Milwaukee Fire Department responds to a dozen heat-related calls on first day of RNC

As thousands flocked to Milwaukee for the first day of the Republican National Convention, many didn’t expect the heat.

As of 6:30 p.m., fire and medical personnel have responded to a dozen heat-related calls within the RNC perimeter, according to Milwaukee Fire Department Lt. Carlos Velazquez Sanchez.

Temperatures peaked at 89 on Monday, with the high humidity bumping the heat index to about 92 degrees. The heat continued to impact people in the area as late as 6 p.m.

Journal Sentinel reporters observed one man being taken on a stretcher into an ambulance for heat exhaustion around 6 p.m., according to a Milwaukee police officer on the scene. The incident happened near the corner of State and Water Streets where vehicles enter the convention perimeter.

Before medics arrived, four officers gave him water as he sat against a pole outside the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

Velazquez Sanchez said he couldn’t provide additional details on the reported-heat related illnesses for security reasons.

Milwaukee is expected to see above average temperatures for the rest of the convention, but a cold front is moving in Monday night which will bring severe weather, according to the National Weather Service.

The high on Tuesday is 83 and on Wednesday is 79. Thursday, the final day when Trump will accept the nomination, is expected to have a high of 76. Temperatures are expected to drop 20 degrees or more at night and no rain after Monday is in the forecast.

During hot weather, the City of Milwaukee recommends the following for people outdoors:

• Try to spend part of your day in air-conditioned spaces.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

• Try to slow down and limit physical activity.

• If necessary, use cool, wet towels on the back of your neck.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: At least a dozen people in RNC perimeter fell ill due to heat Monday