Heat-wave-related mortality--Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 1995

During July 12-15, 1995, a heat wave occurred in major portions of the midwestern and eastern United States. Record-high temperatures were recorded at approximately 70 locations, ranging from the central and northern Great Plains to the Atlantic coast and caused substantial numbers of heat-related illnesses and deaths in some locations. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1994 estimated population: 938,112), maximum daily temperatures ranged from 91 F (32.7 C) to 103 F (39.5 C), and average daily humidity was as high as 70%. This report summarizes the investigation by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office (MCMEO) and the Milwaukee Department of Health and Social Services of heat-related deaths in Milwaukee during the heat wave and presents four case reports.