While the National Weather Service in La Crosse doesn’t keep official heat index value records, Monday’s high tops a local database list that dates back to 1977.

Brad Adams, NWS hydrometeorological technician, said Monday’s heat index value of 121 is one of the highest he has seen, and the highest for southern Minnesota.

“You’re approaching dangerous heat index values, and you don’t get that very often in this part of the world,” Adams said. “It’s definitely unusual.”

The previous high heat index for Austin, according to the database, was 118 on July 12, 1995, and the next highest was 111, recorded on July 24, 2005.

While Adams said the forecast calls for heat index values between 110 and 115 today, it could top out around 120 again.

“There’s definitely a large heat wave that’s impacting several states through the middle portion of the country,” Adams said. “It looks like it will continue at least through Thursday, and then we’ll get a little bit cooler air from the north.”

A high near 94 is forecasted today, with a heat index value as high as 115. On Wednesday, look for a high near 93 and heat index values approaching 109. On Thursday, a high of 87 is expected, with a heat index of only 95.

Adams also noted that the heat index was higher in southern Minnesota than it was in the southern portion of the country. The high heat index value in Austin, Texas, was 105 and the high temperature was 100 on Monday.

Peak alerts

With the extreme heat comes added energy usage, and Austin Utilities general manager Mark Nibaur said a peak alert was issued Monday and likely will be issued today. (Check back for the latest information.)

During a peak alert, Austin Utilities asks customers to conserve energy and not use major appliances between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

“We appreciate if customers conserve wherever they can,” Nibaur said. “It helps keep the demand low and keep the cost down.”

Keeping cool

Extreme heat brings with it the possibility of heat-induced illnesses, including severe sunburns, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Understand your symptoms, and take the appropriate actions, seeking medical attention if your conditions are severe.

For more information and tips on being ready for extreme heat, visit www.fema.gov and www.ready.gov.