time outside should not leave home unprepared.

“Typically, at these levels of heat, there’s no prohibition against going outdoors, but you want to make sure you’ve got availability of water, or water with you. You want to make sure you’re wearing loose-fitting clothing, light-colored clothing that reflects the sun,” says Jeff Pothof, an emergency medicine physician at UW-Health.

For parents, it is crucial to keep an especially close eye on your children, as Pothof says they are the most susceptible to heat-related injuries.

“They’re sometimes not as able to communicate that they’re not feeling well, or they’re feeling light-headed, so parents of small children, if you’re going out, having a picnic, hanging out outside, make sure you’re watching your kids, are they acting okay, are they getting plenty of liquids, “ says Pothof.

Additionally, if you do plan to travel this weekend, the Wisconsin DOT wants you to be on the lookout for road buckles.

These are bumps or dips in the road that typically develop on these warmer summer days, which can make driving conditions dangerous.

“Motorists need to slow down, be extra alert for potential buckled pavement. If they do encounter buckled pavement, they should contact local law enforcement immediately and get that reported,” says Matt Ternes, a maintenance supervisor for WISDOT’s northeast region.

Ternes believes we could still see road buckles even after the temperature drops back down, as concrete retains heat for longer periods of time.

It really depends on how fast things cool down. Typically, it lags for a few days at least, so that pavement stays pretty warm,” says Ternes.

No matter where you spend your weekend, officials encourage you to stay hydrated and listen to your body in these warm conditions.