March 28, 2024

Dangerous heat arrives today across Iowa

Southwest Iowa will spend two days under a broiler, but the heat should break later this week.

Monday’s high temperature is forecast to reach 91 degrees. Tuesday will be even hotter, with a high of 92. But a cold front is expected to arrive Tuesday night, dropping temperatures for the rest of the week into the low 80s.

What has forecasters worried isn’t just the heat. High humidity will make things even worse. The heat index for southwest Iowa should reach triple digits. While that kind of heat is always dangerous, its arrival after a comparatively cool summer means people haven’t gotten used to hot weather.

A heat advisory goes into effect at noon and will remain in effect through 7 p.m. Tuesday for much of the state of Iowa including Union County. Officials warn that people should take precautions in the heat. Drink plenty of water and take breaks from outdoor activities.

If these do wind up being the hottest days of the summer, they’re arriving just a hair behind normal. On average, the hottest days in Iowa arrive sometime between July 11-20.