Five people died from the effects of a long duration heatwave that gripped western Wisconsin from July 2nd through July 7th. Two of the deaths occurred in La Crosse County with one each in Juneau, Richland and Vernon Counties.  Numerous people were also treated for heat related illnesses. The highest apparent temperatures during the heatwave ranged from 100 to 110 each day. Two record daily high temperatures were set at La Crosse (La Crosse County). Other impacts from the heat included stimulating algae growth on area waterways which depleted oxygen levels leading to fish kills. Milk production was down during the heat as well, as cows starting drinking more water and ate less feed leading to the drop. Campgrounds also reported a downturn in business as potential campers remained at home and numerous roads buckled and had to be repaired.

Heat in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 06-JUL-12 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

One person died from heat related causes but additional details were not available from county officials. The Viroqua automated weather observing system recorded maximum apparent temperatures of 100 to 103 each day but conditions may have been warmer in surrounding areas.

Heat in LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 06-JUL-12 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Two people died as a result of heat related causes. A woman died in her house that did not have air conditioning and an elderly man passed away after returning home from a walk in the heat. At least 25 cases of heat related illnesses were reported. The La Crosse automated weather observing system recorded maximum apparent temperatures of 100 to 111 each day, including 110 on July 4th, 111 on July 5th, and 109 on July 6th.  Milk production was down around 25% for area farmers as cows drank more water and ate less feed leading to the drop. Also, some campgrounds saw a dip in business as potential campers stayed at home.

Heat in MONROE, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 06-JUL-12 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Heat index values around the county ranged from 100 to 110 each day.  At the Sparta Fort McCoy airport, the warmest heat index value hit 106 on July 5th.  Around 20 roads around the county buckled and had to be repaired.

Heat in TAYLOR, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 06-JUL-12 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

While heat index values were typically in the 100 to 110 range during the afternoon hours, the Medford Airport recorded a maximum apparent temperatures of 111 on the 4th of July.

Heat in ADAMS, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 06-JUL-12 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet automated weather observing systems recorded highest apparent temperatures of 100 to 110 each day during the afternoon hours.

Heat in BUFFALO, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 06-JUL-12 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet automated weather observing systems recorded maximum apparent temperatures of 100 to 110 each day during the afternoon hours.

Heat in CLARK, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 06-JUL-12 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet automated weather observing systems recorded maximum apparent temperatures of 100 to 110 each day during the afternoon hours.

Heat in CRAWFORD, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 06-JUL-12 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The automated weather observing system at Prairie du Chien recorded maximum apparent temperatures of 100 to 110 each day during the afternoon hours.

Heat in JACKSON, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 06-JUL-12 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The Black River Falls automated weather observing system recorded maximum apparent temperatures of 100 to 110 each day during the afternoon hours.

Heat in RICHLAND, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 06-JUL-12 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

One person died from heat related causes. The person lived in a house that did not have air conditioning. Mesonet automated weather observing systems recorded maximum apparent temperatures of 100 to 110 each day during the afternoon hours.

Heat in TREMPEALEAU, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 06-JUL-12 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Mesonet automated weather observing systems recorded maximum apparent temperatures of 105 to 115 each day during the afternoon hours.

Heat in GRANT, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 07-JUL-12 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Heat index values across the county were in the 100 to 110 range during the afternoon hours.  The automated weather observing system at Boscobel recorded a maximum apparent temperature or heat index of 110 on July 4th and 111 on both July 5th and 6th.

Heat in JUNEAU, WISCONSIN
From 02-JUL-12 11:00:00 to 06-JUL-12 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

One person died from heat related causes during the evening of July 9th. The person lived in a house which did not have air conditioning and was taking a medication that did not allow the body to sweat. An average of 3 to 4 people a day were treated for heat related illnesses.  Heat index values were in the 100 to 110 range during the afternoon hours, but Volk Field recorded a peak heat index of 113 on July 5th.