Milwaukee's first day of the RNC was hot followed by severe weather

The 2024 Republican National Convention kicked off in Milwaukee Monday, and along came the extreme weather.

Following temperatures in the high 80s leading to a dozen heat-related calls within the perimeter of the convention, now severe weather is making its way into the area. Milwaukee's temperature peaked at 89 degrees with a recorded heat index of 95.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning to parts of southern, central Wisconsin, including Janesville, Albany, and Footville before the threat continued southward into Illinois.

NWS issued a flash flood warning in eastern Kenosha County until 12:15 a.m. About 2 or more inches of rain fell in Kenosha.

This storm system cause damage to structures as it entered Wisconsin. Residents in Kieler in Grant County posted to social media showing damage to homes and a local bar that had its roof blown off.

Nate Falkinham, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said NWS would likely assess the damage Tuesday morning, but "straight line winds" was likely the culprit.

Several rivers also flooded in Wisconsin, including the Rock River near Rock and Jefferson counties, the Crawfish River in Jefferson County and the Sugar River near Green, Winnebago and Rock counties.

This storm system resulted in a tornado in the Chicago suburbs, according to the NWS, which follows two rare tornadoes in the city of Chicago on Sunday. Tornado sirens were activated in downtown Chicago.

How long will the heat last?

After a cold front moved in, the Milwaukee area is not expected to be as warm. Falkinham said the high temperature for Tuesday is projected to be 80 and Milwaukee will stay mostly sunny. A high temperature of 78 is expected on Wednesday and 74 on Thursday. "We'll stay mostly dry," Falkinham said.

Wisconsin weather radar

Wisconsin weather warnings

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee's first day of the RNC was hot followed by severe weather