(Courtesy NWS)

Cooling shelters to open as sweltering heat nears

By Patrick Lynn

PORTAGE COUNTY — The National Weather Service is forecasting the hottest temperatures of the year across Portage County this weekend, with high humidity and severe thunderstorms also expected.

Heat index values could reach up to 105 degrees Saturday and Sunday, according to a briefing from the NWS Green Bay office. Overnight lows in the 70s will offer little relief, and the impacts of the heat could linger into Monday.

Sheriff Mike Lukas issued a countywide advisory Thursday afternoon, urging residents to stay cool, hydrated, and informed.

“If you have outdoor plans, be prepared for very warm and humid conditions,” the advisory reads. “Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.”

The sheriff’s office reminded residents to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members, and to never leave children, pets, or electronics inside vehicles. Tips also include wearing lightweight clothing, using sunscreen, drinking plenty of water before feeling thirsty, and using air conditioning when possible.

Residents without access to air conditioning are encouraged to visit one of several designated cooling centers throughout the county:

  • Stevens Point Public Library, 1001 Main St. — Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

  • Plover Public Library, 2151 Roosevelt Dr. — Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

  • Rosholt Public Library, 137 N. Main St. — Open 2–6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday

  • Almond Public Library, 122 Main St. — Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday (closed 1:30–2 p.m.); 2–6 p.m. Wednesday–Friday

  • Village of Plover Municipal Center, 2400 Post Rd. — Open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday

  • Village of Almond Municipal Center, 122 Main St. — Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday–Thursday

  • Stevens Point Recreation Center, 2442 Sims Ave. — Open 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday

  • Aging and Disability Resource Center – Lincoln Center, 1519 Water St., Stevens Point — Open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday

  • The Salvation Army, 1600 Briggs St., Stevens Point — Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pets and livestock should also be protected from the heat, with access to clean water and shade. Asphalt temperatures can become dangerous for animals’ paws, officials warned.

In addition to the heat, multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning, with a few storms potentially becoming severe. Forecast hazards include strong wind gusts, large hail, torrential rain, flash flooding, and possibly a few tornadoes, according to the NWS briefing.

The most intense storms are expected Friday night into early Saturday, but timing and location remain uncertain. More storms are possible early next week.

Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and be alert to changing conditions. In the event of heat stroke or other emergencies, call 911.