Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day is June 3
June 03, 2026
Andrew Beckett
Emergency Management
DANE COUNTY, Wis. – Summer is right around the corner in Wisconsin and with it comes a greater risk of excessive heat. June 3 is Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin, and Dane County encourages everyone to take time to review how they can stay safe when dangerously high temperatures are in the forecast.
“High temperatures can put everyone’s health at risk,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “Knowing the risks of excessive heat and having a plan for how you will stay cool during the hottest days of the summer can help protect you and your loved ones from those dangers.”
Exposure to high temperatures can increase your risk of developing a heat-related illness, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion, which can cause serious health complications and even death. In 2025, there were 10 heat-related deaths in the state, according to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. There were also more than 1,000 heat-related emergency department visits in the state last year between May 1 and Sept. 30.
“Extreme heat puts added stress on the body, especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and people with underlying health conditions. When temperatures reach extreme levels, remember to stay cool, hydrated, and connected to help keep yourself and others safe,” said Public Health Madison & Dane County Director Janel Heinrich.
During periods of excessive heat, which is when a daytime heat index at or above 105°F is expected, everyone should take steps to stay cool and protected. If you start to notice signs of heat-related illnesses in yourself or others around you, such as headaches, nausea, a rising body temperature, or confusion, take action immediately. Also, consider the following tips for how to protect yourself and others during the summer months ahead.
Stay cool
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings. If you need a cool place to stay, public places such as local senior and community centers, libraries, and malls are good options. Call ahead to confirm their hours.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially midday, which is usually the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Never sit in a parked car or leave a person or pet in a parked car.
Stay hydrated
- Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
- Avoid alcohol and liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
- Make sure your family and pets are drinking enough water.
Stay connected
- Check in with the National Weather Service or local media for information about excessive heat watches and warnings. Take action if a warning is issued.
- Regularly check on friends, loved ones, and neighbors. Call, text, visit in person, or do a video call.
“When temperatures rise, having access to a cool and shady place to rest can help keep you from facing serious health issues,” said Dane County Emergency Management Director Charles Tubbs. “If you don’t have access to air conditioning at home, know where you can go to stay cool and safe.”
Follow Dane County Emergency Management on Facebook and BlueSky for weather updates and tips on how to stay safe during periods of extreme heat.