DES MOINES – According to the National Weather Service, dangerous heat conditions will continue today with high temperatures well into the 90s accompanied with heat index values between 105 and 115 degrees in the afternoon.
Relief from the heat will begin to arrive on Saturday over northern Iowa, but the heat will persist over southern Iowa one more day. A cold front will pass through the state later Saturday with temperatures back into the upper 70s to low 80s on Sunday.
Stay safe
Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. Here are a few tips on staying safe during episodes of dangerously hot weather:
• Minimize your time outside, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Stay in an air conditioned building, if possible.
• If you must be outside, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of water or natural juices if you are out in the heat, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
• Think about others. Never leave children in a car on even a moderately warm day as conditions in the car can quickly heat to unhealthy levels. Check on the elderly or other people at risk.
Severe weather alert
The cold front will moving through Iowa Saturday and Saturday night are expected to produce thunderstorms. A few strong to severe storms and locally heavy rainfall will be possible.
For an updated forecast visit www.weather.gov/desmoines.